The Evolution and Usage of BCE and BC

Understanding the difference between B.C.E. and B.C. is crucial for anyone delving into the historical narrative. Both terms refer to the same time period: the years before the traditional Christian date of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, their usage and connotations diverge, with one being more inclusive and the other tied to specific religious terminology.

Origins and Terminology

The terms B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) and B.C. (Before Christ) both serve to quantify the years before the presumed birth of Jesus Christ, which is traditionally placed around 4 B.C. or 5 B.C.[1] The difference between these terms primarily lies in the evolution of terminology and the context in which they are used.

Originally, the system of measuring dates was based on the presumed birth year of Christ. This system, known as the Anno Domini (A.D.), was introduced by Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century A.D.[2] However, in recent decades, there has been a shift towards more inclusive language in academic and interfaith contexts, leading to the adoption of B.C.E. and B.C.

The term B.C.E. is often preferred in contemporary discussions to promote neutrality and inclusivity, especially in fields like academia, civil service, and public discourse. For instance, in academic papers and government documents, B.C.E. is frequently used to ensure a more universally acceptable format.

Differences in Usage

The main difference between B.C.E. and B.C. lies in their usage and the religious context they imply. B.C. is often seen as a term tied to Christian terminology, while B.C.E. is considered more inclusive and is used in a wider range of contexts to avoid any religious connotations. For example, in academic publications, museums, and general public discussions, B.C.E. is often preferred to be more appropriate and respectful to individuals of various beliefs.

Despite these differences, both systems count the same years in the same way. For instance, 500 B.C. and 500 B.C.E. refer to the same year, which is 500 years before the presumed birth of Jesus Christ. This parity in counting underscores the fundamental equivalence of these time markers.

Historical Reckoning and Discrepancies

Historical dating has its challenges, and the use of B.C.E. and B.C. is no exception. The original system, devised by Dionysius Exiguus, introduced a key discrepancy: the absence of a zero in Roman numerals means that the year immediately preceding 1 A.D. was not 1 B.C., but 1. This leads to a one-year discrepancy between the two systems:

31 B.C. (or 31 BCE) and 30 B.C. (or 30 BCE) 44 B.C. (or 44 BCE) and 43 B.C. (or 43 BCE) 776 B.C. (or 776 BCE) and 775 B.C. (or 775 BCE) 27 B.C. (or 27 BCE) and 14 A.D. (or 14 CE) for Augustus' reign

This discrepancy can be confusing, but it is generally considered minor for most historical dates, as they are approximate. For example, the date of Khufu's Great Pyramid of Giza is often cited as "circa 2570 B.C." or "circa 2570 BCE," which falls within a wide margin of error and is unlikely to be affected by the one-year discrepancy.

Furthermore, there is an approximate 5-year error in the dating of the Nativity of Christ, as the calculations made by Dionysius Exiguus were slightly off. This discrepancy is based on inaccuracies in historical records and revolves around the reign of Herod the Great, who died in 4 B.C. According to the Book of Matthew, Jesus was born during Herod's reign, which adds another layer of complexity to the historical timeline.

Conclusion

The terms B.C.E. and B.C. are fundamentally the same in every practical sense, both referring to the years before the traditional date of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, B.C.E. is often preferred in contexts where inclusivity and neutrality are paramount. Whether you choose to use B.C. or B.C.E., the essential historical narrative remains intact. The one-year discrepancy and the five-year error in historical dating are minor concerns in the broad spectrum of historical analysis, and the choice between B.C. and B.C.E. is often a matter of taste or context.

[1] Herod and the Birth of Christ: Years of Uncertainty
[2] Dionysius Exiguus: An Early Date Setter for the Nativity of Christ