BCE stands for Before Common Era or Before Current Era. It is a term used to refer to the time period before the start of the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used calendar today. BCE is used instead of BC, which stands for Before Christ, because it is considered more inclusive and less religiously biased.
The Origin of BCE
The use of BCE as a dating system was first proposed by German theologian and historian, Johannes Kepler, in the 17th century. However, it was not widely adopted until the 19th century, when French archaeologists began using it in their work. The term was further popularized in the 20th century by Jewish scholars who wanted to remove the religious connotations associated with BC.
How BCE is Used
BCE is used by historians and archaeologists to refer to the time period before the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also used to refer to the time period before the start of the Gregorian calendar, which began on October 15, 1582. BCE is used in conjunction with CE, which stands for Common Era, to avoid religious bias and to provide a neutral dating system.
The Benefits of Using BCE
One of the main benefits of using BCE is that it provides a neutral and inclusive dating system that is not tied to any specific religion or culture. This allows historians and archaeologists to communicate more effectively and to avoid any potential bias or misunderstanding. BCE also allows for a more accurate and consistent dating system that can be used across different cultures and time periods.
Common Misconceptions About BCE
One common misconception about BCE is that it is an attempt to remove Jesus Christ from history. However, this is not the case. BCE is simply a neutral and inclusive dating system that allows historians and archaeologists to communicate more effectively and avoid any potential bias or misunderstanding. BCE does not negate the significance of Jesus Christ or any other religious figure in history.
Conclusion
BCE is a dating system that is used by historians and archaeologists to refer to the time period before the start of the Gregorian calendar and before the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a neutral and inclusive dating system that allows for more accurate and consistent dating across different cultures and time periods. BCE should not be seen as an attempt to remove any religious figures from history, but rather as a way to communicate more effectively and avoid any potential bias or misunderstanding.