In today’s world, a subtle yet significant shift has been taking place in how we label historical dates. The traditional terms BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini), which translates to “In the Year of the Lord,” are being increasingly replaced by BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) in academic, secular, and even public settings. While this change is often presented as a neutral, inclusive adjustment, as Bible-believing Christians, we must ask ourselves: is this really neutral, or is it another deliberate attempt by the enemy to steer people away from acknowledging Jesus Christ as the focal point of history? I believe this is definitely the case.
As believers, we hold firmly to the truth that Jesus Christ is the foundation of all creation and the central figure in human history. This article will explore why BC and AD should remain the standard and why Christians should resist the shift to BCE and CE.
The Origins and Significance of BC and AD
The traditional dating system, based on BC and AD, was established in the 6th century by the monk Dionysius Exiguus. His goal was to create a calendar that centred on the incarnation of Jesus Christ. By defining history as either “Before Christ” or “In the Year of the Lord,” the system openly acknowledges the birth of Jesus as the pivotal moment in human history.
This Christ-centred dating system is more than a practical tool; it is a declaration of faith. It proclaims that the timeline of history hinges on the coming of the Saviour. Whether people realise it or not, every time they write a date—2024, for example—they are referencing the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a powerful testimony to the centrality of Christ, even in a world that increasingly seeks to ignore Him.
What are BCE and CE?
The terms BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) were introduced as alternatives to BC and AD in the 17th century, but they did not gain widespread usage until the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Initially adopted in academic and scientific circles, these terms were promoted as a way to create a more “neutral” framework that would be inclusive of all religious and cultural perspectives. By the 21st century, many secular institutions, including schools, museums, and media organisations, began using BCE and CE in their publications and teachings.
The shift gained traction in part due to the increasing emphasis on secularism and multiculturalism in Western societies. Advocates argued that BCE and CE avoided privileging Christianity in a pluralistic world. However, this shift is inherently contradictory because the Gregorian calendar, which remains the global standard, is still based on the birth of Jesus Christ. While the terms may appear neutral, the timeline they represent is undeniably Christ-centred.
The Broader Implications of the Shift
Impact on Non-Christian Audiences
Some proponents of BCE and CE argue that these terms are more inclusive for non-Christian audiences, making historical discussions less tied to a specific religious tradition. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that the Gregorian calendar itself is not neutral—it explicitly centres on the life of Christ. By replacing BC and AD with BCE and CE, society does not truly remove Christian influence but instead attempts to obscure it. This can lead to confusion or a sense of historical revisionism for both Christians and non-Christians alike.
For non-Christian audiences, acknowledging the historical basis of the calendar does not require adopting Christian faith; it simply recognises a historical reality. Denying this reality through altered terminology does a disservice to the historical record and risks alienating those who value intellectual honesty.
Addressing Common Counterarguments
“BCE and CE Are More Inclusive”
Inclusivity is often cited as the primary reason for adopting BCE and CE. However, true inclusivity does not require erasing the historical and cultural context of a system. The Gregorian calendar was created within a Christian framework and reflects that heritage. Replacing BC and AD with supposedly neutral terms does not change this fact but rather diminishes transparency.
“BC and AD Are Archaic or Sectarian.”
Some argue that BC and AD are outdated or exclusive to Christians. Yet, these terms have been widely used for centuries across diverse cultures and have become integral to the way history is understood globally. Changing terminology creates unnecessary complexity and disrupts a system that has served humanity well for over a millennium.
“BCE and CE Avoid Religious Bias”
While BCE and CE claim to avoid religious bias, they still rely on the Christian timeline. The change in terms is, therefore, superficial and misleading rather than genuinely neutral.
Perspectives Among Christian Denominations
The issue of BC/AD versus BCE/CE has elicited varying responses among Christian denominations. Some denominations, particularly those with a strong emphasis on tradition, such as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, continue to advocate for BC and AD as affirmations of Christ’s central role in history. Evangelical and Protestant groups similarly emphasise the importance of maintaining Christ-centred terminology as a testimony of faith.
Other Christians, particularly in academic or interfaith settings, may be more accepting of BCE and CE for pragmatic reasons, such as fostering dialogue in multicultural contexts. However, even in these cases, many recognise the underlying importance of the traditional system and its historical ties to Christianity. The broader Christian consensus remains that BC and AD best reflect the truth of Christ’s centrality in history.
Why the Shift Matters
For Christians, the move to BCE and CE is not a small issue. Here are three reasons why this shift is significant:
1. It Diminishes Christ’s Centrality in History
Jesus Christ is not just another figure in history—He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). The traditional dating system reflects this truth by placing Christ at the centre of history. Replacing BC and AD with BCE and CE attempts to obscure this reality, reducing Jesus to just another historical figure rather than the Saviour of the world.
2. It Reflects a Secular Agenda
While some argue that BCE and CE promote inclusivity, the reality is that this shift aligns with a broader secular agenda to remove Christian references from public life. As society becomes more secularised, efforts to downplay or erase Jesus’ influence become more common. This change in terminology is one example of how the world seeks to deny Christ’s authority and significance.
3. It Undermines the Gospel’s Witness
Every time we use BC and AD, we have an opportunity to point to Christ. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that history revolves around Him. By adopting BCE and CE, we risk losing this testimony and contributing to a culture that increasingly pushes Jesus out of public consciousness.
Standing Firm for BC and AD
As Christians, we are called to stand firm in the truth and proclaim the name of Jesus boldly. Here are a few practical ways to do that in the context of this issue:
- Use BC and AD in Your Speech and Writing: When discussing historical dates, choose BC and AD rather than BCE and CE. This small act is a way of honouring Christ and maintaining His centrality in history.
- Educate Others About the Calendar’s Origins: Many people are unaware that the Gregorian calendar is based on the birth of Christ. Use this as an opportunity to share the gospel and explain why Jesus is the dividing point of history.
- Pray for Boldness and Wisdom: As the world moves further from Christ, we need courage and wisdom to stand for Him. Pray for opportunities to share the truth about Jesus and His role in history.
- Engage with Love and Grace: While it’s important to stand for the truth, we must also engage with others in a spirit of love and grace (Colossians 4:6). Not everyone who uses BCE and CE is deliberately rejecting Christ; some may simply be following cultural norms. Use these moments as opportunities for respectful dialogue.
Conclusion: Jesus at the Centre
Ultimately, the debate over BC/AD versus BCE/CE is about more than terminology. It’s about whether we will continue to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the central figure in history. As believers, we know that history truly does revolve around Him—not just in terms of dates but in the eternal plan of God.
The Bible reminds us that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:10). No attempt to obscure His importance will ultimately succeed. By standing for BC and AD, we affirm that truth and testify to the world that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).