Review of The Biblical Clock
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Review of The Biblical Clock
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Biblical Clock" by Daniel Friedmann and Dania Sheldon.]
“We are like dwarfs standing upon the shoulders of giants, and so able to see more and see farther than the ancients.” – Bernard of Chartres, circa 1130
Centuries ago, prior to modern science or technology, there were sages which proclaimed strange phenomenon expressed through the oral tradition of their faith. When society balked at the findings of mathematicians and scientists, they nonetheless boldly expressed their findings. In The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God’s Plan, Daniel Friedmann with Dania Sheldon stand upon these giants’ shoulders to examine mankind’s purpose, our beginning and our trajectory into the future.
The modern era has caused those with Jewish or Judeo-Christian faith to shoulder the task of reconciling interpretation of Scripture with that of what modern thought and science has exposed. Literal understanding of concepts brought forth from Genesis seem no longer palatable. In The Biblical Clock, Friedmann sets forth findings from his study of the creation narrative that rectify these two seemingly opposing world views. He uncovers ancient teachings and writings which revealed centuries ago that our world was much older than society believed, and our universe was not static but expanding.
The Biblical Clock is broken into three clearly defined sections. First, a timeline of the Big Bang and of evolution coinciding and not arguing with the Genesis creation narrative. Second, the Torah’s patterns and prophecy that lend toward understanding where mankind is headed. And third, a narrative as to how the “End of Days” may potentially take place given specific parameters set out in the second section of patterns and prophecy.
This book reads as a roadmap of Friedmann’s exegetical study of the Torah through analysis of the Talmud and writings of mystics and sages throughout Jewish history. Yet, it is not inaccessible for those of different backgrounds or beliefs. It is appropriate for readers, atheists and agnostics audiences included, who may appreciate how an intellectual and scientific mind in the 21st century could attempt to rectify their faith with that of science. It appears Friedmann has shown one way in which this can be done given his beliefs and extensive knowledge of the scientific world. He outlines how the narrative contained within the first few chapters of Genesis are not less plausible in our era of scientific discovery and thought, but even more clearly understood. The modern vantage point of natural truths show evidence that back up what many believed to have been written there from the beginning.
I give The Biblical Clock a 4 out of 4 stars as I believe Friedmann made a clear case as to how he could profess faith in both his religion and in modern findings of the natural universe. This rating comes with a specific caveat however, that the reader must get on board with the book’s dynamic and unusual tone. Parts of this book can be slightly puzzling if one is not prepared. It has historical fiction chapter introductions mixed with straight forward, fact-based scientific, mathematical and faith themed endings. This is then mixed further with a science-fiction chapter thrown in the middle as a hypothetical scenario as to what the patterns and prophecy lend toward. For this reason, the reader must be warned, it is unconventional in its format. To the author’s credit, he recognizes this and readily points it out. However, as strange as the structure is, it lends itself to understand the way in which Friedmann decodes and formulates his beliefs which in turn assists the reader in determining if this exegetical examination is one they could personally subscribe to.
Mounted upon scientific and religious shoulders, Daniel Friedmann tells us clearly what he sees from his unique vantage point.
******
The Biblical Clock
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
“We are like dwarfs standing upon the shoulders of giants, and so able to see more and see farther than the ancients.” – Bernard of Chartres, circa 1130
Centuries ago, prior to modern science or technology, there were sages which proclaimed strange phenomenon expressed through the oral tradition of their faith. When society balked at the findings of mathematicians and scientists, they nonetheless boldly expressed their findings. In The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God’s Plan, Daniel Friedmann with Dania Sheldon stand upon these giants’ shoulders to examine mankind’s purpose, our beginning and our trajectory into the future.
The modern era has caused those with Jewish or Judeo-Christian faith to shoulder the task of reconciling interpretation of Scripture with that of what modern thought and science has exposed. Literal understanding of concepts brought forth from Genesis seem no longer palatable. In The Biblical Clock, Friedmann sets forth findings from his study of the creation narrative that rectify these two seemingly opposing world views. He uncovers ancient teachings and writings which revealed centuries ago that our world was much older than society believed, and our universe was not static but expanding.
The Biblical Clock is broken into three clearly defined sections. First, a timeline of the Big Bang and of evolution coinciding and not arguing with the Genesis creation narrative. Second, the Torah’s patterns and prophecy that lend toward understanding where mankind is headed. And third, a narrative as to how the “End of Days” may potentially take place given specific parameters set out in the second section of patterns and prophecy.
This book reads as a roadmap of Friedmann’s exegetical study of the Torah through analysis of the Talmud and writings of mystics and sages throughout Jewish history. Yet, it is not inaccessible for those of different backgrounds or beliefs. It is appropriate for readers, atheists and agnostics audiences included, who may appreciate how an intellectual and scientific mind in the 21st century could attempt to rectify their faith with that of science. It appears Friedmann has shown one way in which this can be done given his beliefs and extensive knowledge of the scientific world. He outlines how the narrative contained within the first few chapters of Genesis are not less plausible in our era of scientific discovery and thought, but even more clearly understood. The modern vantage point of natural truths show evidence that back up what many believed to have been written there from the beginning.
I give The Biblical Clock a 4 out of 4 stars as I believe Friedmann made a clear case as to how he could profess faith in both his religion and in modern findings of the natural universe. This rating comes with a specific caveat however, that the reader must get on board with the book’s dynamic and unusual tone. Parts of this book can be slightly puzzling if one is not prepared. It has historical fiction chapter introductions mixed with straight forward, fact-based scientific, mathematical and faith themed endings. This is then mixed further with a science-fiction chapter thrown in the middle as a hypothetical scenario as to what the patterns and prophecy lend toward. For this reason, the reader must be warned, it is unconventional in its format. To the author’s credit, he recognizes this and readily points it out. However, as strange as the structure is, it lends itself to understand the way in which Friedmann decodes and formulates his beliefs which in turn assists the reader in determining if this exegetical examination is one they could personally subscribe to.
Mounted upon scientific and religious shoulders, Daniel Friedmann tells us clearly what he sees from his unique vantage point.
******
The Biblical Clock
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Operation Olive Tree by Jemil Metti
