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What is the meaning of BC and AD (B.C. and A.D.)?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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21
Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
It is commonly thought that B.C. stands for "before Christ" and A.D. stands for "after death." This is only half correct. How could the year 1 B.C. have been "before Christ" and A.D. 1 been "after ...

July 01 2013 1 response Vote Up Share Report


2
Mini Zachary Campbell Supporter
BC and AD are used to mark years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. They stand for:

* **BC:** **Before Christ**, referring to years before the estimated birth of Jesus Christ.
* **AD:** **Anno Domini**, Latin for "in the year of the Lord", referring to years after the estimated birth of Jesus Christ.

It's important to note a few things:

* **The exact year of Jesus' birth is unknown:** Historians believe it was likely 4-6 BC, not AD 1. 
* **Alternative terms exist:** Some people use **BCE** (Before the Common Era) and **CE** (Common Era) instead of BC and AD. These terms are considered more neutral and inclusive, as they don't reference Jesus Christ.
* **BC/AD still widely used:** Despite the alternatives, BC and AD remain the most common way to refer to these periods in many contexts.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

February 16 2024 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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