The Amazon Book Reviews
A Bold, Brilliant Rethinking of Scripture, History, and America’s Divine Purpose
“I picked up On Earth as It is On Heaven: The Promise of America on a whim, expecting yet another surface-level take on faith and patriotism. What I got instead was one of the most intellectually ambitious and genuinely surprising books I’ve read in years. W. Kent Smith is not a writer who plays it safe. From the very first pages, he stakes out a provocative thesis: that America is not incidental to biblical prophecy—it is central to it. And over the course of sixteen densely researched chapters, he builds that case with a patience and rigor that I found increasingly hard to dismiss. What sets this book apart from the avalanche of Christian commentary out there is Smith’s willingness to go where mainstream theology won’t. Drawing on decades of immersion in the work of the greatest biblical scholars of the ages, from C.S. Lewis to William Barclay, while remaining beholden to no denomination or doctrinal school, he traces a three-pronged migration of the Children of Israel across centuries, connecting ancient prophecy to the founding and destiny of the United States. The argument is layered, yes, but Smith is a patient and engaging guide. Just when you think a chapter is about to lose you in the weeds, he pulls back and reorients you with a clarifying insight that makes the whole structure click.
Particularly gripping are the chapters on the ‘Kingdom of Stone’ from Daniel’s vision, the paradox that is America, and the mission of Jeremiah, which Smith frames as one of history’s most underappreciated turning points. His handling of the ‘lost sheep of the House of Israel’ and the Zarahite migrations is the kind of biblical detective work that genuinely changes how you see the sweep of history. Whether you find his conclusions fully persuasive or not, you cannot accuse him of being intellectually lazy. Smith writes with the conviction of someone who has spent forty years wrestling with these questions, not to confirm what he already believed, but to genuinely find out. That intellectual honesty is felt on every page. He doesn’t try to dazzle you with jargon or hide uncertainty behind bluster. He lays out his evidence, names his sources, and invites you to follow the logic yourself. Is this Book One of three? Yes. Will you finish it wanting the next volume immediately? Absolutely. Smith ends on a cliffhanger of ideas—the pieces are assembled, the picture is forming, and you realize you’ve been pulled into something much larger than you anticipated at page one. If you care about Scripture, about America’s origins, or about the kind of big-picture historical thinking that most publishers are too timid to touch, this book deserves a place on your shelf. Highly recommended for serious readers who aren’t afraid to have their assumptions challenged.”
A deep dive into the deeper meanings of Scripture
“On Earth as It is On Heaven is an interesting endeavor to look at and analyze the idea of Heaven, especially in regards to how Christ refers to it in the gospels. It is really a deep look at biblical events, and how some of our history correlates with those stories. The author discusses the difference between contradiction and paradox, showing that many things in Scripture that seem contradictory, upon further investigation, can be found to have deeper truth and meaning. The author does take quite a bit of time going through language translations of specific words to further understand true meanings within the Scripture. Though it is quite interesting, it is not for everyone, however does have some intriguing ideas and insights. If you are looking for a deep dive into the Scriptures and really analyzing the text, then this could be a good book for you.”
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On Earth as It is On Heaven: The Promise of America, Technology, and the New Earth
“What if the promises made in The Bible aren’t just spiritual or metaphorical but are concrete and literal?… That’s where America comes in: Smith says, “Look, America isn’t an accident; it’s part of a long narrative…” The real danger, says Smith, is forgetting these connections. His antidote is remembering our roots, our promises…”
To hear Academia’s book chat aboutOn Earth as It is On Heaven, CLICK HERE.
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On Earth as It is On Heaven: The Promise of America, Technology, and the New Earth: Book One
“W. Kent Smith: On Earth as It is On Heaven: The Promise of America is one of those books that really gets you thinking—it connects faith, technology, and America’s future in a way that feels hopeful but still real. It’s definitely more on the optimistic side, but I liked how it made me step back and think about where we’re headed and what part we play in it.”
New Creation
“On Earth as It Is On Heaven: The Promise of America, Technology, and the New Earth by W. Kent Smith sets out with an ambitious premise: to challenge the familiar idea that the Christian journey is primarily about leaving Earth for Heaven, and instead argue that transformation is meant to unfold here and now—person by person, society by society. Smith builds his case by reinterpreting key biblical moments—especially the Resurrection and Pentecost—as the beginning of a new kind of human existence on Earth. This theological shift is the book’s core strength. It invites readers to see faith not as passive anticipation, but as active participation in renewal. The idea that individuals can embody ‘new creation’ in everyday life is both hopeful and empowering. Where the book becomes more distinctive—and at times more divisive—is in its connection between spirituality, America’s role, and technological progress. Smith suggests that these forces together can contribute to shaping a ‘new Earth.’ For readers open to this perspective, it offers a forward-looking, almost visionary framework. For others, the blending of national identity, faith, and technology may feel speculative or unevenly supported. The writing is reflective and often persuasive, though it leans more toward philosophical and theological exploration than structured argument. At times, the ideas could benefit from tighter organization or clearer grounding, especially when moving between Scripture, cultural commentary, and future possibilities. Overall, this is a thought-provoking read for those interested in re-examining the purpose of faith in the modern world. Rather than focusing on escape from Earth, Smith urges readers to consider their role in transforming it. Whether or not one agrees with all of his conclusions, the book succeeds in prompting deeper reflection on what it might mean to live ‘on Earth as it is in Heaven.’”
Surprising
“This book surprised me in the best way. It takes big ideas—faith, technology, the future—and makes them feel personal and hopeful instead of overwhelming. The author connected everyday life with a bigger spiritual story. It’s thoughtful, inspiring, and easy to follow, and it left me reflecting on my own purpose and the world we’re shaping. A meaningful and uplifting read.”
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To hear Kent and Zen Garcia discuss the contents of Kent’s book On Earth as It is On Heaven, from June 22nd, 2022, CLICK BELOW.
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Comprehensive, Fascinating Look at the Scriptures relating to present day
“What W. Kent Smith has given his readers through this work is a fascinating, well-documented, comprehensive exploration of God’s covenant with mankind. The author is a Christian and his viewpoint, naturally, derives from the Sacred Scriptures beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He then relates themes in The Bible as they regard the People of Israel. The main theme, of course, is mankind’s fall from grace by disobedience to God Himself; and his subsequent need for a Redeemer to restore the faith and trust between the Creator and His creation. The book is quite deep and difficult to grasp every notion at certain points, but it is a remarkable weaving of Bible Stories as they relate to present day existence for those who believe in God and that Jesus the Christ was His Son who was sent into the world by a God who loves humanity. The preaching of the Gospel today, ‘is nothing less than a grand continuation of what God has been telling humanity in every age since the days of Adam and Eve.’”
Let’s Move Past the Cynicism & Instill Hope!
“I would much rather move past the cynicism of today’s world and instill hope in myself, my children, in what we do and say and pray that this will eventually align for us in Heaven! Active Stewardship over ‘Waiting for Heaven’: Smith challenges the idea that this world is just an ‘enemy’ to be endured until we reach heaven. For a solo parent, this is validating; it suggests that the work you do to build a home, a career, and a community isn’t just ‘survival’—it is an active participation in God’s expanding empire on Earth. Technology as a tool for Good: Instead of fearing the digital age, Smith views technological advancement as a divine gift intended to democratize knowledge and empower individuals. This offers a framework for teaching your kids to be ‘architects of the future’ rather than passive consumers of media. The Power of Resilience (America’s Paradox): Smith explores America as a ‘crucible" where deep scars like racism and inequality are faced head-on in a quest for liberty. As a mother, this mirrors the internal work of a family: acknowledging past mistakes and choosing reformation over cynicism. Connecting the Dots of History: The book treats major historical turning points (1492, 1776, etc.) not as accidents, but as divinely orchestrated moments. This provides a sense of security for a parent; it reinforces the idea that even when life feels chaotic or disconnected, there is a larger, orderly narrative at play.”
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On Earth as It is On Heaven: The Promise of America, Technology, and the New Earth
“A profound exploration… A divine saga… A fresh lens on our past, present, and future…”
To hear Price’s book review of On Earth as It is On Heaven, CLICK HERE.
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For Deep Reading
“This book takes a deep dive on Bible theories and verses. I only took away a star because I am not 100% sure if I am in agreement with the ties it makes to America, when quoting OT Scripture that was for Israel. This book is one to keep around for a while and bite pieces off of, while holding your Bible and looking up the Scriptures it references. I love how each page has several verses quoted and always circles back to other points the author made. This is a great study tool for big picture Bible stories and patterns.”
I met Kent at a conference and he is absolutely one of the best Human beings I have ever met
“W. K. Smith’s On Earth as It is On Heaven offers a heartfelt and inspiring exploration of the intersection between faith, technology, and the promise of America’s future. Smith’s writing is refreshingly optimistic, grounded in a deep trust in God’s providence and a hopeful vision for how technological advancements can serve humanity’s highest good. What stands out most in this work is Smith’s unwavering belief that God’s hand is at work even through the complexities and challenges of modern progress. The book encourages readers to embrace the gifts of innovation without fear, seeing them as tools that, when aligned with spiritual purpose, can transform lives and societies. Smith’s tone is approachable and sincere, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. While some readers may wish for a more critical or analytical perspective, the book’s strength lies in its hopeful narrative and invitation to faith-driven engagement with the world. Overall, On Earth as It is On Heaven is a timely reminder that despite the trials and temptations around us, God’s ultimate plan is one of redemption and restoration. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the convergence of faith, culture, and technology.”
