Christians in Babylon

December 15, 2006

Christians in Babylon
by John Fischer

One of the most well-known Bible stories – right up there with David and Goliath and Jonah and the whale – is the story of Daniel in the lion's den. It's the story of how Daniel gained favor within the upper echelons of the Babylonian Empire during a time when the Jewish nation was disbanded and in exile in that state. Like Joseph, who rose to a place of prominence in Egypt , God blessed Daniel and his three Jewish friends with him and gave them favor and responsibility in the king's court. The king was so fond of Daniel that he was distraught over having to punish him due to his refusal to bow to the Babylonian god. Daniel's usefulness to the king made his refusal to bow even more stunning.

Our mark as Christians in the world will be more compelling and effective the more useful we are to society. Lined up against society and locked in a culture war that sets us apart makes us that much easier to dismiss along with our beliefs. But as Christians who are contributors to the social fabric, we become an asset to the community, making our faith that much more attractive. At least our faith stands a better chance of being rejected for what it truly is rather than for other reasons.

The biblical account says, “God gave [Daniel and his three friends] knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning … In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them 10 times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.” (Daniel 1:17, 20) In other words, they knew everything their contemporaries knew and then some.

They knew more about Babylon than Babylonians and, remarkably, God gave them that kind of knowledge. God is not opposed to our being informed about the world we live in – its culture, history, philosophy, science, and its religions. In fact, that knowledge becomes an important part of how he wants to use us in the world.

Daniel served the king short of bowing to him. He refused to give him honor due only to God, but he gave him all the respect due a king. Likewise, we need to take the high road in our neighborhoods and communities and not get locked into mud wrestling over differing values and morals. Respecting others goes hand in hand with the Gospel message. Our neighbors deserve both.

“You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbor …” (Matthew 22:37-39)