Understanding BCE, CE, BC, and AD: Usage and Accuracy in Historical Documentation

The terms BCE (Before the Common Era), CE (Common Era), BC (Before Christ), and AD (Anno Domini, the year of Our Lord) are used to date events in history. However, the choice among these terms not only reflects a preference in terminology but also often involves considerations of accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Understanding the implications and usage of these terms is crucial, especially in official documents and historical contexts.

What are BCE, CE, BC, and AD?

These terms are used to represent different eras and are interrelated in their usage and specificity:

BCE (Before the Common Era)

Also known as BC (Before Christ), and sometimes abbreviated as B.C.E., BCE is used to denote the years before the Common Era. This term is often preferred by scholars and historians who seek to distance the dating system from Christian religious connotations.

CE (Common Era)

Also known as AD (Anno Domini), and sometimes abbreviated as C.E., CE is the equivalent of CE. The term is often used by those who prefer a neutral and secular way of dating without religious implications.

BC (Before Christ)

Traditionally used in Christian contexts, BC refers to the years before the birth of Christ. This terminology is based on the traditional date of the birth of Jesus, which is the starting point for the Christian era.

AD (Anno Domini)

Latin for 'in the year of Our Lord,' AD is often used in titles, religious documents, and historical manuscripts to denote years after the birth of Christ. While technically correct, its Christian connotation has led to the adoption of CE in many secular contexts.

Which Terms are More Accurate?

The accuracy of these terms in dating historical events is open to debate. The traditional BC/AD dating system is sometimes criticized for inaccuracies, mainly due to the following points:

Historical Inaccuracy of AD

It has been widely accepted, through scholarly research, that the birth year of Jesus is more likely to be around 4 BCE, not 1 CE. The exact date of his birth is uncertain, but the presence of King Herod suggests a date before his death in 4 BCE.

The absence of a year 0 between 1 BCE and 1 CE is due to the Roman calendar, which did not have the concept of the number 0. This results in some confusion, especially when dealing with historical dates.

For these reasons, many scholars prefer to use BCE/CE, as it is more accurate and less fraught with religious connotations.

Wider Usage and Cultural Sensitivity

While BC/AD are more commonly used in religious and Christian documents, the terminology BCE/CE is increasingly favored in secular and professional contexts. This shift towards a more neutral language acknowledges the diverse makeup of modern societies and seeks to avoid religious biases.

Interestingly, the preference for terms like BCE/CE is indicative of a broader trend towards secularization and the de-Christianization of public discourse. This can be seen in the replacement of traditional days of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.) with non-religious alternatives, such as 'Tuesday' (derived from 'Tiu's Day,' referring to the Germanic gods) and 'August' (originally named after Caesar Augustus).

The Catholic Connection to the Dating System

It is worth noting that the BC/AD system was invented by Dionysius Exiguus, a Christian monk, around 525 CE. This historical fact has led to some resistance in using these terms, particularly among those who wish to distance themselves from religious dogmas.

The Gregorian calendar, widely used today, was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. This calendar, while not religious in itself, has its roots in the Catholic church and thus is used by many, even those who are not Catholic.

Conclusion

While all of these terms have their place in historical and religious contexts, BCE and CE are often more accurate and preferred in modern, secular usage. The choice of terms should be guided by a consideration of accuracy, context, and cultural sensitivity, with a preference for neutrality in official and academic documents.

Understanding the differences between BCE, CE, BC, and AD, as well as their implications and usage, is crucial in presenting historical information accurately and respectfully.