The Society published a very misleading statement from the Dr. Raymond Philip Dougherty indicating that he supported their 607 BC conclusion.
Dougherty a highly respected Assyriologist and professor at Yale University, is best known for his work on Babylonian astronomy and chronology.
However the Society's date of 607 BC for Jerusalem's destruction has been outright rejected by virtually every historian, archaeologist, and Near East scholar, all of whom place the event at 587/586 BCE.
What Actually Happened
The Watchtower Society referenced Dougherty’s work in a very misleading way in their publication Vindication (1931), which implied that he agreed with or supported their chronological arguments.
Dougherty upon being informed of this, immediately objected, stating that his work had been misrepresented, and he vehemently stated that his conclusions did NOT support Watchtower chronology, and he wanted his name removed.
His objection was serious enough that the Society was forced to publish a retraction in its March 15, 1932 Watchtower.
This retraction admitted that they had:
- Incorrectly used Dougherty’s material,
- misapplied his conclusions,
- and should not have cited him the way they did.
In so doing, the Society avoided a court battle (one which they most definitely would have lost).
So, basically the Society has been knowingly and unabashedly teaching and promoting a lie for about 100 years now. I sincerely believe that Jehovah finds this inexcusable.
So, why has the Society done this?
Solely to create a special, superior class distinction for its members of the Governing Body who each make the unfounded claim that they are 'anointed'.
