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The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise

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We have real hope we’re called to share. But  how  we share it makes a difference.  

Christians today face a dilemma: in a world that seems to reject everything we believe, how do we walk closely with God without caving to pressure or alienating those we hope to reach?

In this eye-opening new book, Chris Hodges provides a solution by examining the life of the prophet Daniel, who persevered in a corrupt culture that closely resembles our own—and emerged as an influential force in God’s redemptive plan. Full of scripture and seasoned with Hodges’ candid personal insights, The Daniel Dilemma shows us that standing for truth isn’t about winning the argument; it’s about winning hearts. And when we learn the secret of connecting before correcting, we discover that we can hold firmly to biblical beliefs without becoming obnoxious, insulting, or mad; stand strong while loving others well; and
respond to today’s hard questions without compromising grace or truth.

With fresh insights and practical ideas, Hodges encourages Christians struggling with our cultural reality to hold God’s standards high and his grace deep—just as Jesus did, and just as his followers today are called to do.

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2017

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About the author

Chris Hodges

70 books227 followers
Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, known for its life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.

Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.

Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, and What’s Next?.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 12 books151 followers
October 17, 2017
In July 2016, I heard author and pastor Chris Hodges speak at the She Speaks conference. I was drawn in by his warmth, humor, and positive vibe. I tend to be a careful Christian, and his message breathed freedom and hope into my cautious world.

The publisher, Nelson Books, provided every conference attendee a free advance copy of Chris’ new book, The Daniel Dilemma. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear Chris’ perspective on standing firm and loving well in our culture. God has challenged and instructed me through this book.

Fear and concern often grips me as I consider my children’s future world. This book is reorienting my fear-based position to one of quiet trust in God’s will. Since the prophet Daniel lived faithfully in the pagan Babylonian culture, I can have hope for my family.

This book outlines how a believer can stand strong as our culture becomes increasingly hostile toward Christianity. Chris gives many examples of how to ground your thoughts, actions, and preferences in God’s truth rather than in what feels good.

Most importantly, this book is helping me shed the cloistered mindset I often wear in self-protection. Chris provides many ideas for loving, respectful interactions with unbelievers. He humbly shares the ways he lived out his message, and he has given me a lot to consider as I move forward.

The Daniel Dilemma is changing my approach in my daily interactions with the world. I truly want to serve as salt and light in the world, but I wasn’t sure how to do that before I read this book. It calls me to think more often and pray more thoughtfully about how to carry salt and light into my everyday world. It empowers me to be confident in my faith and look forward to the future rather than fear it.
Profile Image for Matt Witten.
215 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2019
I’d give this a 3.5 if I could.

Hodges is honest, passionate, and unashamed of the Hope and truth he has in Christ and the word. There is an awesome realness in his writing and great transparency, as well as some great and simple application.

Where I struggled is that a lot of the book seems to struggle to see the forest in the trees, and lives in the “back in my day...” a bit too much. While I agree it’s useful for application, it muddies the key message and gets entangled a bit in heavy political focus or surface level “truths” which can be just as detrimental. It seems to glorify our position and space in time a bit, which takes away from the key fact that culture ebbs and flows, but Godlessness and the importance of standing firm is the key.

Overall a worthwhile read, but felt a little distracted from the important message at times.
Profile Image for Justin.
40 reviews
May 13, 2018
Very practical, but I think sometimes the author in his attempt to stay in Daniel misses the point. Reads very much like a sermon series too.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
57 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2022
This book is full of old-aged propaganda and does not connect with the loving beliefs of Jesus. If you want someone preaching that all secular music is full of subliminal messages from the devil, the end of school prayer in 1962 ruined SAT scores in America, and homosexuals are the root of all evil, then this is your book. If you’re looking for an actual study about Daniel, then try something else. Max Lucado has a great series with Daniel and Ester.

The title is ironic…this type of book is the exact reason why current culture sneers at Christians. The author is perpetuating the very hatred that he wants to eliminate. I’ve never given a bible study such a low score, and I’m disappointed that I supported this author financially by purchasing this book.
Profile Image for Jamie Franzini.
9 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2023
Really loved this book and the group of sermons preached at my church that went along with it, however it left me longing for some biblical leaders that will step up to the task of going deeper - especially in regards to how we navigate when it’s the ones we love the most, our own children, giving in to such spiritual darkness. This book focuses on living in the culture and loving our “neighbor” within the culture and navigating dilemmas with the people outside of our close circles (which is certainly necessary and helpful - just wished it went that step further).
Profile Image for Vanessa Eccles.
Author 15 books78 followers
October 19, 2017
This book redirects the skewed screams of culture to the Truth of God’s word. There is an art of dying and being reborn into Truth. We are each fearfully and wonderfully made. We are loved, adored, and forgiven. But we’re called to change, to live a life of full redemption and freedom. This surrender is counter-cultural to our desire for independence and control. We’ve been conditioned to what the world has said about hard subjects, but we must surrender and follow our Creator’s guidance.

The Daniel Dilemma is part theology and part discipleship. First, Pastor Chris teaches and fills us with Truth and application. Then he guides us on how to disciple others. How do we stand firm and love well? What does that look like? How do we best live by example? This book will equip you to be bold, love deep, give grace, and be free in sharing whose you are.

Every believer needs to read this. Have your tabs and highlighters ready. It will be one of those books you’ll refer back to for years to come.

Stand firm, friends. Love God and people well.
Profile Image for Angela Blount.
Author 4 books692 followers
August 4, 2023
Timely and yet... timeless.

In his usual genial and conversational tone, Hodges attempts to present a balanced perspective on the rapidly shifting American culture--and what it means to steadfastly serve an unchanging God.

The author is upfront about this not being a how-to guide. He says he considered giving an inventory of scripted answers to a range of pop culture questions, challenges, and accusations... but ultimately, decided the better (and more authentic) approach would be to help people prepare their hearts. Not to be doormats or conformists, but also not to be needlessly offensive.

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is thinking of yourself less. We can be courageous and contrite at the same time."

As the title suggests, this expanded sermon-like work takes an in-depth look at the Book of Daniel--and in particular, the extraordinary character of the man for which it is named. (There is also coverage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (or to use their Hebrew names, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah)--who went through similar faith vs. culture test during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.)

"As we saw time and time again, Daniel stood his ground; even risking his life to oppose the cultural pressure surrounding him. He didn't argue, defend, explain, or debate. He simply made his boundaries clear with direct, respectful communication. As a result, Daniel shone like a beacon of God's truth for 70 years--valued and esteemed by 4 different Babylonian regimes."

As is typical for him, Hodges sometimes rabbit trails off into the realm of personal life stories and anecdotes as they relate to the topic at hand. Those who are familiar with his other works or sermons may note some recycling of material. (How much this may annoy some is more a matter of taste.)
Profile Image for Emil Bredahl.
181 reviews7 followers
December 16, 2018
Absolutely an amazing book that taught me so much and sort of became a milestone for my life and the work that I do. It is practical and written in a warm and straight to the point way which makes each page a joy to read. Pastor Chris Hodges is funny yet at the same time serious and thoughtful. I can strongly recommend this book as a life changer and you will not regret reading this book 📖
Profile Image for Caroline.
41 reviews
October 22, 2017
The Daniel Dilemma doesn't tell me exactly what to say (though I'd hoped it would!) the next time I feel my defenses rising over some issue. Instead, it shows me how to position my heart and attitude so my words will genuinely build others up and point toward our redeemer. If Daniel could live that way in Babylon, then there's hope for living that way in the USA!
Profile Image for Lauren Boyce.
4 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2018
A book that I think is so incredibly important for everyone to read in 2018! So many of us care more about what people think about us than standing on Gods Word. Learning how to stand firm and show love in a compromised culture.
Profile Image for Derek Benner.
5 reviews
June 21, 2018
Pastor Chris Hodges is real, genuine, authentic, and passionate. His message in this book speaks to the troubling nature of the current issues in the world, and how the Church should respond. In love, with grace and truth. Powerful message, highly recommended for Christians everywhere.
Profile Image for Ginna Prutzman.
168 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2024
3.5/5

Some of it is on par and some of it is kinda off par :’)

Still a good break down of the book of Daniel, reads like a sermon series.
Profile Image for Aaron Cash.
191 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2018
Beyond amazing book. This is what you need if you are a pastor who is looking to plant a church and has limited understanding about culture. Ps. Chris is an incredible bible teacher who is changing the game with this new theology of the Fathering and Mothering movement.

This book insures every reader a strategy to influence transform and declare a new culture in the city where they are. Be blessed to receive this fantastic resource. Invest your time and money in this book. It will change and transform your life!
Profile Image for Evan Hoekzema.
390 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2024
I really respect Hodges in both what he shares and how he shares it. I was hoping for this book to have a little more commentary and background on the book of Daniel, but I did appreciate how much he brought the text to life and applied it to our modern day. Good read!
Profile Image for Mark Youngkin.
188 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2018
The title of this book, unfortunately, is not fulfilled until its last chapter, when the author writes about how to confront the ills of our culture with both compassion and integrity. Frankly, he should have expanded on this chapter and made that the focus of the book. What he did instead, a straightforward group of chapters about Christian living, has been done before and is done well here. Hodges writes well and probably has a landmark book in him, but he will need to choose a concept and stick with it better than he has here.
Profile Image for Josh Atkins.
100 reviews20 followers
September 16, 2020
What does it look like to live like Daniel from the Bible? Daniel stood his ground and shone like a light. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. Always have an attitude of gratitude.” Huge fan of Hodges’ teaching and I love how he wrote this book, calling Christians higher and challenging us to take a step further in our faith.
501 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2019
Mr. Hodges (Yes, I know he is a pastor, but I have never been comfortable with the title Reverend.) decided to write this book about lessons from the book of Daniel when the Obergefell decision was released by the Supreme Court and the Obama administration lit up the White House in rainbow colors to celebrate. He saw this as an overt rejection of biblical values, and I couldn’t agree more. Because of the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah in the pagan culture of Babylon, where there were blatant attempts to nudge or even shove them towards the prevailing culture, sometimes with the threat of death hanging over their heads, Daniel offers great lessons for Christians today to learn and emulate in our lives.

The lessons Mr. Hodges takes from Daniel are subdivided into five categories, each with three lessons:

• Culture’s greatest impact: confused identities. This category is inspired by the events of chapter 1 of Daniel, specifically the renaming of Daniel and his friends with Babylonian names, the diet of food from the king, Daniel’s desire not to be defiled by it and the test he proposed to justify an alternate diet. While I consider much of this section profitable, I think the author takes off on a rabbit trail in the part about the renaming. Specifically, he translates Daniel’s Babylonian name Belteshazzar as “Lady, protect the king” and claims that it was intended as a degrading insult. I have been studying Daniel, and one of the commentaries I am using, the New American Commentary by Stephen R. Miller, indicates in an endnote that this translation is a minority view. Dr. Miller has serious doubts about the idea that the Babylonians would so degrade someone being trained for the king’s personal service, and I am inclined to agree.
• Culture’s greatest test: whom will I worship? The first two lessons in this category are inspired by the refusal of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s image, resulting in them being thrown into a furnace, and by Daniel’s decision to continue his prayers after petitions to anyone other than the king (Darius the Mede) were outlawed, resulting in Daniel being thrown into a lions’ den. Here, Mr. Hodges makes some great points about our responsibility to remain faithful to God with or without legal sanction, otherwise known as religious freedom. The last point, cultural challenges to God’s right to be God is valid but appears to be drawn from other parts of the Bible rather than from Daniel. It seems to me to be added to round out three lessons. That said, Mr. Hodges, makes some good points that should not be ignored.
• Culture’s greatest question: Who is in charge of my life? One of the lessons in this category is inspired by the humbling, not humiliation, of Nebuchadnezzar by God. The other two lessons are supposedly inspired by Daniel’s willingness to face death, but most, if not all, of their supporting material is drawn from other parts of the Bible. They are good lessons but appear have been added to round out a three-lesson category.
• Culture’s greatest culprit: unfocused and busy lives. The lessons in this category are inspired by the message to Belshazzar that were written on the wall by a hand from heaven. As with the first category, I consider much of the application profitable but think that Mr. Hodges misapplied scripture to come up with the third lesson, about a divided heart. He uses the interpretation of Peres, “Your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and the Persians,” as the basis for this application. This was the sentence associated with divine judgment, not an exhortation to have an undivided heart for the Lord. There are plenty of other passages that can justify this application. Use one of them, and watch the context.
• Culture’s greatest need: truth and grace. The three lessons in this category, in my opinion, may well be the most valuable. They focus on how Daniel was graciously uncompromising. He was a model of faithfulness regardless of the cost, but he was also a model of respectful disagreement. Christians in America all too often lack grace in dealing with unbelievers. For example, they are too often quick to cut down or denigrate unbelievers who disagree with them. Furthermore, in my youth, I got to experience internecine strife within the church. I grew up in a denomination that considered itself alone to be Christian. Some members of that denomination got puffed up and looked down on those outside. Christians in other denominations often resented that point of doctrine, and I occasionally found myself berated by other Christians on account of it, even when I had said nothing. I also remember an incident in which a dinner guest made a derogatory joke about that denomination without realizing we were part of it. Awkward! She was not invited back. Bottom line, Christians have a long way to go in the grace department. So, pay close attention to this part of the book.

To summarize, Mr. Hodges made some good points and provided some excellent application. That said, he detracted from his work by seeming to be a slave to a specific number of applications per category and at one point completely misapplied a part of Daniel.
8 reviews
May 21, 2020
I loved this book! The author shows comparisons and contrasts to the Bible book of Daniel to things going on in our world today. It was very easy to read. If you are a Bible believing Christian it also helps to affirm our Biblical standards and why we have them.
Profile Image for Jan Norton.
1,877 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2021
Found that the book did not grab me. Maybe it’s because of my experience in the Lord. It is very practical, but I’ve decided I’m not going to keep this one but pass it on to someone else.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,088 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2018
Rating 3.5 Stars

The focus of Daniel's Dilemma for us is culture. The goal of changing ones identinty, the test of true worship, and the greatest sin of pride. The balance of self-reliance and being humble with humility. These are all that Daniel faced in his day and that we are in our own day.

While reacquainting myself with Daniel and reflecting the challenges that Christians face today, I thought of the phrase how is God relevant in my life? This question leads to pragmatism and consumerism mind set. The question needs to be asked how am I relevant to God. I don't think Daniel was basing his life on God's relevance but his courage came from his closeness to God. Knowing the word and praying 3 times a day is well documented in the scriptures. However, when we see God as creator, we see ourselves relevant to the will of God and we can say with confidence not my will but yours. I don't say this lightly because it is all based on how closely am I connected to the word of God. This was strongly encouraged in this text by numbering our days.

But the real reason for the this text is how we can more faithful to the will of God and still love others that will disagree.

The text comes in 3 parts

Culture's Greatest Impact: Confused Identities. I think the whole book could have been written with this and is such an important aspect of Christianity and the culture. The culture has honed in the word identity. With #blacklivesmatter, #metoo #iamsam . All these issues deal with identity and believe it or not Christianity as much to say on identity. We are created in the image of God. Daniel understood his identity in that. There was no debate.

Culture's Greatest Test: Who Will I Worship We are tested in this everyday. By how we live, how we love, what we value. Daniel was tested in this very thing and his example is straightforward and intentional. He knew whom he served. Do I?

Culture's Greatest Question: Who is in Charge of my life? . Pride is in each one of us and God has given us the example of Nebuchadnezzar. His pride led to his defeat. We see this time and time again. What is the antidote of pride. Reliance on God. Again, knowing our days our numbered and how are we using them.

Culture's Greatest Culprit: Unfocused and Busy Lives. There is so much that takes us away from being focused and focusing on what really matters. We all know this. A divided heart will never know the closeness of the Lord until it knows the Lord is all there is. Daniel did not blame his circumstances but prayed for the Glory of God and all would be know his Glory.

Culture's Greatest Need: Truth and Grace Connecting before correcting is the key to this part. Building relationships not on what we know but how we care.

All in all this was a reminder of influencing the culture and not being swept away from the culture.

A Special Thank You to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Gray.
Author 10 books67 followers
November 10, 2017
I love Hodges' fervent desire to stand firm in what he believes while being kind. His discussion of worship was especially touching. His humble example of how he chose to listen to spiritual music to remember his Savior when his father passed away is a great example of what we can do when faced with adversity.

I had this discussion with my teen son just this week—that we CAN love others while still being honest about even our most basic beliefs. While I believe there were some precious truths lost with the various translations of the Bible so don’t agree with every doctrinal point Hodges made, I do believe in the wide scope of the message and the valiant tactics he uses to live his faith. I'm also grateful that we live in a country where we can worship as we believe. I was also impressed with (and could relate to) how Hodges prays after he reads God's word so that he might live according to the teachings he read. This is so key to living with the spirit. I loved the reminder to keep the sabbath day holy as well as the parallels to Daniel's day.

Thank you to a good man who turns hearts to our Savior through this book, his example, and sermons. Also: Pastor Hodges also has a marvelous writing voice.

Quotables:

"Moral relativism is the religion of the day." (I learned this way back 2002 when my American Heritage professor at BYU talked about the growing popular belief that b=b=b=b, meaning all beliefs are the same verses an ultimate Truth with a capital T. David A. Bednar talks about "the tyranny of tolerance," which I see as a popular dogma nowadays.)

"Courage looks up, stands up, speaks up."

"God's truth has the power to set people free—this should fuel our desire to connect with others, not a smug attempt to prove we're right."

"The key to courage always comes back to spending time with Jesus."

"God tests us to refine us—not to punish us." (Loved Hodges' separate sermon on this, which my friend shared with me when I was struggling with some trials in my own vocation.)

"True worship happens when you don't understand and choose to trust God anyway."

"There's nothing wrong with enjoying your career and being committed to excellence. But if it's what you prize above all else—because that's how you feel valued and affirmed—then it's an idol."

"Humility is not thinking less of yourself; humility is thinking of yourself less."

"We should do as Jesus did and keep the standards high and the grace deep."

"Never let the tone get contentious."

"Too often, our culture likes to go to extremes—either we're in full agreement or else we're totally opposed . . . When we display humility, authenticity, honesty, or even humor when appropriate, we relate to others as human beings, person to person, and eventually, heart to heart."

"Culture changes; God doesn't."

I also loved what Hodges said about going after the lost sheep, reflecting light, and building relationships.
445 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2023
I have had this book for years and kept putting it off. I enjoy Chris Hodges’ public speaking immensely, but his books are… eh. They are good, they just don’t hit me right or blow me away. I have read most of his books and the only one I really thought was truly terrific was “Out of the Cave”.

That is until now. “The Daniel Dilemma” still falls a little short of Hodges’ public speaking abilities, but he really hits the nail on the head with his approach to stay true to biblical principles while still loving people that embrace a culture of compromise and a culture of anti Christian values. He truly understands the dynamic and he lays out a good solid path forward that leans on good biblical principles.

Honestly. That’s one of his strong suits. He has good insights and he leans on good sound biblical principles in every book I have read and sermon I have heard of his. He is a fabulous communicator, I just typically think it comes out better live and in person.

The biggest problem I have with the book is that I have read enough of his books and listened to enough of his sermons, that I have heard many of his stories enough times to quote them back to you as if they happened to me. For me that’s a big, big problem when reading books. For whatever reason it’s less of a problem to me when it deals with sermons or public speaking. I suppose that wouldn’t be true if I listened to him weekly and he rehashed the same stories weekly, but I don’t listen to him weekly. I listen to him occasionally.

Anyway in this book there are two stories that I have read in other books. One of them is in at least three of his books. That’s kind of a lousy complaint when discussing this particular book. In his defense he never tells the stories in any book for no reason and they always fit what he is trying to say. However, it did annoy me a little.

Overall it’s a fantastic book that is filled with good biblical principles. It was encouraging in a way that makes the reader feel like the world can change, and change for the worst, but they can still live victorious in Christ. I don’t know how to find fault in that. Give it a read, and be encouraged. The gates of hell won’t prevail against the church, and Jesus has given us power in the form of the Holy Ghost to overcome no matter what the world does. More than that, no matter what the world does that is against the Bible, there is a path of ministry and revival. Where darkness abounds, grace abounds much more!
Profile Image for Crystal.
150 reviews
December 31, 2024
For a Christian book, this is filled with hate language.
Mr. Hodges was prompted to write and have his thoughts published after he saw an image of the White House illuminated in rainbow colored floodlights. He believes homosexual marriage has ripped the moral fabric of the nation. He believes premarital sex, homosexuality, or any other sexual activity is a sin.
He was upset abortion was legal and would be covered by health insurance and workplace support systems. He was agitated prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance was no longer in classrooms. He is correct the United States of America was started in relation to religious freedom, however, that does not make his religion the "correct" one. On the Sabbath, people should take inventory of their life and put God first. What if that does not fit into someone else's religion?
When other people ask Mr. Hodges for his opinion on topics he responds, "What makes you think my opinion matters? What difference does it make what you or I think about this?" I find it very interesting, he must think his opinion matters because he wrote 258 pages of his opinion.
He continued that people should not shame or condemn anyone (include ourselves) simply for having feelings or for feeling a certain way. He emphasized, "In Jesus' eyes, there are no outsiders ...God does not play favorites, and neither should we."
I was surprised Mr. Hodges did not use person first language. Example: he referenced his son living on the Autism spectrum as his Autistic son.
Towards the end of the book, Mr. Hodges wrote: Love God. Love people. Do everything with excellence. Have a good attitude. It's that simple.
In the final chapter, Mr. Hodges endorsed, "We should never shame or condemn people for their feelings - including same-sex attraction or desires to do immoral things. Why? Because we all have feelings, and just because we feel a certain way doesn't mean we have to act on those feelings."
Mr. Hodges, you contradict yourself. Perhaps it's time for reflection about that.
Profile Image for Jonathan Brooker.
Author 1 book14 followers
February 1, 2021
The Daniel Dilemma is more of a book with practical applications for godly living that could connect to the story of Daniel than a study of Daniel with extrapolations for application carefully pulled only from it. What I mean is that there were some things that were taught from Daniel that really seemed to be stretching the meaning of the text, for instance when Daniel prophetically tells Belshazzar that his kingdom will be divided and given to the Medes and Persians we're taught about the dangers of living a divided life.

It also seemed as though the understated wish for the author would be for us to go back to a better day in America where Judeo-Christian values were upheld. But only a passing sentence at one point seems to admit that there were certainly only some of our Judeo-Christian values that were being lived out, celebrated or even acknowledged. As is the challenge with books that talk about the Babylon nature of American culture, the book has a bit of a swing towards one grouping of moral issues but not towards others that are just as biblical.

However, Hodges does well at what he is always excellent at: communicating in highly relatable and meaningful ways. He properly uses personal stories and examples that add much to the content and honestly shock me with their willingness to be so real and so vulnerable with a reader he doesn't even know. This helps communicate even indirectly the thing that Hodges states a few times throughout that "I need this as much as you." And as we see America reflecting the characteristics of Babylon more and more, then it's absolutely true that followers of Jesus do, in fact, need this!
Profile Image for Raul Gonzales.
19 reviews
December 19, 2024
Chris Hodges’ The Daniel Dilemma offers a well-intentioned guide for Christians seeking to balance faith with cultural pressures, using Daniel’s life as a blueprint. As someone who has served my country and struggles with reconciling certain actions and decisions through the lens of my faith, I appreciated Hodges’ emphasis on living with conviction while showing grace to others. Daniel’s steadfastness, even in the face of life-threatening circumstances, resonated with me deeply, as I often reflect on the weight of my own choices made in the line of duty.

Hodges explains things in a straightforward, accessible way, and his encouragement to stay rooted in Scripture while engaging with the world is both challenging and inspiring. That said, I sometimes felt the book lacked the depth I was hoping for, especially when grappling with the complexity of moral dilemmas. The examples provided were helpful, but they didn’t always feel relevant to the gravity of the struggles I wrestle with as a combat veteran. Daniel’s unwavering faith under pressure is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, but I wish Hodges had gone deeper into the nuances of faith in action when the stakes are life and death.

Overall, this book has its strengths, particularly for Christians navigating a modern world that often feels at odds with biblical values. However, I found myself wanting a bit more depth and acknowledgment of the harder questions, especially those tied to personal sacrifice and the toll it takes on one’s faith. The Daniel Dilemma serves as a good starting point for reflection, but it didn’t quite provide the level of insight I was looking for.

Raúl G.
1,324 reviews11 followers
December 29, 2017
LOVE this book. So much good stuff in here. Chris gets to the core of things and gives simple, yet effective ways to stand strong in a world of compromise.

How do we stand for our Christian beliefs yet love others? I’m not an expert but I know I have somehow manged to do it in my classroom. One of my students who is very open about his lifestyle tells me my class is his happy, safe place. I didn’t create that by preaching at him I created that by being kind and listening to him. He knows what I believe yet he sees that I care about him. I will never condone his lifestyle but I will love him.

Chris gives practical advice how we all can do that.

I have highlighted so much from this book I can’t share it all but here are a views quotes:

“Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. Truth and grace together are good medicine.”

“Worship is not about responsive readings or singing hymns. Worship is surrendering yourself to the power, majesty, and goodness of your Creator, letting God be God — even when you don’t understand what he’s doing or when you disagree.”

Love this one: “We should really consider whether we’re willing to give praise to a team of athletes who don’t even know us but stay silent before the God who created us. It all comes down to worship.”

There’s so much more but I just suggest you pick up the book and give it a read for yourself. I really enjoyed this.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Annalee Peters.
90 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2022
I think the message of Daniel gets lost in the experiences of the author. It turned into too much of a “one time this happened to me”….That stated there are some decent takeaways and I like the end where the author talks about our busyness and how we need to re-evaluate our lives. I like the prayers offered in the end for those around us. One thing that continues to bother about most evangelicals today is this: Yes, our culture is crazy. We have compromised. We live in a word full of sin. That’s actually ALWAYS been the case. So, my issue is that most evangelicals take an excerpt or story of the Bible and twist it to fit exactly what they are thinking or believe. Apparently this book came out on the heels of the whole lighting up in rainbow the Whitehouse in support of LGBTQ. The author just compared this one event with cultural demise. He never addressed what his reactions would be to a lesbian or gay in his church. I understand that isn’t the point but it was very much like “this is bad, these people are bad. Now, how can you be more like God-and me?” (Insert pride that he preaches against.) Would he love these people as he states or would they even feel welcome to come through the doors of his church? Just food for thought and my 2 cents.
Profile Image for Dianne.
77 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2018
Daniel Dilemma-Chris Hodges

This is a non fiction christian book which I received from NetGalley. It is written by Chris Hodges, who is the founder and senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Alabama, which has satellite churches all over the state. Over 45,000 people attend these churches weekly. He is also Chancellor of Highlands College, a 2 year ministry training college.

The book speaks to christians and seeks to guide them in remaining faithful to Gd in this 21st Century world.

He provides basic steps to aid us in this, all with bible references and personal anecdotes. Most of his bible references are regarding Daniel, hence the title. His steps include knowing your identity, reconstructing your worldview, remaining faithful under pressure and allowing God to be in charge of our lives.

He discusses each step in detail, breaking down how it is easily achievable.

Some of his comments on the problems in our culture may seem to concern a very right wing fundamentalist christianity, often portrayed showing little love or grace. He however advocates love in each situation.

Some may feel he is making a big deal about aspects of out society which are quite insignficant, when we live mostly in a society relatively tolerant of christianity. Our experience is a long way from the persecutions many experienced over the last 2 thousand years.

But aside from this, his advice is still valid to all of us in our daily struggle to walk righteously with God.
Profile Image for Deago.
248 reviews21 followers
December 12, 2021
I love the story of Daniel, but I've never understood where the piousness and the deep anchor faith come from. The story is also kind of eerie, even the writer mention that it almost feels like one of those Edgar Allan Poe short story.

"This is what I love about Daniel. Most likely, he never imagined himself as a prisoner of war, someone whose strong faith not only withstood the enormous cultural pressure around him but also impressed those holding him captive."


I did question how Daniel embodied such a perfect faith. I did not find the answer in this book. Instead, I read about Pastor Chris Hodges's life, which makes this book more like a sermon on an ordinary Sunday.

The Book of Daniel mention some of the metaphor and sign that is hard to understand. I mean, Daniel is a dream translator, from the hands-on wall, the 7 years of trial for the King, Pastor Hodges elaborates those meanings and connects it to modern life through his experience. The second part from the Book of Daniel mentions the vision of the world's end but the Pastor Hodges only briefly mentions it.
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