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Mysteries of the First Instant: Illuminating What Science Hasn’t Answered about the Inception of Our Universe
Is it possible to combine faith and science to fully understand the beginning of the universe and the origins of time and space?
Scientific discovery and the Big Bang theory go into exquisite detail about the development of the universe after that first instant, but we remain in the dark about how it all began.
Or do we?
Join the authors in a riveting exploration of science’s latest advancements in cosmology, and the Bible’s esoteric dimension, which teaches the deepest cosmological insights into the fundamental workings of the universe. Read Mysteries of the First Instant and find answers to what has eluded science about the origins of time, space, elementary particles, the laws of physics, and the birth of the universe.
- what came before the Big Bang
- what happened in the first instant of the universe’s existence
- the link between science’s 13.8 billion-year timeline and the six-day creation account
- the beginning and nature of space
- the beginning, nature, and direction of time
- elementary particles—the basic building blocks of everything
- the spooky behavior of the microscopic world and how quantum mechanics gives rise to our reality
- the forces of nature and Einstein’s relativity
- what undiscovered particles dark matter is made of
- whether the universe will continue to expand
- how and why the parameters of the universe are fine-tuned for life to exist
Daniel Friedmann P.Eng., M.A.Sc., a Readers' Favorite 2013 International Book Award Winner, studies the origin of the universe and life on earth from both the scientific and biblical perspectives. His work on reconciling the biblical account with scientific observation utilizing his biblical clock formula has been reported in conferences, various newspapers, magazines, television and radio talk shows.
Mysteries of the First Instant is a fascinating and entertaining read, digging deep into the universe’s beginning to solve its well-kept mysteries. No scientific or biblical background required. Order your copy today.
Scientific discovery and the Big Bang theory go into exquisite detail about the development of the universe after that first instant, but we remain in the dark about how it all began.
Or do we?
Join the authors in a riveting exploration of science’s latest advancements in cosmology, and the Bible’s esoteric dimension, which teaches the deepest cosmological insights into the fundamental workings of the universe. Read Mysteries of the First Instant and find answers to what has eluded science about the origins of time, space, elementary particles, the laws of physics, and the birth of the universe.
- what came before the Big Bang
- what happened in the first instant of the universe’s existence
- the link between science’s 13.8 billion-year timeline and the six-day creation account
- the beginning and nature of space
- the beginning, nature, and direction of time
- elementary particles—the basic building blocks of everything
- the spooky behavior of the microscopic world and how quantum mechanics gives rise to our reality
- the forces of nature and Einstein’s relativity
- what undiscovered particles dark matter is made of
- whether the universe will continue to expand
- how and why the parameters of the universe are fine-tuned for life to exist
Daniel Friedmann P.Eng., M.A.Sc., a Readers' Favorite 2013 International Book Award Winner, studies the origin of the universe and life on earth from both the scientific and biblical perspectives. His work on reconciling the biblical account with scientific observation utilizing his biblical clock formula has been reported in conferences, various newspapers, magazines, television and radio talk shows.
Mysteries of the First Instant is a fascinating and entertaining read, digging deep into the universe’s beginning to solve its well-kept mysteries. No scientific or biblical background required. Order your copy today.
294 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2021
76 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 9, 2021
3.5 stars
April 25, 2021
I thought it is a Sci-fi engaging story with a good plot and character development. But these are the only two elements that were missing in the entire book. This book is a complete informative piece of work with time and relativity theories stated in a perfect way. It consists of answers to the situation of what was everything before the Big Bang Theory ever happened. More precisely what science do speak on these matters. Reading this book will surely clear all your doubts or the questions you have hold on in your brain regarding the creation of time and universe. But reading this book was not my cup of tea, because this is not my subject and most of the things were really difficult to get it. And it was a slow and lengthy read for me too honestly.
.
First of all, this book is not any literature genrebbased novel. Rather I will call this book as a farther research work based on universe creation theories and space science. It consist of detailed research work in the form of dialogues put on characters. In short, I will be mentioning some of the key features which actually describes the book.
- A complete research work on Space Science.
- Creation of Time.
- A Pure Non-fiction.
- Every Universe based Answers which science would explain.
- Universe before Big Bang Theory - information are conveyed to us in the form of question and answers between two characters.
.
I would recommend this book only to those all readers who love to read about space science and have a hunger to get the answers regarding the time and universe. For those readers particularly, you will enjoy it and find it interesting to read. I feel like the topic/theme on which the book is written is quite interesting but if the author would have written this in a story form then I would have enjoyed much!
2.34/5 stars 🌟
.
First of all, this book is not any literature genrebbased novel. Rather I will call this book as a farther research work based on universe creation theories and space science. It consist of detailed research work in the form of dialogues put on characters. In short, I will be mentioning some of the key features which actually describes the book.
- A complete research work on Space Science.
- Creation of Time.
- A Pure Non-fiction.
- Every Universe based Answers which science would explain.
- Universe before Big Bang Theory - information are conveyed to us in the form of question and answers between two characters.
.
I would recommend this book only to those all readers who love to read about space science and have a hunger to get the answers regarding the time and universe. For those readers particularly, you will enjoy it and find it interesting to read. I feel like the topic/theme on which the book is written is quite interesting but if the author would have written this in a story form then I would have enjoyed much!
2.34/5 stars 🌟
April 19, 2021
The book may be a wonderful book but not for me. I did not enjoy it. It was crammed deep with too much repetitious information. If you are a true academic, I’m sure you will find it lovely.
June 29, 2021
REVIEW BY AISHWARIYA JAYAKUMAR FOR THE BOOK MYSTERIES OF THE FIRST INSTANT
Illuminating What Science Hasn’t Answered about the Inception of Our Universe (Origins) By DANIEL FRIEDMANN with DANIA SHELDON
Redeeming the qualities of exploring the Universe with its existence and shrugging many mysterious and amazing facts that existed in nature has taken both enthusiastic individuals upon their feet to come up with the first instant.
Shoring up the scientific prospects and mystical interpretation of the origin of the Universe, the structure of the Universe and complete understanding of its compositions shows both the author’s arduous long-standing and natural presentation for their followers. However, comprehending many holy beliefs of the Universe and the cosmology analysis of time and space that constitute the elementary particles and fundamental forces available in nature through years of scientific studies and interest of many is a glowing attempt to compensate the human spirits. Numerous studies in the scientific field slip through the crack to enquire the process to collect factual information and revise new knowledge to establish time-line analysis is a solid subject in the book.
One cannot afford the uncertainty that comes along the topic to reconcile science and spiritual scriptures including material on the nature of God, the origin of the Universe, the nature of human souls. Sense of exploratory communication is meticulously highlighted in presenting all findings, and profound doctrines to drop a larger audience a line to all mysteries concerning all dimensional prospects administrated equally in addressing. Amplifying the in-depth research resources, illustrations, and all scientific studies relating theories and struggles to further prove when the Universe began with faith-based traditions is writers’ dexterous expertise to show the real possibilities in nature.
Scrupulously binding the scientific investigations and characters revolving around the illustrations as well as the questions to examine what Genesis describes is a process in which everything is planned and fine-tuned for existence and happened naturally in a cause-and-effect way is an interesting catch. Stretching eagerly on scientific discoveries to continue why the classical and quantum world don’t co-exist in single theory as no full scientific reasoning on the beginning of the universe, time and space provided to explore the nature of dark matter is wisdom to share as a result of well-researched investigations. Turning every foundering attempt to tap the subject with particular knowledge-based background is eliminated perfectly associating any questions of judgemental principle is irrelevant for anyone.
Although book lovers who seek strength and firmness through research-based studies and methodologies will acquire new learning, assimilations for spiritual dimensions and scriptures to shape the perspectives of individuals and be as right as rain visioning deep-rooted relevance and light for better living. To mend our fences on cultural and religious matters should assist our enriched minds with essential nutrients that we usually imbibe from education, science, and traditions to ambiguously embrace nature and its purpose divinely is well felt in this reading. Wisdom of the crowd clapping future discoveries and studies advancing any theories in the field should bring intellectual or faith-based resources to fade away tone-deaf qualities restricting our specifications as unity in diversity to blend at large. Generously viewing all individuals regardless of identity with blissful consideration and humility sensitive mindset helps to dismiss any barriers and stay unified with wholeness to one another in the healthy world. Stay one and stay healthy all...!!!
Aishwariya Jayakumar, Freelance writer
Illuminating What Science Hasn’t Answered about the Inception of Our Universe (Origins) By DANIEL FRIEDMANN with DANIA SHELDON
Redeeming the qualities of exploring the Universe with its existence and shrugging many mysterious and amazing facts that existed in nature has taken both enthusiastic individuals upon their feet to come up with the first instant.
Shoring up the scientific prospects and mystical interpretation of the origin of the Universe, the structure of the Universe and complete understanding of its compositions shows both the author’s arduous long-standing and natural presentation for their followers. However, comprehending many holy beliefs of the Universe and the cosmology analysis of time and space that constitute the elementary particles and fundamental forces available in nature through years of scientific studies and interest of many is a glowing attempt to compensate the human spirits. Numerous studies in the scientific field slip through the crack to enquire the process to collect factual information and revise new knowledge to establish time-line analysis is a solid subject in the book.
One cannot afford the uncertainty that comes along the topic to reconcile science and spiritual scriptures including material on the nature of God, the origin of the Universe, the nature of human souls. Sense of exploratory communication is meticulously highlighted in presenting all findings, and profound doctrines to drop a larger audience a line to all mysteries concerning all dimensional prospects administrated equally in addressing. Amplifying the in-depth research resources, illustrations, and all scientific studies relating theories and struggles to further prove when the Universe began with faith-based traditions is writers’ dexterous expertise to show the real possibilities in nature.
Scrupulously binding the scientific investigations and characters revolving around the illustrations as well as the questions to examine what Genesis describes is a process in which everything is planned and fine-tuned for existence and happened naturally in a cause-and-effect way is an interesting catch. Stretching eagerly on scientific discoveries to continue why the classical and quantum world don’t co-exist in single theory as no full scientific reasoning on the beginning of the universe, time and space provided to explore the nature of dark matter is wisdom to share as a result of well-researched investigations. Turning every foundering attempt to tap the subject with particular knowledge-based background is eliminated perfectly associating any questions of judgemental principle is irrelevant for anyone.
Although book lovers who seek strength and firmness through research-based studies and methodologies will acquire new learning, assimilations for spiritual dimensions and scriptures to shape the perspectives of individuals and be as right as rain visioning deep-rooted relevance and light for better living. To mend our fences on cultural and religious matters should assist our enriched minds with essential nutrients that we usually imbibe from education, science, and traditions to ambiguously embrace nature and its purpose divinely is well felt in this reading. Wisdom of the crowd clapping future discoveries and studies advancing any theories in the field should bring intellectual or faith-based resources to fade away tone-deaf qualities restricting our specifications as unity in diversity to blend at large. Generously viewing all individuals regardless of identity with blissful consideration and humility sensitive mindset helps to dismiss any barriers and stay unified with wholeness to one another in the healthy world. Stay one and stay healthy all...!!!
Aishwariya Jayakumar, Freelance writer
April 13, 2021
‘Behind nature there is complete unity – science continues to discover that unity’
Having read all four books of the INSPIRED STUDIES this reader felt it was helpful to review the credentials of author Daniel Friedmann, and that bears repeating: `Daniel Friedmann is a student of the origin of the universe and life on earth both from the scientific and biblical perspectives. As author of The Genesis One Code, he demonstrates an alignment between the times of key events described in the creation narrative in the book of Genesis with those derived from scientific theory and observation. He is currently writing a second book entitled Adam and the Homo sapiens which will demonstrate an alignment between the key events and timeline recounting the appearance of humans in the book of Genesis with those derived from the fossil record and genetic studies. Born in Chile and raised in Canada, he is currently CEO of Canada's leading aerospace company that built the Canadarms, and is involved in space exploration and the Hubble telescope. He is a professional engineer and holds a master's degree in engineering physics. He has 30 years' experience in the space industry, having worked on projects in fifteen countries while throughout the decades conducting extensive scientific research. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics and cosmology. He is also a longtime student of religion and for the past 14 years has attended the Vancouver Kollel center for learning. His work on reconciling the biblical account with scientific observation utilizing his biblical clock formula has been reported in various newspapers, magazines and radio talk shows. He is passionate about helping young adults put science and the Bible in correct context.'
The authors’ ORIGINS Series to date is comprised of IS THERE A BLUEPPRINT FOR THE UNIVERSE?, a brief but pungent ‘blueprint origin’ idea, and now MYSTERIES OF THE FIRST INSTANT. In an illuminating manner the fusion of science and faith is explored, revealing that ‘the esoteric dimension of biblical texts teaches the deepest cosmology and contains ultimate insights into the fundamental working of the universe.’
Opening our thought processes, Daniel states, ‘Science and the Bible tell us what happened after the first instant and agree that everything can be understood as occurring naturally; that is, there is a chain of events based on cause and effect, operating under the laws of nature. However, the Bible also tells us what happened at the first instant and why the universe has its particular characteristics. As you read this book, you’ll see what science has discovered about how the universe came to be, and what the Bible elucidates.’
In an accessible and well-illustrated and documented manner of presentation, this book poses answers that many have never considered. The journey of reading this superb book becomes a thought provoking experience unlike any other book. Very highly recommended.
Having read all four books of the INSPIRED STUDIES this reader felt it was helpful to review the credentials of author Daniel Friedmann, and that bears repeating: `Daniel Friedmann is a student of the origin of the universe and life on earth both from the scientific and biblical perspectives. As author of The Genesis One Code, he demonstrates an alignment between the times of key events described in the creation narrative in the book of Genesis with those derived from scientific theory and observation. He is currently writing a second book entitled Adam and the Homo sapiens which will demonstrate an alignment between the key events and timeline recounting the appearance of humans in the book of Genesis with those derived from the fossil record and genetic studies. Born in Chile and raised in Canada, he is currently CEO of Canada's leading aerospace company that built the Canadarms, and is involved in space exploration and the Hubble telescope. He is a professional engineer and holds a master's degree in engineering physics. He has 30 years' experience in the space industry, having worked on projects in fifteen countries while throughout the decades conducting extensive scientific research. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics and cosmology. He is also a longtime student of religion and for the past 14 years has attended the Vancouver Kollel center for learning. His work on reconciling the biblical account with scientific observation utilizing his biblical clock formula has been reported in various newspapers, magazines and radio talk shows. He is passionate about helping young adults put science and the Bible in correct context.'
The authors’ ORIGINS Series to date is comprised of IS THERE A BLUEPPRINT FOR THE UNIVERSE?, a brief but pungent ‘blueprint origin’ idea, and now MYSTERIES OF THE FIRST INSTANT. In an illuminating manner the fusion of science and faith is explored, revealing that ‘the esoteric dimension of biblical texts teaches the deepest cosmology and contains ultimate insights into the fundamental working of the universe.’
Opening our thought processes, Daniel states, ‘Science and the Bible tell us what happened after the first instant and agree that everything can be understood as occurring naturally; that is, there is a chain of events based on cause and effect, operating under the laws of nature. However, the Bible also tells us what happened at the first instant and why the universe has its particular characteristics. As you read this book, you’ll see what science has discovered about how the universe came to be, and what the Bible elucidates.’
In an accessible and well-illustrated and documented manner of presentation, this book poses answers that many have never considered. The journey of reading this superb book becomes a thought provoking experience unlike any other book. Very highly recommended.
July 9, 2023
Book Review: "Mysteries of the First Instant" by Daniel Friedmann
Rating: 4 out of 5
Review: Paulo Pereira
"Mysteries of the First Instant" by Daniel Friedmann is a thought-provoking exploration into the enigmatic origins of the universe. As an avid reader of science and cosmology, I was eagerly anticipating this book, and I must say that it did not disappoint. Friedmann's expertise as a physicist and an author shines through in his meticulous research and articulate writing style, making this a captivating and intellectually stimulating read.
The book delves deep into the mysteries surrounding the very beginning of our universe, presenting a comprehensive analysis of various scientific theories and discoveries. Friedmann skillfully navigates complex topics, such as the Big Bang, quantum mechanics, and the nature of time, distilling them into accessible explanations for readers of all backgrounds. His ability to explain intricate concepts in a clear and concise manner is commendable, making the book suitable for both experts and newcomers to the subject.
One of the standout aspects of "Mysteries of the First Instant" is Friedmann's unique perspective on the convergence of science and religion. He skillfully weaves together scientific theories and religious narratives, bridging the gap between these seemingly disparate realms. Friedmann's exploration of the interface between science and spirituality offers a fresh and intriguing perspective, encouraging readers to reflect on the deeper meaning of our existence.
Throughout the book, Friedmann presents compelling arguments and thought experiments that challenge conventional thinking. He encourages readers to question established scientific paradigms and consider alternative possibilities. This bold approach is both refreshing and intellectually stimulating, provoking readers to engage in their own critical thinking and exploration.
While "Mysteries of the First Instant" is undoubtedly a captivating and enlightening read, it is not without its complexities. At times, the book delves into highly technical and abstract concepts, which may prove challenging for readers without a solid scientific background. However, Friedmann's efforts to simplify these complex ideas are commendable, and with some patience and persistence, most readers will be able to grasp the key concepts presented.
In conclusion, "Mysteries of the First Instant" is a remarkable book that offers a unique and insightful exploration of the origins of the universe. Daniel Friedmann's expertise and passion for the subject shine through in his writing, making this an engaging and thought-provoking read. Whether you are a seasoned cosmologist or simply curious about the mysteries of our existence, this book is a worthwhile addition to your library.
May 17, 2021
"Mysteries of the First Instant" is a great little book that examines, well, the first instant after the big bang from a faith-based perspective. Specifically a mystical rabbinic Jewish perspective. The majority of the book is framed as a conversation between the author and his nephew as the author explains complex scientific subjects and how his studies of the Torah and related commentaries line up with what we've discovered. This was a great choice, and made complex topics engaging and at an accessible level (although the author feels the need to bookend the conversation at the end of every chapter with "okay I'm hungry now lets get food!" or "lets go surfing now!").
Really where the book shines is in its teaching of the evolution of scientific thought and mystical rabbinical thought regarding this "first instant." Explanations are very clean and often include a brief history of the lives of the people who made these discoveries. I learned quite a bit from these sections and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Where the book fails is in the conclusions it makes. Whereas the author takes great care to note how the understanding of science has evolved, when he makes claims about rabbinical interpretations, the thought process just isn't shown- it's just presented as fact. This is troubling as there is definitely disagreement in the community surrounding elements he makes the core of his arguments. For example, near the beginning he references a verse in the book of Kings that describes to dimensions of a circular pool. Calculating pi using those dimensions gives us "pi = 3." However, Hebrew characters each have a numerical value, and if you add up the value of each letter in said verse and divide it by some other number, you get 3.1415ish, something much closer to pi's actual value. Really interesting, right? Well a quick google search on this topic will tell you that at the time Kings was written, Hebrew characters hadn't been ascribed numeric values yet - and also, why are you adding/dividing those specific numbers? There's no direction that lead you to do that. This is no different than Charles Russel predicting the second coming using "biblical math" in 1916.
The author really latches onto this numeric value of words idea, and at one point explains that a certain Hebrew title of God has the same sum value as the Hebrew word for nature, thus we know that God is acting on the natural state of the universe whenever that title is used. Do I even have to explain how huge of a stretch that is? I'm sure I could find another Hebrew word with the same sum value (because these certainly aren't going to be exclusive) that is less flattering to this particular theory.
Confirmation bias hurts this book the most. It's not hard to make the case that this author wouldn't have approached any of the conclusions he had without already having an understanding of science. He claims rabbis have always known this stuff, but when he sites a rabbi who said the Earth was older than 5-6000 years, the Rabbi says 100k, which is still nowhere near the 13.7 billion the author postulates the Torah suggests.
Just a few examples of his claims that I just could not get behind. There are four characters in God's Hebrew name. Those four characters represent the four forces science has discovered. Because they do.
All the elementary particles in the universe are based on the 22 Hebrew characters (based on this theory, there are a few we haven't discovered yet). The entire universe is, in fact, structured around the Hebrew language. (this one bothers me the most. I just don't believe Hebrew is "the divine language," rather it's just another one. I think it has diagnosable flaws. I think his case would've been much much stronger if he was saying the Hebrew language was patterned after the structure of the universe, rather than the other way around.)
He explains that using calculations for God's time, we can find that the 7 days of creation actually took 13.7 billion years, but then he throws this away by saying "oh but the earth and sun and everything were just created in an instant and God made them look like they were actually that old." This point (which is only briefly mentioned) drove me crazy!
I could go on and on. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it! I thought it was fascinating. Just because you don't agree with the author's claims doesn't mean the book isn't worth reading. In the end, this is a well-researched book that explains itself well, but the conclusions leave more to be desired.
Really where the book shines is in its teaching of the evolution of scientific thought and mystical rabbinical thought regarding this "first instant." Explanations are very clean and often include a brief history of the lives of the people who made these discoveries. I learned quite a bit from these sections and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Where the book fails is in the conclusions it makes. Whereas the author takes great care to note how the understanding of science has evolved, when he makes claims about rabbinical interpretations, the thought process just isn't shown- it's just presented as fact. This is troubling as there is definitely disagreement in the community surrounding elements he makes the core of his arguments. For example, near the beginning he references a verse in the book of Kings that describes to dimensions of a circular pool. Calculating pi using those dimensions gives us "pi = 3." However, Hebrew characters each have a numerical value, and if you add up the value of each letter in said verse and divide it by some other number, you get 3.1415ish, something much closer to pi's actual value. Really interesting, right? Well a quick google search on this topic will tell you that at the time Kings was written, Hebrew characters hadn't been ascribed numeric values yet - and also, why are you adding/dividing those specific numbers? There's no direction that lead you to do that. This is no different than Charles Russel predicting the second coming using "biblical math" in 1916.
The author really latches onto this numeric value of words idea, and at one point explains that a certain Hebrew title of God has the same sum value as the Hebrew word for nature, thus we know that God is acting on the natural state of the universe whenever that title is used. Do I even have to explain how huge of a stretch that is? I'm sure I could find another Hebrew word with the same sum value (because these certainly aren't going to be exclusive) that is less flattering to this particular theory.
Confirmation bias hurts this book the most. It's not hard to make the case that this author wouldn't have approached any of the conclusions he had without already having an understanding of science. He claims rabbis have always known this stuff, but when he sites a rabbi who said the Earth was older than 5-6000 years, the Rabbi says 100k, which is still nowhere near the 13.7 billion the author postulates the Torah suggests.
Just a few examples of his claims that I just could not get behind. There are four characters in God's Hebrew name. Those four characters represent the four forces science has discovered. Because they do.
All the elementary particles in the universe are based on the 22 Hebrew characters (based on this theory, there are a few we haven't discovered yet). The entire universe is, in fact, structured around the Hebrew language. (this one bothers me the most. I just don't believe Hebrew is "the divine language," rather it's just another one. I think it has diagnosable flaws. I think his case would've been much much stronger if he was saying the Hebrew language was patterned after the structure of the universe, rather than the other way around.)
He explains that using calculations for God's time, we can find that the 7 days of creation actually took 13.7 billion years, but then he throws this away by saying "oh but the earth and sun and everything were just created in an instant and God made them look like they were actually that old." This point (which is only briefly mentioned) drove me crazy!
I could go on and on. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it! I thought it was fascinating. Just because you don't agree with the author's claims doesn't mean the book isn't worth reading. In the end, this is a well-researched book that explains itself well, but the conclusions leave more to be desired.
May 4, 2021
As someone not convinced by any major religion, I don't agree with the ideas put forth in this book. I believe it is an exercise in confirmation bias, and the author is finding patterns where there may be none. Mankind is very good at rationalising, and if you start out presupposing the Bible is God's word then you can dig for long enough and find patterns that match scientific findings.
However, if you already are a creationist, you will find this book interesting. It gets very technical in some areas, however, what I liked about this book is the way it's structured - around conversations the author has with his nephew Seb on their vacation.
Some of the conversations start with a history lesson - in one case, about the Lego company. Another story features Alexander Friedmann and his interaction with Einstein.
There's some excellent foundational knowledge on particles, particle properties and time, however, it is not a field I have studied.
According to the book, while science has discovered what happened with the universe starting with the big bang, religion, particularly the Bible, has something to say about the first instant.
I'd give the book 2 out of 4 stars.
However, if you already are a creationist, you will find this book interesting. It gets very technical in some areas, however, what I liked about this book is the way it's structured - around conversations the author has with his nephew Seb on their vacation.
Some of the conversations start with a history lesson - in one case, about the Lego company. Another story features Alexander Friedmann and his interaction with Einstein.
There's some excellent foundational knowledge on particles, particle properties and time, however, it is not a field I have studied.
According to the book, while science has discovered what happened with the universe starting with the big bang, religion, particularly the Bible, has something to say about the first instant.
I'd give the book 2 out of 4 stars.
May 28, 2021
This is a book comparing or joining science and biblical texts. For myself there were some interesting concepts but so many times the information was repeated. Personally I found the book was difficult to read because of the repetition. I found when discussing this book with others they were very divided either toward the Bible or scientific aspects. To me it was not something that lit my mind on fire.
June 25, 2021
This books is not my type. I rate it 1 ⭐ cause the elements stated in the book is something which I don't like at all. But not necessary that this book is a bad one. If you are a science student or you love science or wanna be space scientist , then just go for this book! It clearly states how universe is formed and everything about time and space (not via any story) .
October 24, 2024
In Mysteries of the First Instant: Illuminating What Science Hasn’t Answered about the Inception of Our Universe by Daniel Friedmann with Diana Sheldon, the author attempts to answer a question we have all thought about in our high school science class: How did all the matter in the universe come into existence? Friedmann uses both his experience as a NASA engineer combined with his careful study of the Torah and Kabbalah to try to answer this big question.
Friedmann makes use of awkward, inhuman conversations with his nephew to explain the basics of both science and faith. While he does make many unifying connections between the two opposite seeming subjects, he fails to shed any new light on the big question. He relies on descriptions from the biblical texts, and his attempt to transform it into a practical theory comes up lacking.
The author also changes and returns to subjects throughout the book, specifically with putting summaries of each topic at the end of the book instead of at the end of the discussed topic. This made it hard to retain the information as the reader’s mind had to move from each topic in quick succession. At the same time, a lot of information seemed repetitive, causing the reader to wonder on the point of the summaries at all.
That isn’t to say this is a terrible book though. While the conversation with his nephew came across as feigned, it is easy for the reader to insert themselves and listen to a man simplify the sciences into something more digestible. It was slow to get through only because every chapter gave way to pause and ponder. It gives the feeling of an enjoyable textbook; hard to read in one sitting, yet packed full of information that will leave the reader more understanding than before.
It was also interesting to see the overlap between science and what is said in the Torah and Kabbalah, as it is rare to hear of those two subjects agreeing with each other. It could be argued that Friedmann made a circus act out of the math, however the connections were interesting all the same. I find myself bringing this book up among friends and it has helped in my understanding of the science presented.
I am rating this book 3 out of 5 stars, as it is a very well edited book. While there is a lot of good information and interesting connections, the repetitiveness of the material at times coupled with the lack of any true insight to our big question causes the book to fall short.
I recommend Mysteries of the First Instant to anyone who struggles to unify science and religion, as the connections made here are unique to the base rhetoric we are constantly subject to. To truly appreciate this book, I would also recommend some understanding of the Jewish faith, and/or the mechanics of space and time.
Friedmann makes use of awkward, inhuman conversations with his nephew to explain the basics of both science and faith. While he does make many unifying connections between the two opposite seeming subjects, he fails to shed any new light on the big question. He relies on descriptions from the biblical texts, and his attempt to transform it into a practical theory comes up lacking.
The author also changes and returns to subjects throughout the book, specifically with putting summaries of each topic at the end of the book instead of at the end of the discussed topic. This made it hard to retain the information as the reader’s mind had to move from each topic in quick succession. At the same time, a lot of information seemed repetitive, causing the reader to wonder on the point of the summaries at all.
That isn’t to say this is a terrible book though. While the conversation with his nephew came across as feigned, it is easy for the reader to insert themselves and listen to a man simplify the sciences into something more digestible. It was slow to get through only because every chapter gave way to pause and ponder. It gives the feeling of an enjoyable textbook; hard to read in one sitting, yet packed full of information that will leave the reader more understanding than before.
It was also interesting to see the overlap between science and what is said in the Torah and Kabbalah, as it is rare to hear of those two subjects agreeing with each other. It could be argued that Friedmann made a circus act out of the math, however the connections were interesting all the same. I find myself bringing this book up among friends and it has helped in my understanding of the science presented.
I am rating this book 3 out of 5 stars, as it is a very well edited book. While there is a lot of good information and interesting connections, the repetitiveness of the material at times coupled with the lack of any true insight to our big question causes the book to fall short.
I recommend Mysteries of the First Instant to anyone who struggles to unify science and religion, as the connections made here are unique to the base rhetoric we are constantly subject to. To truly appreciate this book, I would also recommend some understanding of the Jewish faith, and/or the mechanics of space and time.
January 13, 2022
Mysteries of the First Instant: Illuminating What Science Hasn't Answered about the Inception of Our Universe by Daniel Friedmann with Dania Sheldon is a book from the Origins Series. There are many questions and answers about space science and creation theory. Daniel Friedmann offers a look at what each approach looks like from parallel views and examined side by side.
Have you ever wondered how science and faith each work in describing how the universe began? Now, take that information and go back to the very beginning of time. Then, go back one instant further. Daniel Friedmann and Dania Sheldon show how each theory works individually and then answer how both work together. The characters help you understand the chain of events that formed the universe and then take you one step earlier to understand what happened the instant before the big bang. You may find that this thought-provoking book will answer your questions and show you the possibilities of our fascinating existence.
Daniel Friedmann took a very extensive topic that could have easily read as an educational textbook. However, the simple addition of adding the two characters with a plotline changed the reading for me. I enjoyed this book. However, I was a bit skeptical that I would understand the complexity of the information. I was pleased to find that I understood the content much easier because of the characters in the storyline.
The author took a highly informational topic and broke it down into manageable segments that were easy to understand. I had to be very consistent while reading. If I didn't read every day, I found that I would fall behind and would have to read previous chapters again. The book covers a great deal of data on the science of space. It could be overwhelming at times. The author would use these opportunities to reflect on previous text to help build on the next point. The author also covered the creation theory with the same thoroughness. Daniel Friedmann showed no bias in his research of religions. Both approaches are written and researched insightfully. I found that the further I read, the more it held my attention. Readers that have an interest in the science of space and creation theory will grasp this with anticipation.
The correlation between space science and creation theory was fascinating. Because of that, I enjoyed it very much. The author did a great job with this book! I look forward to the next book in the series.
Have you ever wondered how science and faith each work in describing how the universe began? Now, take that information and go back to the very beginning of time. Then, go back one instant further. Daniel Friedmann and Dania Sheldon show how each theory works individually and then answer how both work together. The characters help you understand the chain of events that formed the universe and then take you one step earlier to understand what happened the instant before the big bang. You may find that this thought-provoking book will answer your questions and show you the possibilities of our fascinating existence.
Daniel Friedmann took a very extensive topic that could have easily read as an educational textbook. However, the simple addition of adding the two characters with a plotline changed the reading for me. I enjoyed this book. However, I was a bit skeptical that I would understand the complexity of the information. I was pleased to find that I understood the content much easier because of the characters in the storyline.
The author took a highly informational topic and broke it down into manageable segments that were easy to understand. I had to be very consistent while reading. If I didn't read every day, I found that I would fall behind and would have to read previous chapters again. The book covers a great deal of data on the science of space. It could be overwhelming at times. The author would use these opportunities to reflect on previous text to help build on the next point. The author also covered the creation theory with the same thoroughness. Daniel Friedmann showed no bias in his research of religions. Both approaches are written and researched insightfully. I found that the further I read, the more it held my attention. Readers that have an interest in the science of space and creation theory will grasp this with anticipation.
The correlation between space science and creation theory was fascinating. Because of that, I enjoyed it very much. The author did a great job with this book! I look forward to the next book in the series.
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