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Were the heavens and the earth created 6,000 years ago, as the Bible suggests? Or did the universe expand into existence nearly 14 billion years ago from a spontaneous "Big Bang"? Both dates cannot be right - or can they? Imagine that there were some medieval manuscripts, written eight hundred years ago, that could help us decipher Genesis to pinpoint exactly when the universe began, as identified by our most up-to-date cosmological theories. Further, suppose that these same manuscripts could help us extract from Genesis the timelines for the development of life on Earth, precisely as identified by the latest scientific evidence from the fossil record. The Genesis One Code offers a careful examination of the relationship between scientific theory and biblical teaching. The book targets the origins debate from a fresh perspective informed by scientific and spiritual research. This exploration demonstrates an alignment between the dates of key events described in Genesis 1 and 2 with those derived from scientific theory and observation. This alignment provides a compelling perspective deserving of thoughtful consideration.… (more)
User reviews
“Following scientific observation, the results can be organized, summarized, and applied to develop and test theories,” says the author, describing an objective approach to science. By contrast, while “not primarily intended as a science textbook, the Torah... is the blueprint of the universe and for humankind’s existence from a faith-based perspective...” Thus “key facts... must be equal.” So what about those different ages of the universe?
The author convincingly argues from relativity (a topic I've enjoyed) how different observers might measure time differently, so different measurements can still mean the same. But, he points out, the argument is not new. The first person to suggest the universe might be billions of year old lived in medieval times.
The book is well-ordered, with clear headings and a similarly clear direction, making it easy for readers familiar with part of the argument to skip ahead, while others can enjoy an eminently readable explanation of current and historic theory. Well-drawn tables and visual illustrations clarify history, science and faith. And the rich symbolism of the ancient Hebrew text is truly fascinating. Jewish sources are used to tell, for example, the exact time of Adam and Eve’s sin, thus helping establish the human-time of their existence. Complex commentaries are nicely explained, and an intriguing blend of mystical interpretation with scientific accuracy leads to some truly astounding conclusions.
“The Torah speaks in the language of men,” but it does not speak in analogies, and so each word matters more, not less, and a day of creation is not a word for something else, it’s a “creation day,” says the author. The numbers are fascinating, and their explanations truly intriguing. Extensive references, from science, history and faith, make the whole book enormously impressive.
Part of what I enjoyed most is the presence of historical mysticism in the mix, carefully explained and analyzed. It results in a description of Adam and Eve that’s not quite the same as I’ve imagined; and even a mystically scientific explanation of mass extinctions. By the end of this book I have much to think about, and I’m well reminded, my thoughts are quite small. I don’t usually enjoy “religious code” books, this one is truly fascinating and highly recommended!
Disclosure: It was free and I couldn’t resist.