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[QUOTE=Brian Ellis;668615]1/1080[QUOTE=TransformX;668613]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_calendar1/10801/1080[QUOTE=TransformX;668613]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_calendar1/1080
Let's try and see the evolution of time awareness, shall we?
Step 1: Hunters and Gatheres - Know when it's dark, avoid nocturnal predators by turning back or seeking shelter before the sun sets.
Step 2: Nomads and Agriculturers - Know when seasons change. Follow the herds, plant seeds etc.
Step 3: Quantify time in some kind of way to divide work load, standing guard etc.
Here is where humanity could have stopped for a very long time. But no, because then came religion along with astrology/astronomy.
Step 4: Turn the days into weeks and give each day a symbolic meaning. Divide the year into something more rigid than simple seasons and make festivals for the gods/powers governing seasonal events.
Step 5: Follow the stars to recognize annual patterns, use them for non-scientific goals such as finding omens, predicting things, building monumental temples and graves (pyramids). Etc. etc. etc.
Step 6: Use the knowledge gathered in step 4 and 5 for travel and navigation.
Only at step 6 did time become a real practical tool.
The Jewish calendar was one out of many other examples. The Mayas, Incas and many other religions who didn't survive nor were too 'scientific' so to speak in their approaches, had a very tight and precise schedule for religious use and none other. As for the calendar being used for all daily purposes, you should re-read your bible. I don't remember much science going on during the exodus or when the first temple was built. Daily uses of the calendar meant steps 2-4. You won't find much about astronomy in the bible other than the sun and the moon.
Originally posted by TransformX
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Step 1: Hunters and Gatheres - Know when it's dark, avoid nocturnal predators by turning back or seeking shelter before the sun sets.
Step 2: Nomads and Agriculturers - Know when seasons change. Follow the herds, plant seeds etc.
Step 3: Quantify time in some kind of way to divide work load, standing guard etc.
Here is where humanity could have stopped for a very long time. But no, because then came religion along with astrology/astronomy.
Step 4: Turn the days into weeks and give each day a symbolic meaning. Divide the year into something more rigid than simple seasons and make festivals for the gods/powers governing seasonal events.
Step 5: Follow the stars to recognize annual patterns, use them for non-scientific goals such as finding omens, predicting things, building monumental temples and graves (pyramids). Etc. etc. etc.
Step 6: Use the knowledge gathered in step 4 and 5 for travel and navigation.
Only at step 6 did time become a real practical tool.
The Jewish calendar was one out of many other examples. The Mayas, Incas and many other religions who didn't survive nor were too 'scientific' so to speak in their approaches, had a very tight and precise schedule for religious use and none other. As for the calendar being used for all daily purposes, you should re-read your bible. I don't remember much science going on during the exodus or when the first temple was built. Daily uses of the calendar meant steps 2-4. You won't find much about astronomy in the bible other than the sun and the moon.
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