Dear Dr. Barad, You probably already have checked/encountered the information on Wikipedia by now, but just in case: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Era
Before Common era Before Christian era Before Current era But they all are the exact same as AD and none have a year zero. The birth date of Christ in all probability is inaccurate, but that aside the faith to wit of most Christians in India and its application in their daily lives is pretty strong. Of course faith as such can be shaken with time and excesses for and against. Also the arguments for and against thsi notative usage is interesting reading. As I indicated earlier; its good to bring these ideas on Goanet, but all this information is out there. Of course, I do understand that on Goanet one hopes to get a range of Goan opinions. Venantius J Pinto