Can faith and science ever be brought into alignment? More specifically, can the Biblical 6,000 year timeline of creation ever to brought into alignment with science’s 13.5 billion years? This is the question Daniel Friedmann poses in The Genesis One Code, a book that makes no attempt to discredit faith or science, but looks clearly and faithfully at both.

“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. ( )