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23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An unforgettable book...,
By Britt Gillette "www.brittgillette.com" (Chesapeake, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Signature of God (Paperback)
Grant Jeffrey's "The Signature of God" sets out to prove that the Bible is the inspired word of God, passed down through the generations by the writings of Old and New Testament prophets. The majority of open-minded readers will agree that he succeeds."The Signature of God" attempts to prove the Bible as God's word by building a foundation of arguments based on historical documents, archeological discoveries, scientific knowledge, fulfillment of Bible prophecy, and other such evidences. Those who are not Christian or Jewish (and many of those who are) will find a tremendous amount of information they either didn't know or never before viewed in the way Jeffrey presents. The author explores the advanced medical knowledge set down in the Torah, where God instructs the Jewish people to undertake certain precautions in dealing with sick people, dead animals, and other sources of infectious disease. Long before modern science uncovered bacteria and virus, God gave the Jewish nation a means to avoid them. The book also delves into the Bible codes, without citing many of the speculative and statistically insignificant ones espoused by "Bible Code" author Michael Drosnin. Recently, many academic institutions have been exploring these "codes", equidistant letter sequences in the text of the Old Testament books that make up the Torah. Jeffrey points out many of these codes, such as the name "Yeshua" (translated "Jesus") appearing an ordinate and statistically significant number of times within the Old Testament. In addition, Jeffrey devotes a chapter to the subject of mathematics and the Bible, a subject rarely touched on in modern literature. He catalogues the work of Ivan Panin, a Harvard mathematician who uncovered a series of alphanumeric codes in the Bible (over 30 separate codes involving the number 7 alone in the first sentence of the Bible)! Jeffrey quite adeptly weaves his arguments together into a cohesive and formidable argument on behalf of divine authorship of the Bible, and this is a book both believers and non-believers in God will enjoy perusing. Highly recommended, one of the best modern books (written in layman's terms) on the source and history of the Bible. Britt Gillette
27 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Work,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Signature of God: Astonishing Biblical Discoveries (Paperback)
I saw the writer of the book on TV. Guess what, It was a perfect presentation of thoughts about his book contents in summary. I have spent most of my time doing a research in Science and the Bible and I find the writer of the book Signature of God to be of inspiration. I also discuss a lot on Evolution Vs Creation. Grant R. Jeffrey, believe me, you are a blessing. When I was in my second year at a University, I ready another book about bible prophecy and mysteries. In it, the writer talked about the Great Pyramid. This book is perhaps other than the bible, the greatest I've read. I want to buy it but it is no longer in an old library I regularly visited. Your Book too is on my shopping list. Shalom! Shalom!
17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Have a little faith,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Signature of God (Paperback)
I admit that I am probably "average" as far as intellect and overall knowledge; I don't claim to be an expert in proving biblical truths. Some of the information in this book I found to be quite compelling; particularly in the area of archealogical evidence. And, I admit, some of the information seemed too far stretched for my human mind to process (ie, bibilical codes). I know from my own experience that it can be easy for non-christians to marginalize the awesome and absolute truths that are in the Bible, but, if you read this book , you might find that some of your questions are answered, or, at the very least, addressed. Some reviewers claimed that the author did not have a scholarly reference list, and although I haven't looked at the bibliograpy, I do know that he repeatedly quotes the ONE AND ONLY authentic reference---the Bible itself. Granted, any and all things can be interpreted to fit one's own persepective, but did you know that it CLEARLY states in the Old Testament that the Earth is round? I mean, how else is one supposed to interpret "the sphere of the Earth."? Could God give us a more blatant statement about his divine role in creation and, therefore, our existence? I still think of that when I have doubts. It really all boils down to this: your thoughts are your reality, and this book might just give you the reality check you need.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
An Incredibly Poor Attempt at Christian Apologetics,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Signature of God: Astonishing Biblical Discoveries (Paperback)
Although I found the book to be a fascinating read , it became obvious early on that much of what he says is unsubstantiated. Despite his assurances that he checked the accuracy of every statement, it became clear to me that that Jeffrey has a) not checked his sources b) has made numerous mistakes himself, and c) has made things up...........One whole chapter, the patterns of "sevens" in nature on page 240 is completely unsubstantiated. He claims 7 colours in the spectrum when there are actually a number approaching infinity; He claims seven whole tones in a musical scale - there are actually tones and semitones; He claims human gestation is 40 weeks (a multiple of seven) - but that number is an average; He claims almost all animals have gestation periods as a multiple of seven - I checked it out and haven't found one. Of the animals he mentions, different breeds have different gestation periods...........Chapter 11 deals with the controversial "Yeshua Codes" in the Old Testament. Without resorting to lengthy arguments, he should be aware that Rev. Moon's name appears much more frequently in the Codes than does Jesus' name...........Chapter 12 is drawn entirely from Ivan Panin's Bible Numerics. Again this approach to scripture ("see how the numbers add up? only God could make it work out that way")has been rejected by most Christians because he has fudged the numbers. It should be pointed out that Panin published a Greek text of the New Testament with the text fudged to make his numerics work out............Other Examples of Poor Work: On p. 44, he quotes Gen 41:57 "And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands." Next he SPECULATES that Joseph had to be "careful" in selling the grain (which the bible does not say). He then introduces an dubious inscription from Yemen in which a woman could not purchase any grain from someone named Joseph for any price. Then Jeffrey says that this inscription "REVEALS JOSEPH'S DETERMINATION TO RESIST ANY APPEAL FROM A STRANGER OFFERING GOLD..." (p. 35) So Jeffrey twists what the Bible says to prove an inscription is talking about the Biblical Joseph. Rather than using the inscription to prove the bible is true, he uses the bible to prove the inscription is talking about the Biblical Joseph...........On p. 111, Jeffrey claims that God's resting on the 7th day demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Energy. I have a degree in Science and I haven't been able to figure what that means...........On p. 114, Jeffrey claims that the Bible revealed the exact number of stars in the cluster known as Pleiades at a time when the true number of stars was unknown. It is called the "7 stars" in Hebrew. Jeffrey claims that humans can only see 6 yet he says that modern astronomy has confirmed the existence of 7, thus verifying the truth of the Bible. However, people can see as many as 9 stars with the naked eye (depending on conditions), and the most recent observations confirms that there are in fact hundreds of stars. I have personally seen data (magnitude, nebulosity, etc.) tabulated on 11 of them...........And on p. 117 he says that, "Throughout history most people assumed evaporation of water from lakes and rivers was responsible for clouds.." Incredibly, a recent study by the United States Department of agriculture proved that most of the water that forms into the clouds worldwide comes from the ...oceans." Thus proving Ecc 1:7. Is he making this up??? Were people so stupid as to believe that clouds were formed by evaporation from rivers and lakes but NOT oceans? Is cloud formation as a result of the evaporation of ocean water only a recently established fact? Besides, the language of Ecc 1:7 could just as well be speaking of the Dead Sea...........Lest I sound like I have an axe to grind against Grant, I am only concerned about his book. It is imperative that when we attempt to demonstrate the reliability or even the inspiration of the Bible Christians need to be intellectually honest. To an inquisitive non-Christian, Jeffrey's book will do more harm than good, and will give Christians and Pentecostals a bad name. The questionable method of research and writing employed by today's popular "prophecy" teachers does not lend itself well to the discipline of apologetics. Jeffrey would do well to rewrite his book or leave it to someone else more qualified...........Rev. Mike Somerville
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Statement of God,
By
This review is from: The Signature of God (Paperback)
I enjoyed reading this book. Jefferey's style of writing has its compassion but it also has its facts. Sometimes he was a little repetitive about the q's and a's. I am impressed with how the book has totally peeved people off. It seems to me that it must be true. The hatred people express to Jeffereys and the book tells me that Satan doesnt want people to read this. I believe this book touches on supernatural and scientific facts. I believe The Signature of God takes Sunday morning services and combines them with CSI. If a person cant find something remarkable about this book or the Bible then I believe there is wool over their eyes. Please read this with open-mindedness and a willingness to learn. Thank you.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
A triumph of zeal over knowledge,
By
This review is from: The Signature of God: Astonishing Biblical Discoveries (Paperback)
This is the sort of book that gives Christians and Christianity a bad name and should appear under the heading of "junk apologetics". There too many exagerations and outright errors to discuss within the 1000 word limit... the "Bible codes" being but one already refuted by other reviewers. Let me point out but one other. The reader can totally ignore Chapter Three. The so-called "Sinai Inscriptions" have nothing whatsoever to do with the Hebrews in the wilderness. The inscriptions shown on page 54 are Nabataen from the Wadi Mukatteb. The inscription plates on Page 134 are nothing more than Egyptian mining inscriptions left by pharaohs' miners in the Sinai, all of which has long been known. The reader will note that references in this chapter are almost a hundred or more years old - no modern archeological scholarship is cited. The author could have easily consulted a few recent works or first-rank Christian archeological scholars, such as Prof. Alan Millard and Prof. K.A Kitchen at the Univ. of Liverpool, who are recognized to be preeimnent in Old Testament archeology, and thereby could have avoided sensationalism.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Timely Interpretation of Current Events,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Signature of God (Paperback)
I picked this up after reading Britt Gillette's "Conquest of Paradise" which really turned me on to learning more about biblical prophecy of the end times. "The Signature of God" brings out facts that are very interfaith. Mr. Jeffrey sheds light on the accuracy of the Bible and its incredible history of transmission. Far from being the rare, locked away, or haphazard work that some would have us believe, the Bible is a document that seems almost alive with its ability to survive enemies. Great job Grant!
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great start for the true seeker,
By
This review is from: The Signature of God: Astonishing Bible Codes Reveal September 11 Terror Attacks (Paperback)
I thought the book was great, though a bit of a slow start. It presents a good overview of evidence supporting the accuracy of the Bible and its claim to be the inspired word of God. It touches on areas of biblical studies such as science, History, Biblical archeology, manuscripts, prophetic and statistical analysis, the mysterious bible codes, etc. A thourough report in any one of these areas could and has produced volumes of books. So this book is really more of a highlight look, at these areas, and yet it presents enough to challenge the toughest of skeptics. It is great for the seeker who may not quite know where to start, and has enough power packed facts to excite them on their jouney. Another recommended book is Evidence that Demands a Verdict, by Josh McDowell. Written by a former atheist who researched the evidence, became a believer and felt the need to share the evidence he has since gathered. Keep seeking with an unquenching heart for truth, and you will find. Sure you will meet great resistance along the journey, but it is absolutley the greatest adventure of life. God bless.
38 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
DECODING THE BIBLE CODE,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Signature of God (Paperback)
It amazes me how some Christian authors have fallen all over the so-called Bible code and missed the obvious. Consider how the Bible code works and then ask yourself is there anything amazing about it at all:First, the computer is told what to look for by the so-called decoders. They pick an event in history and then list as many key words as they can describing that event. The computer only needs to find two or three of the key words in order to please the decoders. Thus, the assasination of John F. Kennedy might come up as any of the following (using modern Hebrew equivalents): "JKF, killed, Texas" or "Kennedy, Assasin, Car" or "President, Dead, Dallas." The number of choices the computer has for finding an event coded in the Hebrew Bible is as wide as the list of facts and synonyms you can attribute to an event. As for matching dates, every letter in the Hebrew alphabet represents a number (just as with Roman numerals) and so the possibility for matching numbers is huge. Second, the Hebrew books that the computer scans were written in consonants only. Because there are no vowels and because the matching strings of letters have no context, just a few consonants can be used to make numerous words. Example (using an English equivalent): B-R-D could mean "bird" or "board" or "bored" or "aboard" or "brad" or "bared" or "broad" or"abroad" or "bread" or "bred" or "breed" or "bride" or . . . You get the idea. It's like playing jeopardy with all the vowels being free wild cards. Thus, the posibilities of finding words from your list of key words go up tremendously. Third, the computer is given a huge range of skip patterns it can try in order to come up with strings of letters that match the desired key words for a given historic event. Thus, the computer starts scanning the Hebrew text of one of the Bible's books by skipping every other letter and seeing if it can come up with a letter sequence that matches one or more of the key words. Then it tries skipping to every third letter, then every fourth and so on throughout the entire book. If necessary it'll skip hundreds of letters. If it still doesn't find any significant matches, it repeats the whole process, starting from the second letter in the book. If, after all of that, the computer still can't find two or three good matches from the key word list, the decoders simply try using another book of the Bible. All that is required for a match to be considered significant is that the key words that are found must be in close proximity to each other. They don't even have to be found using the same skip pattern. The decoders may have discovered "JFK," for example, by skipping to every 186th letter in the book of Genesis. Then, within the area that JFK was found, they may have found "assasin" by skipping to every fourth letter and the modern Hebrew spelling for "Dallas" by skipping every thirteen letters. So long as each of the words are found overlapping the same area of text as "JFK," it's a score. Finally, consider this: the entire code rests upon the spacing of the Hebrew consonants. That means that if a single letter had ever been dropped out of the text or added to it, all the spacings after that letter would have changed and the entire code would have been scrambled. Although the Hebrew manuscripts were carefully handed down and are, indeed, the most accurately preserved texts of antiquity, I doubt any scholar would argue that not one single letter has fallen from the text or been added to it. All you have to do is compare the existing manuscripts and you will see that they do not agree EXACTLY to the letter. They are incredibly well preserved but they do contain occassional spelling variations or dropped words. So, which manuscript is the only perfect copy in order for the code to work. Guess what? With all the possible variations the computer has to choose from (and that's why it takes a computer), it makes absolutely no difference which manuscript you use. They will all work because they're all being treated like nothing more than a pile of letters to pick and poke your way through anyway. You can pull the vowels out of Moby Dick and get the same results, or you can pull the bowels out of chickens and get accurate readings of the future, too. (It's been done!) The code is a crock! If you want interesting predictions, try actually reading the Bible. It's amazing what the letters say when arranged in the order the author intended.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Is this information accurate?,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Signature of God: Astonishing Biblical Discoveries (Paperback)
This book definitely caught my attention with the bible codes. However after some inverstigation i am sure that many of the claims Grant Jeffries makes are inaccurate and unsubstantiated. For example he goes on and on about the chances of a certain ELS being found in the bible but does not use any control, for example, how do we know that any other word does not have the same chance of being in that ESL? The examples that were shown for the number seven were also filled with errors, these errors are previously mentioned in another review posted here.
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The Signature of God: Astonishing Biblical Discoveries by Grant R. Jeffrey (Paperback - Sept. 1997)
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