What does an ancient Jewish prophet have to do with modern America? What, if anything, can we learn from a man who lived 2,400 years ago as a captive in the land we now call Iraq? As it turns out, quite a bit.

David and Jason Benham are convinced the biblical example of Daniel holds the keys to contemporary Christians living victoriously in a world increasingly hostile to people of faith. Like Daniel, many believers today find themselves in an unfriendly environment, one opposed to the God they serve. Yet, like Daniel, they must learn how to take a stand while serving the people around them.

Living Among Lions is for Christian brothers and sisters who have the potential to transform their world but find themselves standing in the shadows wondering how to respond in an unfriendly environment. Divided into three sections, Living Among Lions covers three distinct characteristics that made Daniel strong: Conviction, Commitment, and Courage.

Let me tell you, if you’re a Christian and need a kick in the pants to rethink how you’re living your life in the world today, this is a great book to read. Even if you don’t need that kick, this is still a great book to read because it’s relevant to today’s society just as much as it was when it was published five years ago. 

The Benham Brothers use Old Testament legend, Daniel, to show us how we can stand up and be bold in our faith in today’s America. They use their own lives as examples as well; both where they’ve triumphed and where they’ve fallen short. With their examples, they show us that, while Christians in America might be not be under persecution like Christians in other areas of the world, we are finding some serious pressure that could eventually lead to that if we don’t act now.

“Wrap your beliefs around the Bible. Never wrap the Bible around your beliefs.”

Along with their biblical examples of how Daniel stood strong as a Jewish exile living in Babylon, the Benhams give some of their own personal examples of how they’ve displayed their faith in situations and the good that’s come out of them. Even if it wasn’t outward or instantaneous, they knew they were doing what God was asking them to do. And there’s no better feeling than that. They also give us “Benham Principles” throughout the chapters – or, little bits of wisdom to encourage readers in their walk with Jesus and how we can stand strong in our faith.

“Christians are to be the chocolate chips in the cookie dough of culture. We are to mix in, not blend in – we keep our form, remaining completely distinct and separate – yet we should make the batch great!”

With the real-life and biblical examples, paired up with the Benham principles, I find that this book is great for giving Christians courage to be bold in our faith in today’s world. My favorite principle is the cookie dough analogy (as shown above) because it is a perfect example of what Christians are to be, and it perfectly highlights what the Apostle Paul wrote in the beginning of Romans 12.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2 (NIV)

So if you’re finding that you need some encouragement in your faith and how to live more boldly for God, I recommend this book. I recommend it even if you’re out there and boldly professing your faith. It’s an encouragement to all believers.

Rating: 5/5 stars