Editor, Times-Union: Whatever Jan. 1, 2000, is it is not the beginning of a new decade, century or millennium! It has been often said, "If you tell a lie enough times most anyone will believe it." It amazes me how many people have bought into the lie that 2000 is the beginning of a new millennium. Among the national media the only ones that I have heard who have succinctly stated the truth that theÊnew millennium will not begin until Jan. 1, 2001, is Paul Harvey and Andy Rooney. Everyone else seems oblivious to this obvious error in fact.Ê
If our calendar is correct the new millennium would begin on Jan. 1, 2001, not 2000. A decade has 10 years - not nine. A century has 100 - not 99. And a millennium 1000, not 999. Until we have completed the 10, 100th and 1000th year of a time period it is not yetÊcomplete thus Dec. 31, 2000, will be the last day of the decade, century and millennium.
ÊHowever our calendar is not correct. The calendar, according to most scholars, is off by at least 4, 5 or 6 years. King Herod, who was reigning at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ and who tried to kill him by having all male Hebrew children in the area of Bethlehem slaughtered, died according to our calendar in 4 B.C. That means Christ was born, according to our calendar, in 4, 5 or 6 B.C. (Most scholars think it was 4 B.C.) Since the calendar went from 1 B.C. directly to 1 A.D. with no "zero" year, the correct date this Jan. 1 is Jan. 1, 2004. If the scholars are correct, Jan. 1, 1997, was the beginning of the new millennium as that day would have accurately been Jan. 1, 2001, if our calendar was correct.
ÊSo whether our calendar is correct or as most scholars believe incorrect by 4 years - Jan. 1, 2000, is not the beginning of a new century and millennium. It is either the first day of the last year of the 20th century or the first day of the fourth year of the 20th century - but not the first day of anything other than another New Year. Happy New Year! For truth in advertising,
Ronnie Sams Warsaw via e-mail
Historical Impact
Editor, Times-Union: There have been many lists the past few weeks noting the people of the century or millennium. I'm sure the arguments will continue on who had the most impact on history. From Einstein to Hitler, the lists and specials espouse the theories on why these people are to be noted for their achievements, however their impact on civilization places in comparison to my pick for the person of all ages.
2000 years ago in an obscure village in Israel, Jesus was born. Much has been said about this man from Galilee. No one can question his impact on history even though they may deny that he is the Lord of eternity. There are those who will argue that much evil has been done in his name. It is true that religion unchecked and unaccountable can be as corrupt as any other man-made system, however, the impact of Christ for good in the world is staggering.
It is my privilege to be a part of a movement that began in the slums of the East End of London. The Salvation Army began with the commitment of a young couple, William and Catherine Booth, who put the teachings of Christ into action to reach out to the poor and hurting. Over 100 years later the army serves in the name of Jesus Christ across the globe helping millions of people and is only one example of the endless list of how lives have been changed through him. I can't imagine what the world would be like if Jesus had never been born.
As we enter the new millennium we can be assured that this "man of the ages" will continue to influence the world for good. The truth is He is our only hope for today as well as the future.
