Review by melissy370 -- Roadmap to the End of Days

melissy370 · Post by **melissy370** » 01 Feb 2018, 10:56

[Following is a volunteer review of "Roadmap to the End of Days" by Daniel Friedmann.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Last days. Dooms day. End of the world. The end of the Age. These phrases represent when our world will end. Throughout history humanity has struggled to fathom the end times. Can we perceive what will transpire? When and where will it take place? Daniel Friedmann tackles this head on in the third instalment in his Inspired Studies Series titled Roadmap to the End Times. As a scientist and having studied in religion, Friedmann works to harmonize science with the biblical account. He states we can recognize how and when it will happen. We can even speed up the date. In this book he shows a blueprint for the universe and humankind’s existence. The Torah, which encompasses the Written Law and the Oral Law of Judaism is the key to unravelling this mystery. By using these manuscripts, the writer sets out a pattern that correlates biblical stories with events in history. If we know the past pattern, then figuring out the details of the future will be easier.

Friedmann covers a lot of ideas is this book. One of the most fascinating for me was how he reached a conclusion on a world ending date. There was a significant time spent developing this position. Most surprising was his usage of the creation story in getting the timetable. The author theorizes our end date to be around 2240 CE. The key word is “around” because since man possesses free will we may detain the incident by our decisions. We can advance it along by creating a more fitting world for God. We must recognize the time is near and work to present an environment for God to inhabit. Friedman ends with an outline of how we can quicken the coming of the last days.

The author provides a multitude of endnotes, appendixes and websites for further research on topics dealt with in the book. I appreciated this since I come from a Christian point of view and did not know much of the Oral Laws in Judaism. These extra research tools helped me fill in the gaps of my knowledge. The only drawback is I had to stop in the middle of a paragraph and go to a website or appendix which interrupted my reading the text.

Throughout the book I disagreed with Friedmann on theological issues. One example is in chapter 9. Here the author asserts "Adam and Eve went against their one commandment: not to eat fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil until the end of Day 6—instead, they ate three hours before the end of the day. Had they obeyed the commandment, Adam, and Eve would have given birth to the Messiah and ushered in the World to Come. But they failed to do the right thing during this critical period and as a consequence were expelled from the Garden of Eden, leading to our existence in this world." The Jewish view is that there will be two Messiahs. Messiah ben Joseph's role is of political and military nature and he will defend Israel against the forces of evil. Messiah ben David will come next and he will lead the world in justice and peace. Ben David will finish rebuilding the 3rd temple so that God can come once again to live among us. For me there seemed to be a hole in this logic. If Adam and Eve did not sin, then why the need of a Messiah? They already dwelt with God in the Garden of Eden. The Messiah would not be needed to bring us back to peace with God and men.

Even though I differed with Friedmann on many viewpoints, it did not prevent me from enjoying the book. The book deepened my knowledge of another view of God and humans. I give Roadmap to the End Times a 4 out of 4 stars. It was carefully researched and illuminating. This book would be good for anyone who wants to explore ideas of religion and are curious about the end times. This is not a book for anyone who prefers a light read. Friedmann goes in depth on many subjects and you will need extra concentration for the reading. If you put in the effort, you will not be disappointed.

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Roadmap to the End of Days
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Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 16 Feb 2018, 12:13

The book seems to be full of theological and scientific aspects. Adam and Eve disregarded God's commandments. Later on, though they apologized and their apology was accepted by God, but they were sent to the world for real exam.
Thanks for your critical and comprehensive review.
Feel free to check out my reviews.

Irene C · Post by **Irene C** » 18 Feb 2018, 14:57

I'm not sure what to make of this sort of non-fictional speculation book blending theology and science, but your review was a good guide. Thanks.

melissy370 · Post by **melissy370** » 18 Feb 2018, 15:05

Sarah Tariq wrote: ↑16 Feb 2018, 12:13 The book seems to be full of theological and scientific aspects. Adam and Eve disregarded God's commandments. Later on, though they apologized and their apology was accepted by God, but they were sent to the world for real exam.
Thanks for your critical and comprehensive review.
Feel free to check out my reviews.

Thanks for your comment. I will certainly look at some of your reviews.

melissy370 · Post by **melissy370** » 18 Feb 2018, 15:25

Irene C wrote: ↑18 Feb 2018, 14:57 I'm not sure what to make of this sort of non-fictional speculation book blending theology and science, but your review was a good guide. Thanks.

Freidmann has an unique point of view for sure. I am skeptical on some of them as well. The approach of how he presents his theories are excellent though. Thanks for your thoughts.

Jordan David · Post by **Chelsy Scherba** » 21 Feb 2018, 20:25

Very good and detailed review! I like your criticism of the author’s idea of Adam and Eve giving birth to the messiah. Perhaps he should have described it differently, because it does sound like a hole in the theology. I really loved this book though.

Dolor · Post by **Dolor** » 26 Feb 2018, 01:41

The Last days. Dooms day. End of the world. The end of the Age. These phrases represent when our world will end. Throughout history humanity has struggled to fathom the end times. Can we perceive what will transpire? When and where will it take place?

We may come from different religions (other than athiesm), but we are taught to prepare for this day, to do good, to attain eternal life, and happiness. When? - nobody else knows, but God.

Thanks for the detailed review.

kwame1977 · Post by **kwame1977** » 29 Mar 2018, 04:45

This is one of the books I reviewed when I first joined this site. I had a challenge with the universality of the book when I noticed its geared towards Christians. Your review is comprehensive. Well done!

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 29 Oct 2018, 13:17

From a sampling, this is an interesting harmonization of science and religion in order to tackle one of the most iconic topics: the End of Days. While I am a bit rusty on my Revelations, I do understand the importance of attempting to explain events that are religious or "biblical" in nature with science. It is definitely worth at least a quick read. Well Done.

fernsmom · Post by **fernsmom** » 16 Nov 2018, 08:37

Great review!
I hate to admit it but I don't think I would personally enjoy this book as I like a light read. Thanks for the heads up on that. Glad you enjoyed it though!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 16 Nov 2018, 11:41

Throughout the book I disagreed with Friedmann on theological issues. One example is in chapter 9. Here the author asserts "Adam and Eve went against their one commandment: not to eat fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil until the end of Day 6—instead, they ate three hours before the end of the day. Had they obeyed the commandment, Adam, and Eve would have given birth to the Messiah and ushered in the World to Come. But they failed to do the right thing during this critical period and as a consequence were expelled from the Garden of Eden, leading to our existence in this world." The Jewish view is that there will be two Messiahs. Messiah ben Joseph's role is of political and military nature and he will defend Israel against the forces of evil. Messiah ben David will come next and he will lead the world in justice and peace. Ben David will finish rebuilding the 3rd temple so that God can come once again to live among us. For me there seemed to be a hole in this logic. If Adam and Eve did not sin, then why the need of a Messiah? They already dwelt with God in the Garden of Eden. The Messiah would not be needed to bring us back to peace with God and men.

Even though I differed with Friedmann on many viewpoints, it did not prevent me from enjoying the book.

This is such a healthy attitude! I'm glad you approached the book with an open mind and, of course, you don't have to agree with the author to appreciate his work.
Honestly, I don't believe in the end of days as portrayed by most religions, but I still think the topic has a great cultural importance and it's interesting.
Thanks for a great review.

CinWin · Post by **CinWin** » 17 Nov 2018, 15:33

Sounds like an interesting read but a bit too biblical for my tastes. Great review of the book though! Thanks again.

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 17 Nov 2018, 23:31

I could see where you're coming from on the author's writing "hole" you've mentioned. Also, given the two facets of the author's background, I agree that this would be another read for scholarly treatment and deeper introspection. Thank you for your insightful review.

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 20 Nov 2018, 08:14

It is interesting that the author uses the Torah to match biblical stories with historical events and sees patterns that may lead to the end of days. This book could cause a lot of discussions on the topics he covers.