Ben Daniel

Grace Over Guns: Pursuing Peace in a Militarized World (Herald Press, 2026)

“[A] timely manifesto…The author effectively balances his optimistic vision for a peaceful world with a clear-eyed look at how the church has historically aligned itself with empire in ways that contradict its foundational philosophy…Christian pacifists will find much to chew on here.” —Publishers Weekly (read the whole review here.)

Grace Over Guns emphasizes the transformational power of grace and nonviolent resistance, giving new insight into the impact of military spending and the physical and moral injury that is inflicted by prioritizing violence over social welfare.” —Sherry Simon, former national chair of Pax Christi USA

This book is a call to courage, conscience, and compassion—an invitation to choose the way of Christlike peace in a world that desperately needs it. —From the back cover.

Neighbor: Christian Encounters with “Illegal” Immigration (Westminster John Knox, 2010)

“Daniel is successful in his purpose; he aims to not only to open the Christian reader’s mind to the plight of the immigrant, but also to open the reader’s heart to the immigrant herself. In a context in which immigrant issues are hotly debated on a macro level, it is refreshing to hear a voice that examines the historical and political conundrums of illegal immigration through the lens of human dignity and a practical love for others who are, in fact, our neighbors.”—Gabriela Worrel, ForeWord Reviews (Read the full review here.)

A clear writer with a flair for journalism, Daniel goes beyond the spiritual arguments calling Christians to welcome the stranger, and takes to the road–interviewing a California Democratic congresswoman and a U.S. district judge from New Mexico along the way. A fluent Spanish speaker who has been on the front lines of the immigration issue since he was a teen, Daniel is fully invested in helping Hispanics find a future of life, liberty, and happiness on both sides of the border…This volume may strike a resonant note among people previously unmotivated to protest the issue.”–Publishers Weekly (Read the full review here.)

The Search for Truth About Islam: A Christian Pastor Separates Fact from Fiction (Westminster John Knox, 2013)

“Those looking for a basic introduction and a refutation of common stereotypes will welcome Daniel’s straightforward prose and friendly, approachable tone.”
—Publishers Weekly (Read the full review here.)

“American readers would do well to join Ben Daniel on his journeys visiting Muslims here in the U.S. and those in the Middle East. This devoted Presbyterian minister confronts history and myth; he guides us through enlightening readings of the Qur’an and the Bible. The Search for Truth about Islam gives us hope for making peace.”
—Maxine Hong Kingston, author of The Fifth Book of Peace and editor of Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace

“If you want to know the truth about Islam, be you Christian, Muslim or something else altogether, read this book. Daniel is more than just a Christian pastor counseling on 9/11. He is a brave, spiritual journeyman with a mighty pen.”
—Asma Gull Hasan, author of Red, White, and Muslim: My Story of Belief and American Muslims: The New Generation

“A beautifully written corrective to fears about Islam. This book deserves wide readership among Christians and Muslims.”
—J. Philip Wogaman, former Professor of Christian Ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary, and author of Christian Ethics, Second Edition: A Historical Introduction

Thoughtful Christianity: Faith and Action in the Way of Jesus (Westminster John Knox, 2015)

“Rich in memorable (and preachable!) anecdotes and intriguing interconnections. Thoughtful Christianity weaves history, personal observation, and insightful reflections into an emerging survey of faith in action. Daniel’s vibrant descriptions of events, personalities, and the impact they’ve had on his journey invite the reader to see the many ways that they, too, can be more thoughtful followers of Jesus.” —David Felton, coauthor of Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity

“I hope this book finds its way into adult education classes, book clubs, and bookstore displays everywhere. Daniel reminds us how Christian faith has evolved in response to scientific, political, and social change, and what it means to love God with our whole minds. Daniel encourages thoughtfulness without intellectual partisanship, faith that embraces the world with curiosity, and hearts open to the poor, to the oppressed and even to our political adversaries.” —Marilyn McEntyre, author of Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies, and What’s in a Phrase