Daniel standing up to King Nebuchadnezzar defending his decision not to bow or worship before anyone or anything other than Yahweh is a classic example of someone who is convinced of his or her own principles and totally unyielding - come what may!
Unfortunately while this can be interpreted as faith and devotion and conviction, the same can also be read as fanaticism or stubbornness! Same tenacity, same vigour, same passion! Very difficult to decide, at least in the first encounter.
Nonetheless, it is these very senseless, totally irrational and reckless convictions, decisions and actions that are qualified as faith. Every religion has these. From a rational point of view, these are senseless and utterly nonsensical. Yet for the one who sees with the eyes of faith, they are heroic.
But I think it is important to note that Daniel did not have faith "if" God saved him! He had faith! That's it. There was no test or condition for having faith! Just like rationality relies on reason, faith relies on God. Both have a foundation, a launching pad - something that cannot itself be brought to question, lest we never proceed.
Unfortunately while this can be interpreted as faith and devotion and conviction, the same can also be read as fanaticism or stubbornness! Same tenacity, same vigour, same passion! Very difficult to decide, at least in the first encounter.
Nonetheless, it is these very senseless, totally irrational and reckless convictions, decisions and actions that are qualified as faith. Every religion has these. From a rational point of view, these are senseless and utterly nonsensical. Yet for the one who sees with the eyes of faith, they are heroic.
But I think it is important to note that Daniel did not have faith "if" God saved him! He had faith! That's it. There was no test or condition for having faith! Just like rationality relies on reason, faith relies on God. Both have a foundation, a launching pad - something that cannot itself be brought to question, lest we never proceed.
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