Origins of BC and AD (& Dionysius Exiguus)
- Andy McIlvain

- May 19, 2024
- 2 min read
Origins of BC and AD (& Dionysius Exiguus)

Biblical Views: The Turn of the Christian Era: The Tale of Dionysius Exiguus
"We are all familiar with the terms B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini—in the year of our Lord) as a way of distinguishing the eras before and after the coming of Jesus Christ. We may also be familiar with the non-Christian terminology of B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) and C.E. (the Common Era). What those two ways of referring to the same thing share in common is that they presume the same calendar—by which I mean they presume the same way of dating Jesus’ birth.
But as any New Testament scholar will tell you, this presumption doesn’t stand on very solid ground because we know something about the timing of the death of Herod of Great, and clearly Jesus had to be born before Herod died, or those Christmas stories in Matthew 1-2 are wide of the mark. Scholars will tell you, based on evidence from Josephus and other contemporary sources, that Herod died somewhere around 4 B.C. It may have been a little before then, or it may have been a little after then, but in any case, it was well before what we now call “the beginning of the Christian era.” This in turn means that Jesus was born in B.C., which of course sounds very odd. How could Jesus be born “Before Christ,” inquiring minds want to know? As it happens, it’s all because of a monk known as Dionysius Exiguus (the latter Latin word meaning “the humble”)..." from the article: Biblical Views: The Turn of the Christian Era: The Tale of Dionysius Exiguus
Video from Patristix
"A look at the genius behind the numbering of years, the Romanian Saint Dionysius Exiguus, who chose to number our years as 'Anno Domini', the Year of our Lord. LINKS: About Dionysius Exiguus from the Romanian Orthodox Church: https://basilica.ro/en/orthodox-calen... Our video on the Church New Year: • What's in a Church calendar? The Wikipedia entry on the Anno Domini calendar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_Do... An article about Dionysius and two other Romanian saints considered patrons of Romanians outside of Romania: https://basilica.ro/en/they-are-the-p... " from the video introduction

Fire Safety Officer: Protecting Healthcare Environments in NURS FPX 4065 Assessment 4
Introduction: The Critical Role of Fire Safety Officers in Healthcare
Healthcare facilities are environments where safety and emergency preparedness are essential. Hospitals, clinics, and care centers contain complex equipment, electrical systems, medical supplies, and vulnerable patients who may require assistance during emergencies. A Fire Safety Officer plays a significant role in maintaining a secure healthcare environment by developing safety procedures, conducting inspections NURS FPX 4065 Assessment 4, and preparing teams to respond effectively to fire-related risks.
The NURS FPX 4065 Assessment 4 focuses on healthcare quality, professional responsibilities, and strategies that improve safety outcomes. Understanding the role of a fire safety officer helps nursing students recognize how non-clinical…
IV Therapy Nurse: Improving Patient Care Through Specialized Infusion Management in NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 4
Introduction: The Essential Role of IV Therapy Nurses in Healthcare
Intravenous therapy is a fundamental part of modern healthcare, allowing patients to receive medications, fluids, nutrients, and blood products efficiently. Behind the safe delivery of these treatments are skilled professionals known as IV Therapy Nurses. These specialized nurses ensure that infusion procedures are performed accurately while monitoring patients for safety and comfort.
The NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 focuses on healthcare improvement NURS FPX 4000 Assessment 4, professional nursing responsibilities, and the importance of evidence-based patient care. Understanding the role of an IV therapy nurse helps nursing students recognize how specialized nursing practices contribute…
Genetic Counselor: Guiding Patients Through Informed Healthcare Decisions
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Genetic counselors serve as important members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. They work with physicians, nurses, laboratory specialists, and…
Complete Guide to NURS FPX 4035 Assessments: Understanding Assessment 1, Assessment 2, Assessment 3, and Assessment 4
The NURS FPX 4035 course is an important part of nursing education that focuses on developing professional skills NURS FPX 4035 Assessment 1, evidence-based practice, patient care strategies, and effective healthcare decision-making. Students enrolled in this course are required to complete multiple assessments that evaluate their ability to analyze healthcare challenges, apply nursing concepts, and create practical solutions. Each assessment builds on essential nursing competencies and prepares learners for real-world clinical responsibilities.
Understanding the requirements of each task can help students organize their work effectively and improve their academic performance. The four major assignments, including NURS FPX 4035 Assessment 1, NURS FPX 4035…
NURS FPX 4005 Assessment 3: A Practical Guide for Nursing Students.
If you need trustworthy details about NURS FPX 4005 Assessment 3, you’re in the right spot. This guide breaks down the assignment in plain language, making it accessible even for beginners. Whether you’re just starting the course or getting ready to turn in the work, grasping its purpose and requirements will boost your confidence NURS FPX 4005 Assessment 1. Here you’ll find a clear summary of the task, its role in nursing education, and handy advice to help you succeed.
NURS FPX 4005 Assessment 3 aims to get nursing students to transfer classroom learning to real‑world health scenarios. Instead of rote memorization, you’ll be expected to examine clinical problems,…