I think the change makes a lot of sense. BC and AD suggest a ratification of the religious component. CE and BCE don’t suggest a ratifying of that component.

Happy New Year to the Secular Right folks too! I hope to see more posts in the coming year, although I suppose this policy of not posting until you have something to say does have its points.

“Language laundering”, I’ll have to remember that. Yes, I prefer BC and AD on the grounds of maintaining harmless traditions. With respect to AYY, I don’t think it suggests ratifying the religious component any more than than CE and BCE. The dividing line would still come from a tradition about when a religious figure was born, and sticking another label on it doesn’t alter that.

Actually, the substitution of BCE and CE for AD and BC is an example of extreme cultural arrogance and stupidity.

There is no common era except as imposed by 200 years of Anglo-American dominance. The Orthodox Church still uses the Julian Calendar (AD/BC and CE/BCE are Gregorian), and the Hebrew, Hindu, Chinese and Muslim calendars are also still in use. Perhaps you have heard of Tet?

There is no common era except as imposed by 200 years of Anglo-American dominance.

Well, yes. That’s exactly what makes it the common era. But imposing our calendar is one thing; imposing its religious implications is another. No point in adding insult to injury.