A Song of Humanity: A Science-Based Alternative to the World’s Scriptures (ASOH) is just that; a compilation of what we know from science about where the universe came from, where mankind came from, how to live today, and what lies ahead. Unlike the regionally focused scriptures from various parts of the globe, ASOH includes evidence, histories, stories (real-life), and Proverbs for people living on all six inhabited continents.
The Table of Contents:
1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Gods
4. Prophets
5. Conquerors
6. Rights and Laws
7. Genes
8. VABEs
9. Intelligence
10. Mating
11. Children
12. Self
13. Families
14. Relationships
15. Proverbs
16. Matter
17. Air
18. Water
19. Money
20. Culture
21. Apocalypse
22. Revelations
Index
References (20 pages)
Endnotes (920+ references)
ASOH is written in chapter and verse for easy reference and in a friendly style that could be read to children. The book includes some illustrations of early life on the Earth. ASOH also is not dogmatic; rather it reports scientific findings with the expectation that science will discover more. Many of the chapters end with questions for the reader/listener inviting them to discuss and draw their own conclusions. Hence, ASOH could be used by book groups, congregations, and families as well as individuals to explore our beginnings, our modern challenges and the relationship between scriptural anthologies and science. One simple example, Relationships 3:9 “You can be kind and strong.” Really? Given the Zimbardo and Milgram studies, this is a challenge. People with power often become tyrannical. Yet if you are not strong, can you protect yourself? How should leaders in families, society, church, and government balance these competing issues?
ASOH can be read front to back, however many will find it to be a useful guide choosing to read here and there as interest dictates.
NOTE: ASOH was originally published in September 2016. Since then I added page headings that include the name of the chapter/book (e.g. Gods) to make it easier to find one’s place. ASOH 2.0 will be available in January 2017. One change I invite you to consider is Exodus 1:17-18 which would more accurately read:
17. If you think about the history of the Earth, my child, as this dashed line, humans have only existed during the last tiny, little bit.
18. —————-<Insert 22,500 dashes here where each dash is 200,000 years. That’s four pages of dashes!> ——:
The book is published under a pen name, Only One Man, to encourage readers to focus on the content not the author’s background and to reinforce the non-dogmatic theme of encouraging reflection, debate, and independent thinking.
OOM hopes that you and your family and friends will enjoy this family-oriented summary of what we have learned about where our universe came from, where we homo sapiens, Wise Men, came from, and how we might navigate today’s challenges. One preview reader called ASOH “a guide for life.” Another previewer began reading Genesis to her young daughter, who thereafter asked for more about the dinosaurs instead of her usual toddler books. The dad observing this asked to be included since it was more interesting for him as well. Good preliminary comments.
