Daniel in Babylon: How He Navigated Politics in Exile and What It Means for Us Today
Ebook
Overview
Daniel lived an exemplary life of faith during historic political events. He excelled at his job in exile while committing himself to God's kingdom purposes for his day. Because he did, he models how people may live exemplary lives of faith by committing themselves to God's kingdom purposes for their day, even in these troubled political times. In this book, Clark reveals the nuances of Daniel's wisdom while living in exile. He evaluates how Daniel appealed to increasingly higher political and celestial authorities throughout his time in office in two different empires, the Babylonian and Persian. Daniel's righteous living and wisdom in these five appeals reveal why he was considered "highly esteemed" in the kingdom of heaven. In the final chapter, Clark uses intelligence analysis methods to demonstrate the reliability of the authorship of the book of Daniel.
“Mark Clark’s engaging work on the biblical book of Daniel involves an appealing combination of textual study, leadership and virtue analysis, mixed with some political philosophy. Clark provides an insightful abductive logical case for both the authenticity of Daniel’s life and biblical authorship. This work confirms the Bible’s ability to speak to all generations about critically relevant topics. Highly recommended.”
—Kenneth Samples, senior scholar, Reasons to Believe
“Dr. Mark T. Clark has delivered an extraordinary exploration in Daniel in Babylon. With unmatched care and scholarship, Dr. Clark investigates the life, trials, and triumphs of the prophet Daniel, uncovering profound connections between Daniel’s resilience in Babylon and the challenges of our modern age. His meticulous examination of scriptural texts and historical evidence reveals a powerful, convicting testimony to the reliability and depth of Daniel’s account, while his abductive reasoning method offers a fresh and convincing approach to understanding Daniel’s authenticity and prophetic role. Dr. Clark’s insightful analysis not only enriches our comprehension of the book of Daniel but also inspires a renewed commitment to faith and wisdom in our own political and cultural contexts. A remarkable work that will resonate deeply with scholars and seekers alike who wish to further understand the applications of God’s wisdom in modern times.”
—Cassian Bellino, founder and host, Biblically Speaking Podcast
“Dr. Mark Clark’s Daniel in Babylon is a timely and essential read for Christians seeking to live wisely, courageously, and winsomely for God’s kingdom purposes in increasingly hostile and spiritually desolate environments.”
—Christina G. Villegas, professor of political science, California State University, San Bernardino
“Dr. Mark Clark brings decades of experience in the academy and in the area of national security to his study of what the book of Daniel can teach us about engaging in politics and with political leadership today (and through all time). Daniel in Babylon is a cogent analysis of an often-perplexing book that still provides relevant insights thousands of years after it was written.”
—Troy Hinrichs, professor of history and government, California Baptist University
Mark T. Clark, Ph.D., is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science and National Security Studies at California State University, San Bernardino. He authored several dozen academic articles on national security and intelligence and also received several large grants from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the National Science Foundation, and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity. He is active in his home church, Foothill Church, Glendora. Clark served in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1973-1977. He and his wife, Mara, live in La Verne, CA and Durango, CO.