Politcal lobbiests are rallying to have BC and AD which stand for "Before Christ" and "(no not "after death something in latin that means) In the Year of our Lord" with BCE 'Before Current Era" and CE or "Current Era the idea being that these new designations won't hurt any one's feelings out in the world. Thoughts, Quips or Rants anyone?

Hoopdawg08 you are probably right I can't say I believe in God but I'm not offended at all, that would be kinda dumb, at the same time though its kinda hard trying to ignore the fact that the world seems to have been taken over by Christianity.

I don't see the point in so much hassle just to spare ourselves an akward moment or two. Are any atheists or agnostics really offended by the fact that we refer to our timeline with a religious name? (seriously asking, not trying to be a smartass)

It's a never ending cycle why couldn't people have just decided that the calendar would begin when the Ice Age occurred or something? Don't most people believe in that?

Technically, I suppose not. The main reason for using BCE/CE over BC/AD is that not everyone who uses the Gregorian calendar is Christian, and BC/AD are strictly Christian terms in that they refer explicitly to Jesus (Anno Domini literally means "the year of our Lord", and Jesus is only considered to be the Lord in Christianity).

quote:

Originally posted by clpo13:
The phrase "common era" actually refers to the era of Christianity. While BCE/CE aren't intrinsically religious terms, they recognize the impact that Christianity has had on world history.

Then is there really any difference in using the two different terms?

The phrase "common era" actually refers to the era of Christianity. While BCE/CE aren't intrinsically religious terms, they recognize the impact that Christianity has had on world history.

BCE and CE are probably better choices to use at school since you can't discuss religion, but what exactly is common era then, or when was it,m how are we supposed to know?

quote:

That is exactly waht I said below (that no one responded to). They don't hold religious meaning anymore, if they ever did.

And I also said this before you did. I find that with this site, you end up having to repeat yourself many times before people get the point. People are going to come in here and post their opinions without reading what has already been said. Its inevitable. But instead of ignoring them and letting them think everyone agrees with their statement, we keep saying whats been said a million times. Its the continuous, repetitive cycle of Youthnoise..and everyone just keeps coming back for more. (including me, i wish i could explain that one)...

I wasn't berating you, I was berating those who think that BC/AD is another way for the pope to rule the world. The people that didn't respond to my argument but instead just made something up to be against BC/AD.

yeah you're right, they don't. i wasn't thinking when i wrote that, sorry

That is exactly waht I said below (that no one responded to). They don't hold religious meaning anymore, if they ever did.

Changing the name is not going to change the fact that our years are based around the time of Jesus. And I would hardly say that Christianity rules the world's time system. Not everyone in the world uses BC/AD. And seriously who cares? These terms are more historical if anything.

I think using Common Era is a lot better than "Before Christ" Just because Christianity can rule the world's morals doesn't mean it can determine our time system.

quote:

Originally posted by hubbabaloo:
I use BC and AD. Partly because I think that we're a refined culture, and we should use refined speech. Anno Domini is much more refined than "Common Era."

I know it's prideful, but as elementary school teachers tell you, "Take pride in your work."

Anno Domini is Latin and only sounds more refined. How the hell does saying that make the words any better?

I use BC and AD. Partly because I think that we're a refined culture, and we should use refined speech. Anno Domini is much more refined than "Common Era."

I know it's prideful, but as elementary school teachers tell you, "Take pride in your work."

I went to a public school. That's my excuse.

quote:

Originally posted by freedomordeath:
I believe you're mistaken supporter - I was always taught it meant "Before Calendar" which started right around that time, yes.

As for the topic - I do not like this new method.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_Christ


BC does in fact mean "Before Christ", in english. Anyone who told you it was "Before Calender" was mistaken or white washing the thing. Either way, it's crap that people need to sterilize everything so it's religion neutral.

I'm pretty sure it means Before Christ but I guess it could depend on who taught it to you. No need to change it. At this time BC simply means BC not really Before Christ or Before Calendar anymore.

I believe you're mistaken supporter - I was always taught it meant "Before Calendar" which started right around that time, yes.

As for the topic - I do not like this new method.