BC or BCE

Have you seen the recent surge in the use of B.C.E and C.E. to replace B.C. and A.D. in writing historical dates? For 2000 years, we in western civilization have divided history into two eras. Before Christ and Anno Domini, or the year of our Lord. Why the change? Well, if you didn’t know, C.E. stands for Common Era and B.C.E. stands for Before Common Era.

This is obviously an attempt to remove any reference to Jesus in our culture. It is plainly stated as the reason by proponents of this change. They say it is more sensitive to other religions and the non-religious. They argue that it can be offensive to refer to Christ as our Lord.

This shouldn’t surprise us. Hostility towards Christianity has been increasing in these last days. Let us remember Ephesians 6:12. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but rather the spiritual forces and powers of this dark world. With that understanding, let me ask you: who do you think most wants to remove an awareness of Jesus as the central figure in history? Isn’t the obvious answer, satan? What do we call an action or movement that is urged or instigated by satan? We would call it satanic. People tend to bristle at the use of that adjective, but think about it. Anything that conforms to satan’s will and not God’s, is by definition satanic. Don’t be afraid to use the word. It may be shocking to some, but if you explain this way, they will have to admit that you have a point or else just plain deny it.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:30 that if you are not with Him, you are against Him. Think about that verse in light of what we just discussed.

So, I have an idea. Whenever the subject comes up about what C.E. or B.C.E. means, just say … it means Christian Era and Before Christian Era. After all, what is the delineating factor that separates the two? The birth of Christ! This should satisfy those who are pushing for the new notation because it refers to an undeniable fact without using the words, “our Lord”.