Title: Discernment from Daniel
Author: Bernie L. Calaway
Publisher: Authors Press
ISBN: 978-1643144689
Pages: 240
Genre: Non-Fiction/ Spirituality
Reviewed by: Tony Espinoza
Pacific Book Review
One cornerstone of most faiths and belief systems not only in our modern world, but throughout human history, has been the prophecies that define the future of mankind through faith. Whether it is an apocalyptic nightmare come to life, or a brilliant kaleidoscope of light and purity in some heavenly state, prophecies have been around since the dawn of time, and have played a large role not only in faith, but in society as a whole. Yet with prophecy comes power and sometimes, even falsehoods, as time goes on. As Eric Hoffer once said, “Those in possession of absolute power can not only prophesy and make their prophecies come true, but they can also lie and make their lies come true.”
In author Bernie L. Calaway’s Discernment from Daniel, the author explores the history, culture, and religious context surrounding the Christian prophet and religious leader known as Daniel. Painting a vivid image of the leader’s life from the earliest tragedies which defined his childhood, to the rise from slavery into statesman and even religious leader, the author explores the truth and beliefs surrounding the prophet’s visions and prophecies, and infuses humor, poetry, and a thorough index and appendices for the reader to delve into for both entertainment and study.
Truly mind-blowing and engaging to say the least. This book does an incredible job of balancing researchable and verified history with the author’s particular beliefs and faith, creating a unique reading experience for all types of readers. The early look at Daniel’s heart pounding discovery of the soldiers who invaded his home and turned him into a slave will instantly create a shocking sense of reality of those moments in history and the horrors of ethnic cleansing that have existed throughout history. The vivid imagery that the author’s research paints in the reader’s mind feels like it could easily play out as a heart-pounding drama on the HISTORY channel, and the introspective looks into how the history ties into the author’s beliefs was fascinating to see unfold.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy religious-based non-fiction reads, especially those that touch upon history with a twist of spirituality and studies of ancient prophecies made throughout human history. I did find the history and cultural exploration that the author employed here in this book to be thought-provoking and engaging, as I am a longtime fan of history and coming to understand how various cultures have risen over the years.
A powerful, insightful, and entertaining book, author Bernie L. Calaway’s Discernment from Daniel is a refreshing new take on the non-fiction and spiritual book genre. The realism and research the author delves into throughout this narrative are beautifully broken up with personal anecdotes, poetry, and a splash of humor that helps balance out the emotional core of this faith-based history journey.