From BC to BCE: Understanding the Shift in Historical Markers

Introduction

The use of BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) to mark historical dates has been a longstanding tradition. However, in recent years, BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) have emerged as alternatives, gaining widespread acceptance among scholars and in a broader context. This article explores the history and reasons behind this transition, highlighting the significance of using more inclusive language in academic and cultural settings.

The Origins of BC and AD

The abbreviations BC and AD have been in use for centuries, with BC standing for "before Christ" and AD for "anno domini," meaning "in the year of the lord." These terms refer to the historical period before the birth of Jesus Christ and have been widely adopted in Christian contexts. However, they carry a strong religious connotation, which has led to the development of alternative abbreviations.

The Emergence of BCE and CE

BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) were introduced in the early 17th century but gained significant usage in the 20th century. Jewish scholars were among the first to use BCE in their works to eliminate Christian references. The adoption of BCE and CE was further propelled by historians and scholars who sought to create terminology free from religious roots.

Key Differences: Both BC and BCE/AD and CE refer to the same time periods, but BCE and CE are more secular and inclusive. BCE focuses on a "common era" rather than a "year of the lord," making it a more neutral term. BC/AD, on the other hand, remains a Christian-centric term.

Historical Context and Adoption

1600s: The Early Adoption

The introduction of BCE and CE was gradual. Jewish scholars began using these terms in the early 17th century as a way to avoid religious references in their writings. However, they did not gain widespread usage until the 20th century. As historians, archaeologists, and textual scholars sought to create a terminology that was more inclusive of various cultural and religious backgrounds, BCE and CE became increasingly popular.

20th Century: Widespread Usage

The 20th century marked a significant shift in the use of historical dating. In the mid-20th century, the concept of CE and BCE became more widely accepted among scholars. This shift was driven by the need for more secular and inclusive language in academic research and educational materials.

21st Century: Current Practice

Currently, BCE and CE are the preferred terms among scholars and in academic contexts. However, BC and AD are still commonly used in non-academic settings. This duality reflects the ongoing debate and the gradual adoption of more inclusive language.

Usage and Context

Scholars and Researchers

Scholars and researchers in history, archaeology, and other related fields often prefer BCE because of its secular nature. This term helps in maintaining neutrality in academic work and provides a more inclusive framework for diverse backgrounds. For example, in studies of ancient civilizations, BCE is used to refer to timelines without religious bias.

Educational Materials

Educational materials increasingly use BCE to provide students with an inclusive understanding of historical events. This approach ensures that students from various religious and cultural backgrounds can engage with the material without feeling excluded or indoctrinated.

Cultural and Interfaith Contexts

In discussions that involve multiple religions, BCE is used to avoid the Christian-centric implications of BC. This term is favored in contexts that aim for a more universal approach to historical dating. For instance, in interfaith settings, BCE is often preferred to ensure all participants are comfortable with the terminology used.

The Popularization of BCE

The term BCE gained popularity in the 1970s and has since become more widely accepted. This shift was influenced by the growing awareness of the need for inclusivity and the desire to avoid religious connotations in historical dating.

Conclusion

The transition from BC to BCE and CE reflects a broader trend towards inclusivity and neutrality in historical language. While BC and AD remain widely used, the adoption of BCE and CE in academic and more inclusive contexts highlights the ongoing evolution of how we mark and understand history.

References

For further reading and detailed sources on the topic, refer to the following:

-The Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford University Press (2010)

-Historical Archeology: A Research Guide, David M. Watters (2013)