Do Not Bow Down

Lessons in resistance from the book of Daniel

In an age when autocrats set the agenda, outright lies pass for truth, and human dignity is trampled underfoot, holding fast to core convictions is more important than ever. In Do Not Bow Down, Ad van Nieuwpoort—a beloved Dutch pastor and public theologian—shows how the biblical book of Daniel offers powerful lessons in resilience and resistance. 

As he recounts how Daniel stood up to a tyrannical regime, van Nieuwpoort offers clear takeaways for today’s readers: stay vigilant, have courage, fear not, and more. He also brings in modern voices of conscience—Timothy Snyder, Alexei Navalny, Václav Havel, and others—that complement and illuminate Daniel’s example.

Through eight concise, compelling lessons, this book reminds us that individual choices matter and resistance is possible. For anyone unsettled by our times, Do Not Bow Down is both a source of encouragement and a call to action.