IF CE=AD and BC=BCE then...

Sylvan · 02-14-2006, 05:38 AM

No its not a math problem...

Just wondering if anybody can answer this for me. As I was growing up, I always heard dates refered to as B.C. and A.D. meaning before the birth of Christ and, I believe it is anos domini, meaning in the year of our Lord or after the birth but I'm not sure about the anos domini part. Now I often see/hear reference to B.C.E and C.E meaning before the common erra and the common era respectively. I think B.C.E is equivalent to B.C. and C.E. is equivalent to A.D. (sounds like a math problem) is that correct? Also why is this being done? Seems to me it's just another attempt to separate Christianity from mainstream. Can anybody explain this for me. Thanks in advance!

FroMan · 02-14-2006, 06:25 AM

Quote:

I think B.C.E is equivalent to B.C. and C.E. is equivalent to A.D. (sounds like a math problem) is that correct? Also why is this being done? Seems to me it's just another attempt to separate Christianity from mainstream. Can anybody explain this for me. Thanks in advance!

Yep. Yep. Looks like there's no need to explain anything.

Tazman · 02-14-2006, 06:56 AM

Well this should clear things up:

Quote:

CE stands for "Common Era." It is a relatively new term that is experiencing increased usage and is eventually expected to replace AD. The latter is an abbreviation for "Anno Domini" in Latin or "the year of the Lord" in English. The latter refers to the approximate birth year of Yeshua of Nazareth (a.k.a. Jesus Christ). CE and AD have the same and value.2004 CE = 2004 AD.
BCE stands for "Before the common era." It is eventually expected to replace BC, which means "Before Christ." BC and BCE are also identical in value. Most theologians and religious historians believe that the approximate birth date of Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus) was in the fall, sometime between 7 and 4 BCE, although we have seen estimates as late as 4 CE and as early as the second century BCE.
Of course, one can always interpret the letter "C" in CE and BCE as referring to "Christian" or "Christ's." The Abbreviations Dictionary does exactly this. 1
"Wikipedia: the free encyclopedia" states that the new notation is used by "Many non-Christians or secular persons." However, we suspect that the majority of users are actually Christians who want a notation that does not offend or distress persons of other religions. 2

Chuck7 · 02-14-2006, 10:48 AM

Seems to me it's just another attempt to separate Christianity from mainstream.Sylvan
Amen..I believe you have hit the nail on the head. As a teacher I'm seeing more and more anti Christian stuff all the time. The federal government is slowly taking over the classroom. And their agenda snuffs out any Christian flavor that may be lingering in the air. Many schools are refusing their funding to escape their harassments.
Let your light shine brother. Folks are getting tired of the emptiness of sin and it's crippling effects. They are looking for answers.
We have the answer within us.
Chuck7

Sylvan · 02-15-2006, 06:48 AM

Thank you all for your responses. I really don't understand this. It seems so silly. Even if you didn't believe in Jesus religiously it's pretty hard to ignore his impact on the world. If you were going to select a singlehistorical figure that has had the greatest influence on the world wouldn't it be Jesus Christ? Who else? It is a fact that the civilized world has marked time relative to his birth for 2 milenia. Sounds like BCE and CE do exactly the same thing but now we are to pretend that Jesus Christ isn't the reason behnind it? I just don't get it. What purpose does it serve? Sorry I'm rambling...

The Rev · 02-15-2006, 07:35 AM

It's a New York Liberal Thing!

(An inside joke ) I love ya brother,,, just kidding..

Sylvan · 02-15-2006, 07:52 AM

I love it! (...and you too Rev)

Chuck7 · 02-15-2006, 07:53 AM

Sylvan,Thanks for bringing it to my atention.I've never heard of that term before.I thank God fo rthe wodderful Christians we have on here. Leaf..thanks for praying for my son.I'm seeing wonderful results brother. We are getting closer and his heart is open.
Chuck7

FroMan · 02-15-2006, 02:01 PM

Well...we believe that Jesus was born around 6-4 BC so it's not split directly on the head. It was meant to be I think...but there was an error. Yes technically, he still is the "splitter of time" but now we just say BCE and CE even though it's still based on the fact that Jesus was born thereabouts. (He's allowed to split time, he invented it, and it's nothing to him.)

I do believe like you said...that Jesus has had the greatest impact on the world than anyone to ever walk it. Of course...being the maker of all things...and all that helps a little bit.

If there was going to be anyone else even close to that...it'd have to be Mohammed. Not because he changed my world, or the time chart, but simply because there are so many Muslims (numbers wise) in the world.