Posts by VM44

Late Babylonian astronomical texts contain frequent measurements of the positions of the Moon and planets. These measurements include distances of the Moon or a planet from a reference star and measurements of the position of celestial bodies within a sign of the zodiac. In this paper, I investigate the relationship between these two measurement systems and propose a new understanding of the concepts of celestial longitude and latitude in Babylonian astronomy. I argue that the Babylonians did not define latitude using the ecliptic but instead considered the Moon and each planet to move up or down within its own band as it travelled around the zodiac.

14

1909 Comments right on about Chronology in many ways

by itsibitsybrainbutbigenoughtosmellarat in

a little hard to read, but worth the trouble, i think.

i like his comments about the whole issue of diliberation is unnecessary, when the prophecy of the last days is all required for bible students to understand or look for..

VM44

The file is gone at mediafire!

After only 19 days?

55

VAT 4956 Astronomical Observations

by VM44 in

starting a new thread to discuss the astronomical observations recorded in vat 4956..

VM44

Here is footnote 18a:

18a. These time intervals (“lunar threes”) are the measurement of time from, for example, sunset to moonset on the first day of the month and during two other periods later in the month. Scholars have tied these time measurements to calendar dates. (“The Earliest Datable Observation of the Aurora
Borealis,” by F. R. Stephenson and David M. Willis, in Under One Sky—Astronomy and Mathematics in the Ancient Near East, edited by John M. Steele
and Annette Imhausen, published 2002, pages 420-428) For ancient observers to measure this period required some sort of clock. Such measurements were not reliable. (Archimedes, Volume 4, New Studies in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, “Observations and Predictions of Eclipse Times by Early Astronomers,” by John M. Steele, published 2000, pages 65-66) On the other hand, calculating the position of themoon in relation to other celestial bodies was done with greater certainty.

Note that an article written by John M. Steele is referenced both when describing the "lunar threes" measurements and when discounting them as not reliable.

The article says that "lunar threes" measurements required a time measuring clock, and that such measurements were not reliable.

Note that the article does not investigate if the specific "lunar threes" measurements are accurate or not. It just makes a general claim about time measurements, which is very likely true, and then applies it to a specific case without further consideration.

I would NOT call that presenting a "thoroughly researched" answer to the question as the introductory blurb to the article claims!

6

Nabonidus and Belshazzar by Raymond Philip Dougherty

by VM44 in

this book has been referenced by the watchtower when discussing the neo-babylonian period.. .

nabonidus and belshazzar: a study of the closing events of the neo-babylonian empire.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155635956x/ref=olp_product_details?ie=utf8&me=&seller=.

VM44

Did Professor Dougherty really say this in his book?

*** hp chap. 3 p. 27 par. 16 Where Can You Find Guidance? ***

For a long time critics claimed that Belshazzar never existed, but was invented by Daniel. In recent years, however, clay-tablet records have been unearthed and translated that agree with the details in Daniel’s account.For this reason, Professor R. P. Dougherty (Yale University) wrote that the Bible is more accurate than other writings and proves that the book of Daniel was written when the Bible indicates it was.—Nabonidus and Belshazzar

6

Nabonidus and Belshazzar by Raymond Philip Dougherty

by VM44 in

this book has been referenced by the watchtower when discussing the neo-babylonian period.. .

nabonidus and belshazzar: a study of the closing events of the neo-babylonian empire.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155635956x/ref=olp_product_details?ie=utf8&me=&seller=.

VM44

How many times has this book been referenced by The Watchtower?

Could someone please search the Watchtower CD-Library for the name "Dougherty"?

6

Nabonidus and Belshazzar by Raymond Philip Dougherty

by VM44 in

this book has been referenced by the watchtower when discussing the neo-babylonian period.. .

nabonidus and belshazzar: a study of the closing events of the neo-babylonian empire.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155635956x/ref=olp_product_details?ie=utf8&me=&seller=.

VM44

This book has been referenced by The Watchtower when discussing the Neo-Babylonian period.

Nabonidus and Belshazzar: A Study of the Closing Events of the Neo-Babylonian Empire

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155635956X/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Price: $20.00

224

When Was Ancient Jerusalem Destroyed? Why It Matters - What the Evidence Shows

by wannabefree in

obviously 607 is a problem, watchower coming out full forces on this one in the latest public edition.. http://download.jw.org/files/media_magazines/wp_e_20111001.pdf.

VM44

Nabonidus and Belshazzar: A Study of the Closing Events of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (Ancient Near East: Classic Studies) [Paperback]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155635956X/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

Price: $20.00

224

When Was Ancient Jerusalem Destroyed? Why It Matters - What the Evidence Shows

by wannabefree in

obviously 607 is a problem, watchower coming out full forces on this one in the latest public edition.. http://download.jw.org/files/media_magazines/wp_e_20111001.pdf.

VM44

Here is what The Watchtower expects the reader to retain after reading the October 1st article.

THE WATCHTOWER, DECEMBER 15, 2011, page 31

Do You Remember?

* How do we know when ancient Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians?

Classical historians give mixed, conflicting details about the Babylonian kings and their reigns. Yet, scholars agree that Cyrus II conqured Babylon in 539 B.C.E., a pivotal date. The Jews were released, and they arrived in their homeland by 537 B.C.E. The Bible says that their exile was 70 years long. So Jerusalem must have fallen in 607 B.C.E. (2 Chron. 36:21,22; Jer. 29:10; Dan. 9:1,2)-10/1, pages 26-31.

33

Dec 15 2011 WT: playing school sports equated with cheating on taxes & lying - wtf?

by baltar447 in

jw
friends

here it is in p14 of the article "is he a good example for you or a warning?".

14 will we let solomons course be a warning example for us?

a sister might attempt to rationalize forming a romantic link that ignores gods directive to marry only in the lord.

VM44

The Watchtower writers style can be described with one word.

Manipulative!