The reason "AD/BC" is being replaced by "CE/BCE" as dating notation By Bruce W. Robida

 

NOTE: I do not support useing BCE and CE in place of BC and AD. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the reasons others give for using those terms.


 “The Ethic of Reciprocity (the Golden Rule) suggests that one should not intentionally cause unnecessary pain to other humans. We should treat others as we would wish to be treated. Since only one out of every three humans on earth is a Christian, some theologians and other authors feel that non-religious, neutral terms like CE and BCE would be less offensive to the non-Christian majority. Forcing a Hindu, for example, to use AD and BC might be seen by some as coercing them to acknowledge the supremacy of the Christian God and of the recognition of Jesus Christ as The Messiah.  (The term "Christ" is derived from the Greek word for Messiah.)” http://www.religioustolerance.org/ceintro.htm - "CE/BCE" or "AD/BC" dating notation

“We use the terms CE and BCE throughout this web site because they are less hurtful to non-Christians. We feel that this outweighs any of the objections to their use of which we are aware. We want to communicate ideas while being civil and considerate to people of all religious traditions. This is compatible with the purpose of this web site, which is to promote religious tolerance. We want to reduce discrimination, oppression and unnecessary pain caused to people on the basis of their religion. Some people call this being "politically correct" because it is sensitive to the feelings of others. That is their right. But we feel that the use of CE and BCE is the decent and considerate thing to do.” - http://www.religioustolerance.org/ceintro.htm - "CE/BCE" or "AD/BC" dating notation

“Jews do not generally use the words "A.D." and "B.C." to refer to the years on the Gregorian calendar. "A.D." means "the year of our L-rd," and we do not believe Jesus is the L-rd. Instead, we use the abbreviations C.E. (Common or Christian Era) and B.C.E. (Before the Common Era).” —Tracey R Rich, Judaism 101

The Southern Baptist Convention approved Resolution 9 at their June 13-14, 2000 convention in Orlando, Florida, which states:

RESOLUTION NO. 9

ON RETAINING THE TRADITIONAL METHOD OF CALENDAR DATING (B.C./A.D.)

WHEREAS, Historically, our (Gregorian) calendar marked the centrality of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus by the designation B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (anno Domini [in the year of the Lord]); and

WHEREAS, Some recent publishing practices alter this designation in favor of B.C.E. (before common era) and C.E. (common era); and

WHEREAS, This practice is the result of the secularization, anti-supernaturalism, religious pluralism, and political correctness pervasive in our society. 

WHEREAS, The traditional method of dating is a reminder of the preeminence of Christ and His gospel in world history; and

WHEREAS, This retention is a reminder to those in this secular age of the importance of Christ's life and mission and emphasizes to all that history is ultimately His Story.

Therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Orlando, Florida, June 13-14, 2000 A.D., encourage Southern Baptist individuals, churches, entities, and institutions to retain the traditional method of dating and avoid this revisionism.

Christians should not be so willing to go along with this obvious erosion of our Christian heritage.

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