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Question:
What happened to the lost years between 1 B.C. and 1 A.D.?
I read in a social studies two things - Christ was born in 6 B.C. and the
other said he was born in 1 A.D.
If he was born in 6 B.C., he was born before himself.
If he was born in 1 A.D. he was born after he died.
Now talking about the lost years, say he was born in the year "0"
He lived for about 33 years so in a year's time he was dead because
the dates read after Death. What happened to those 33 years, don't they
count?
Please help explain this
 ryan j goes

Answer 1:
Ryan,
     I enjoyed your question. Naturally, at the time, people were not
looking at calendars that said 'year 0', etc.  The yearline was set
up many years later. Christ's life is historical fact, though there is some
argument as to exactly what were the years of his birth and death.  Fact
is, Christmas day (Dec. 25) was probably not his real day of birth; that
day was more than likely chosen to coincide with celebration of holy days
by other faiths to maintain a level of 'secrecy'.
In our calendars, we have established 'B.C.' as then time before the birth
of Christ, give or take a few years in either direction. 'A.D' means 'in
the year(s) of our Lord," from the latin anno Domini.  It does not mean
'after death'.  Again, there is some argument over exact year numbers, but 
when we are discussing two thousand years, error in a year or two in either
direction is not that great of an error.  By the way, regarding the
more probable time for the day of Christmas, the birth of Christ, is 
sometime in spring, maybe March, becase this is the normal time
when 'shepherds keep thier flocks, by night'  that is, the shepherds' normal
time for taking their flocks out to graze in that part of the world.
For some further interesting reading, you might look up the word
CALENDAR in your local library encyclopedia.  It will give
some background info on the establishment of the calendar we use today.
Thanks for using NEWTON!
Ric

Answer 2:
I'm sorry Ric, but I have to take issue with your statement
that the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth is an established
historical fact. Bluntly, there is insufficient evidence
to substantiate such a claim or deny it. Belief in the life
and death of Jesus is a matter of faith at this point.
 
On a side note, I'd like to mention that non-christians
do not refer to 1996 as 1996 A.D., but as 1996 C.E. (Common Era).
The yeas before the Common Era are called B.C.E. (Before Common Era).
 
The Common Era was established by the Catholic Church, who established
at the same time the system of leap years and other adjustments
used throughout the west today. It was fairly radical in that many
calendars up to that time were lunar calendars, not solar ones.
 
Best regards,
prof topper

Answer 3:
Prof. Topper,
 
   His life is a recorded fact, much the same as Christopher Columbus or
Moses.  I was not referring to documentation of activities during his life
by historians which does indeed involve questions of faith.  That he lived
and was put to death is established historical fact; naturally I don't
have photos or personal written records to show you here.  :)  This was not
the point I was making in my original response.  I do, however, reassert
my original statement; later in life I hope to personally visit those places
called "the Holy Land" and acquire the written documents you describe.
 
By the way, I believe some US Magazines recently ran articles on His life;
I am aware this is not a religion bbs, but I only bring this up to provide
additional reading sources for anyone to examine who might be slightly
confused by answers to the original related questions.

Ric

Answer 4:  I reserve comment.

However, I do honestly and respectfully request
that you refrain from using this forum as a platform
for your personal religious beliefs. This will ensure
that NEWTON remain accessible, and friendly, for all to use
(including those who do not necessarily share your beliefs).

prof topper