mountainman

But I think it is the problem.

C14 dating is a new source of evidence for BC&H

Lets imagine for the moment that we are talking from the future and instead of only 2 C14 citations with respect to the -- in this OP -- the canonical books of the new testament - we have twenty two different codices having been C14 dated. Just imagine how they are to be analysed and then explained or incorporated into the overall body of evidence.


Possible (Future) Scattering or Distribution Scenarios ....

(1) the 22 dates are scattered between the 1st and 4th century
(2) the 22 dates are scattered between the 2nd and the 4th century
(3) the 22 dates are scattered between the early 3rd and the 4th century
(4) the 22 dates are scattered between the mid 3rd and the 4th century
(5) the 22 dates are scattered between the late 3rd and early 4th century.


In all the above scenarios with the exception of scenario (5) the theory that the new testament was commissioned as a "Holy Greek Writ" for the political purpose of some form of "Canonization" at the Council of Nicaea is immediately refuted. I get an early mark and go surfing.

However if the scenario turns out to be (5) my question to you is to ask whether you will still be trotting out the commonly accepted argument that we are just dealing in copies of earlier copies?

Quantifying an estimate for the ratio between "Original Works" and "ReCopied Works"

Logic mandates that we need to come to an agreement of the ratio between original books and books which you are calling "copies".

Do you think that the ratio between original works and copies/reproductions of earlier authored works is

(a) 1: 100
(b) 1: 22
(c) 1: 5
(d) 1: 3
(e) 1: 1.414

or what is your "belief" or "Ball park estimate"? Sooner or later we are going to have that many C14 citations - or dating of material by some other technological process, so you should appreciate the need to establish this ratio.

mountainman

Thanks for pointing out this avi. We all live and we all learn and every day is a new day.

Best wishes,


Pete

stephan huller

Yet strangely with mountainman there is a reassuring sameness to each day. He is as constant as the northern star.

mountainman

A pattern of similar facts, is a pattern of similar facts. With respect to his policies against the traditional Pagan religions and cults operating in the Roman Emperor at the time of Nicaea, Constantine's anti-religious policies, and incidentally, habits, were of the same calibre as Stalin's.

mountainman

Dear stephan,

It is true - I strive to steer by the evidence and the evidence alone.

Best wishes


Pete

spin

Hmmm, that last statement sounds familiar...

Just before our love got lost, you said
I am as constant as the northern star
And I said constant in the darkness? Where's that at?
If you want me I'll be in the bar.
- J. Mitchell

But of course that's no the end of the philological story. Here's the big boy himself (of "et tu Brute" fame):

I could be well moved, if I were as you:
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me:
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
- W. Shakspear

Allusions can be interesting, but the "as" may be telling.

If you want me I'll be in the bar....


spin

stephan huller

I am Canadian. The government sends us out to promote our culture around the world and on the internet. What can I say?

Transient

Blimey - are they all like you in Canada?
Hope not.

stephan huller

Most of the Australians I have met were also much more intelligent than the Aussies I have met in this forum. It reminds us all that you can't judge a book by its cover.

mountainman