The Narthex
Lord of Time
Should Christians mark our time on earth as though Jesus did not and does not exist?
By James Thunder | December 21st 2022 3:07 PMThe “Common Era” system has been adopted in history texts and museum exhibits. This reflects a movement to modify the Anno Domini system by using “CE” (for “Common Era”) in place of AD, and using “BCE” (for “Before Common Era”) in place of BC (Before Christ) as a religiously neutral…
READ FULL BLOG POSTWhy 2023?
The Anno Domini system of calculating time eclipsed various other systems
By James Thunder | December 20th 2022 1:06 PMIf a school child asks, “Why will next year be given the number 2023?” the easy answer by a teacher or parent would be mathematical: “Because we add a one to this year’s number 2022. 2022 plus 1=2023.” As the pupil progresses in school, he or she learns of other…
READ FULL BLOG POSTDickinson's Poem "For Lydia"
A testament of love for his wife and family - Part 2
By James Thunder | November 15th 2022 3:24 PMDaniel S. Dickinson died suddenly on April 12, 1866. The day before he died he was quite well and trying a case in court with his close friend Daniel Webster. Five days before his death, he had composed a poem to his wife in which he referred to their deceased…
READ FULL BLOG POSTMeet Daniel S. Dickinson, Statesman & Poet
A remarkable orator and honorable public servant - Part 1
By James Thunder | November 11th 2022 8:50 PMIn June of this year I had the pleasure of addressing the annual reunion of the Dickinson Family Association held at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts. The Association is devoted to learning more about its members’ ancestors, such as the poet Emily Dickinson (1830-1886). My richly illustrated talk was…
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