The Shift from BC and AD to BCE and CE: A Non-Religious Perspective

Many people question the shift from the traditional calendar system that uses BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) to the more neutral BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era). This change reflects a broader move towards non-religious, secular notation in history and daily life. Here, we explore the reasons behind this transition and highlight the importance of sensitivity in representing different cultures and belief systems.

Understanding BC and AD

The calendar system that uses BC and AD has been in use for centuries, largely based on the traditional dating of the birth of Jesus Christ. BC stands for Before Christ, and AD stands for Anno Domini (Latin for "year of the Lord"). This system was widely accepted and used in Christian and Western cultures.

The Shift to BCE and CE

However, over time, some have criticized the continued use of BC and AD on the grounds of religious sensitivity. This criticism stems from several key points:

1. Lack of Historical Evidence

One significant argument is the lack of historical evidence supporting the existence of Jesus Christ. While many believe in his existence, there is a strong argument among some historians and scholars that the traditional dating of his birth is unreliable. This leaves the calendar system open to debate, especially among those who do not align with Christian beliefs.

2. Religious Bigotry

Another major concern is the implication of religious bigotry inherent in the BC and AD notation. The term 'Anno Domini' specifically refers to the 'year of the Lord,' which could be seen as an exclusive and biased term. Atheists and others who do not adhere to Christianity have objected to this nomenclature, advocating for a more inclusive and secular term.

3. Sensitivity and Selectivity

The shift towards BCE and CE reflects a broader understanding of religious and cultural sensitivity. For instance, while many modern atheists do not see a problem with naming a day after a pagan deity (e.g., Thursday, which is derived from Thor, the Norse god of thunder), they are often more critical when it comes to the Christian terminology in the calendar. This raises questions about the truly selective nature of certain sensitivities.

The Adoption of BCE and CE

BCE stands for Before Common Era, and CE stands for Common Era. The year zero is included in both BCE and CE, making the transition seamless. This system is less likely to be perceived as religiously biased and more aligned with modern, secular attitudes.

Key Points

1. BCE and CE are used in many secular and academic contexts to represent dates before and after a significant event, typically the founding of the city of Rome.

2. Buddhist Era (BE), used in Thailand, is another example of a cultural calendar that does not rely on religious events. This system uses the year of the legendary founding of Buddhism (543 BCE) as its base.

3. The shift is gradual, with some places and contexts still using BC and AD, while others have fully adopted BCE and CE. Historical events may still be referenced using BC or AD in certain situations, but the general trend is towards BCE and CE.

Conclusion

This shift from BC and AD to BCE and CE is about acknowledging and respecting a wide range of beliefs and cultural practices. It is not about denying the significance of historical events, but about ensuring that the language we use reflects a broader, more inclusive approach. As the world becomes more interconnected and diverse, the use of non-religious, secular calendar terms becomes increasingly important.

By moving towards BCE and CE, we not only honor the contributions and achievements of all civilizations throughout history but also ensure that our language and calendar systems are reflective of our shared, global narrative.