This book is about two men, two journeys, two stories-and one shared vision. Nate learned his lessons through war; Steve learned his lessons through a twisted faith. Neither of these paths make these men unique. Like all men, they loved and they hated. Like all men, they suffered and they caused suffering. Like all men, they both chose and were forced to find their own ways. This book is their story.
*** "Nate and Steve Smith have written a unique memoir that demonstrates the power of brotherhood and family over war and conflict. Raised in a cult, rebellious Nate escapes to the Marine Corps and finds himself fighting in Iraq's toughest province while Steve wrestles with the guilt of a religion that's been forced upon him. Their struggles are unique and individual - that's how the book is written - but their paths converge and in so doing reveal the true power of brotherly love."Owen West, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations (2017-19) & author of Sharkman Six and The Snake Eaters. "Two brothers, separated by oceans and a tyrannical leader, find their way back together. The premise sounds Shakespearean or Biblical - but it is, in fact, real life. Written with wisdom and grace, Nathan and Stephen Smith's tale of escape from a cult in rural Maine is a timeless story, loaded with universality."
Rob Wolfe, Washington Monthly "A deeply evocative exposition on love, loss, family and faith. Beautifully written and masterfully intertwined accounts from the battlefields of body and spirit. At once sobering and uplifting."
Ajax Trueblood, author of Bastards and Brothers: Marines and the Fight for Al-Qaim, Iraq. "An incredible story about two brothers' journey through pain, combat, faith, and redemption. I was emotionally invested in this story from start to finish and left inspired by the authors' humility and compassion."
Brian Stann, recipient of the Silver Star & author of Heart for the Fight. "Men of God Men of War is a story with multiple layers. In vivid detail, Nate brings you into the Iraq war 'on mission, ' while Steve takes you into the mind of a man captured by toxic faith. These tales hinge on these twin brothers' broken relationship. Their years-long separation and ultimate reconciliation forms the bedrock of their journeys. I found this book captivating . . . and true evidence of God's work through broken men."
F. Remy Diederich, author of Broken Trust. "This book is a quest to the frontier of the male psyche in which two brothers, separated by their individual journeys of meaning and identity, find each other once again. It's a tale of vulnerability, courage, and transformation - and a testament to the power of the human spirit to reclaim itself and recover lost bonds."
William Schultz, clinical therapist & author of Mental Health. Biology, Agency, Meaning. "Men of God Men of War is a brilliant 'twemoir, ' offering accounts from twin brothers recounting intertwining narratives. Both men engage in spiritual battles while separated by a church's legalism and a country at war. One fights in a literal battle followed by PTSD; the other engages in a war for his mind as he faces down spiritual abuse. Both rage against lies and murderous forces vying for their souls. And both demonstrate that in the end, love is the most powerful conqueror of all. Highly recommended."
Sandra Glahn, award-winning novelist and seminary professor