When I decided to read The Derision of Heaven: A Guide to Daniel, I thought it would be a nice memory-lane trip down a favorite Bible story of my childhood. Granted, subsequent adult Bible studies had suggested deeper, more complex messages in Daniel. But various commentators who pontificated on what Daniel really meant had mystified me (or terrified me) more than the mysticism in the book of Daniel itself. I did not expect anything different from Michael Whitworth. Happily, I was wrong.

Michael Whitworth has written several books on Biblical topics, including two studies focusing on two other chapters of the Bible, Genesis and I – II Thessalonians. Typical of his straight forward, approachable tone, the author acknowledges up front the problem of doing "another" Daniel study: "What, then, can any commentator add, either to simple stories suitable for children or to intriguing but inscrutable visions?" Why another book about Daniel? And why now? The answer: urgency. This book is "a must-read for Christians who are now facing the imminent prospect of spiritual exile in our own homelands."

In a wonderfully conversational voice, Michael Whitworth tackles the hard-to-grasp questions in Daniel and suggests to the reader simply stated, biblically supported answers. The Derision of Heaven: A Guide to Daniel brought home to this grown up reader the simple truth she sang as a child: "Didn't the Lord deliver Daniel?" "Dare to be a Daniel!" This appealing book rings out the message loud and clear.

The Derision of Heaven: A Guide to Daniel by Michael Whitworth is a work of non-fiction that covers in detail the book of Daniel. The book poses two questions to those of the Christian faith in this time where everything is difficult: how can Christians be the light of the world in such darkness, and how can God still be in control of all things?

I have a very curious nature and since I was raised in the Catholic church I wanted to take a look at this book. The Book of Daniel was always one of my favorites when I was in bible study class back in my teenage years. I have to say the guide and the insight to this certainly opened my eyes these many years later. I agree with a great deal of the message being shared, and I think anyone could not help but feel a bit awe-struck by what Daniel has to say and teach those who wish to learn.

I think that Michael Whitworth has done a wonderful job laying this all out in prose that is both interesting and easy to understand even if you do not know much about the teachings. There are plenty of notes and references that will help you along the way as you read. I think anyone who enjoys bible study will enjoy this book, but more than that I think anyone who just wants to learn and have some insight into a higher power will enjoy it too.

In The Derision Of Heaven: A Guide To Daniel, Michael Whitworth pores over this book of the Bible with detail and some humor. The message of Daniel can be quite simple: "Whatever trouble we're in, God is powerful enough to rescue us; and God protects those who remain faithful to him in the most trying of times." The author warns the Christian audience that its church is becoming exiled, or put aside in the midst of secular and un-Godly times. He describes the two main stories of Daniel and he has plentiful documentation listed from contemporary sources plus biblical chapter and verse. Daniel, a favorite of Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar, interprets dreams and predicts future events. The king throws Daniel into the lions' den to test Daniel's faith. God closes the mouths of the lions and preserves Daniel's life. The story of Daniel's friends and their rescue from the fiery pit also shows faith in the face of fear.

Faith in God through Christian means is the central focus of this book. The table of contents has snappy chapter headings such as "The Lion King" and "Burnin' Love." There is a question and answer section where the author seems to interview himself with a bit of humor. However, there is also serious scholarship. He uses multiple biblical translations such as ESV (English Standard Version), NIV (New International Version) and HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible). Daniel and his friends are put to the test through the scorn of heaven and they emerge unscathed.

The Derision of Heaven: A Guide to Daniel discusses people’s degrading faith in Christianity in America. Author Michael Whitworth sheds light on this matter through two imperative and thought-provoking questions: first, how can this matter be dealt with; second, is God still in control and aware of this alarming degradation of belief?

Considering how this affects our lives in the present age, Michael Whitworth raises important questions that could not come at a better time. He views Christianity in America as a religion that is losing its influence, with the alarming fact that one in five Americans claim they have no religious attachment at all. However, Whitworth stresses the thing that alarms him the most is the response of the church toward this matter.

This leads to a thorough examination of the use of power in accordance with God’s rules. In Whitworth’s own words, “The church will always need bold and faithful leadership. If we are to fill such roles, let us not only commit ourselves to God’s unmerited blessing, but also to the disciplines of prayer and Bible study.” Personally, I think the threat comes from the general modern tendency to view Christianity as an old doctrine -- modern generations are more inclined to latch onto the latest principle that will benefit their lives instantly.

Overall, this is a splendid piece of writing. It is unquestionable to give the highest recommendation to a topic of the greatest importance and with an outstanding presentation.