A.D. vs. C.E. or "What year is this?"

by **k_semler** » Wed 18 May 2005, 23:40:59

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('smallpoxgirl', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('k_semler', 'E')xcept the thing is, what sets the "Common Era" off from "Before Common Era?

by **erl** » Thu 19 May 2005, 01:29:20

I can certainly understand the reasoning behind the desire to change the calendar designation from A.D. to C.E. The primary reason given by those advocating the change is that we live in a multicultural / multi-religious society and we shouldn't force those who disagree to acknowledge Jesus every time they write the date.

But, who writes "A.D." or "C.E." after the date? I mean, ever?

I don't think I ever have. Well, maybe in elementary school when I first learned what the letters meant. But certainly not since then.

In fact, as I think about it, the only times I have seen the letters used (this thread excepted) is when some date was quoted in a science book or on the Discovery Channel. In the latter, the gentleman discussing some event (I don't remember which) specifically enunciated the letters "C.E." after the year and then went on to say "Common Era." I guess he was trying to educate his viewers.

But, going back to the religious connotation with the designation "A.D." It is certainly a religious designation, but does that mean we should replace it on certain public documents or on public buildings and monuments (engraved in stone)?

Furthermore, if we do replace A.D. with C.E. do we also have to replace all the other "religious" designations in our calendaring system?

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday I believe are all named after ancient Gods or Goddesses. I'll have to look it up but I remember Wednesday is "Wotan's Day" and Thursday is "Thor's day."

Then there are still the months to deal with. Januray through June are Roman gods and goddesses. July and August are Roman emperors (who later became Gods). September through December are okay, being numbers.

So I guess the question is how far do we take it?

by **k_semler** » Thu 19 May 2005, 01:44:31

Read the book God's Smuggler. It is about one man's effort to bring the Holy scriptures to the Soviet occupied states. This is how far I personally expect it to go, if not further.

by **smallpoxgirl** » Thu 19 May 2005, 10:00:11

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('k_semler', 'R')ead the book God's Smuggler. It is about one man's effort to bring the Holy scriptures to the Soviet occupied states. This is how far I personally expect it to go, if not further.

by **The_Virginian** » Thu 19 May 2005, 18:40:40

WAIT A SEC!

We are defined by moments, and if we here on PEAK OIL dot COM can't figure out we need to start counting form the date of PEAK, then is there ANY HOPE for US?

(whenever that heralded event arrives and Magi confirm upon it Gifts)

So we need:

A) B.P.. (before -peak)

and

B) P.P. (post -peak)

To distiguish dates.

And yes I will take the credit for proposing the Solution! (please do not credit me with the names!)

Assuming the peak is in 2008 for all liqidious hydrocarbons (non-synthetic) then we are now in 3 B.P.

See y'all in 0 -P.P.!

Wow. to live through 2 changes of Millenia, that don't happen often! Were gonna party like it's 1999!

Edited to make more sense, be ever so slightly more mature, and a wincy bit more serious

by **erl** » Thu 19 May 2005, 18:55:07

Hey big guy,

I'd give you the credit but I think Smallpoxgirl beat you to it. Check out her post on page 1 of this thread.

by **PenultimateManStanding** » Thu 19 May 2005, 19:30:32

See y'all O PP :lol:

Our whole civilization, pissed away! (reminds me of the old bumper sticker in the oil patch after the early 80's boom and bust: 'God, please let there be another oil boom. I promise not to piss it all away this time!')

by **The_Virginian** » Fri 20 May 2005, 00:04:36

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'I') like your idea erl. So what year is it? I vote 2 BPO.

by **smallpoxgirl** » Fri 20 May 2005, 21:43:56

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('The_Virginian', 'W')ow. to live through 2 changes of Millenia, that don't happen often! Were gonna party like it's 1999!

by **k_semler** » Fri 20 May 2005, 21:58:41

Bring on the whiskey!
Bring on the Beer!
I'm going to drink,
Some right here!

[smilie=new_all_coholic.gif]

by **erl** » Sat 21 May 2005, 01:06:39

That reminds me. I'm gonna have to learn how to brew beer and ferment wine.

Any suggestions?

I suppose I could Google it.

erl

by **RIPSmithianEconomics** » Sat 21 May 2005, 09:24:20

What fascinates me is that, even though the Democrats are out of power, right-wing people still seem to blame them for all the liberalisation. You'd think that John Kerry had won the 2004 election.

I personally prefer CE as AD reminds me of Latin, which was a torment of my life until recently. It doesn't really matter though- AD is based on when Christ was thought to have been born but wasn't (the Nativity is, to put it bluntly, historically wrong) and CE is just as silly.

A.D. vs. C.E. or "What year is this?"

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