I agree, small things like BC/AD vs BCE/CE are petty when considered in isolation. But things in isolation almost never stay that way. Eventually it all leads down the slippery slope.
When I consider religious non-fiction, I am much more likely to trust the views of an author that uses BC/AD than BCE/CE.
Very well argued. I’ve encountered the BCE/CE in secular history writing. I didn’t realize that it was becoming a standard in biblical studies. This should not be. Thanks for putting this together.
Thank you so much! I hadn’t realized how much it was creeping in either. In reading the SBL, it’s clear that while they don’t mandate it, they certainly promote it as all their internal references appear to use it.
"having a form of godliness but denying its power"—I get what you're saying here Justin and this 2 Timothy verse seemed applicable. I haven't been in an academic setting for some time now, so I was not aware of this practice. But this "small concession" you discuss here—replacing BC/AD with BCE/CE suggest that one is fine with adopting Christian or Biblical context, however, removing (or rejecting) the Godly power behind it.
And you're right, things like this do nothing but snowball until it's almost too late to change back.
I applaud you for addressing this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Once again, sinful man is trying to erase any trace of Christianity. I refuse to cave to BCE/CE. The little things are big things!
I think we need to draw a line in the sand right here, right now. I used to be on the Left, politically, back in the day when we actually cared about doing good for the world. But even 30 years ago, what I called the 'language police' were starting to take over. I once got read the riot act at a conference when I said 'ESL,' (English as a second language), instead of 'ELL,' (English language learners), which was apparently the new acronym. Seriously, an entire meeting was derailed while a half dozen people put me through what amounted to a struggle session on my blasphemous utterance. For years after, I put up with this malarkey because, you know, I didn't want to 'offend' anyone. All those supposedly 'little things,' the pronouns, the 'bipoc,' the 'cis' led eventually to state legislatures replacing the word 'mother' with crap like 'uterus haver' and 'chest feeder.'
A person doesn't have to be Christian to acknowledge the history of our country, our culture and all of Western Civilization. But they are erasing Christianity from history, from law, from philosophy, from science, from music, from art, from everything! And it all starts when we give in to 'little things' just like this. Well, no. I'll say it again: NO! I don't plan to get in anyone's face about this, but neither will I back down. I did enough of that before I became a Christian (er, a few weeks ago). If I gain anything for myself out of accepting Jesus Christ as my savior, let it be the strength and conviction to stand my ground on these 'little things.'
I really appreciate you sharing this story and the fact that you stood by your convictions, not letting your political party dictate what you should think.
So many people, I feel, simply change their thoughts on a dime because it’s what their party tells them they should think.
And amen I’m so happy to hear that you just found Christ a few weeks ago. That’s awesome!
I have the utmost respect for you for not only doubling down but also tripling down with this. Respect. I also made sure I forcefully dropped an "AD" in the latest article so you would have no doubt where I stand!
Once upon a time in the 90s, I used a BCE in some submitted research and felt the impact for days. It bothered my conscience. I determined to never do that again.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me! That’s actually a really interesting experience I think I can relate to. I can think of many moments where I conceded something that seemed small, but it just didn’t feel right about.
I agree, small things like BC/AD vs BCE/CE are petty when considered in isolation. But things in isolation almost never stay that way. Eventually it all leads down the slippery slope.
When I consider religious non-fiction, I am much more likely to trust the views of an author that uses BC/AD than BCE/CE.
We'll stated James, I agree! You summed up my entire position here.
Very well argued. I’ve encountered the BCE/CE in secular history writing. I didn’t realize that it was becoming a standard in biblical studies. This should not be. Thanks for putting this together.
Thank you so much! I hadn’t realized how much it was creeping in either. In reading the SBL, it’s clear that while they don’t mandate it, they certainly promote it as all their internal references appear to use it.
Both strange and unfortunate.
Great article my friend. You’re absolutely right…it’s important. Every big thing is the sum of the little things that form it.
A little rebellion is still rebellion full-stop.
I don’t, and will never use the secularized form. Thankfully, this isn’t a problem at my academic institution.
Well argued partner!! 🫡
Thank you Jonathan! I really appreciate it. “Rebellion is rebellion” is perfectly stated!
I’m very thankful it’s not an issue at my institution as well.
"having a form of godliness but denying its power"—I get what you're saying here Justin and this 2 Timothy verse seemed applicable. I haven't been in an academic setting for some time now, so I was not aware of this practice. But this "small concession" you discuss here—replacing BC/AD with BCE/CE suggest that one is fine with adopting Christian or Biblical context, however, removing (or rejecting) the Godly power behind it.
And you're right, things like this do nothing but snowball until it's almost too late to change back.
Great verse drop! I agree it is very applicable, thank you for sharing that.
I applaud you for addressing this! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Once again, sinful man is trying to erase any trace of Christianity. I refuse to cave to BCE/CE. The little things are big things!
I think we need to draw a line in the sand right here, right now. I used to be on the Left, politically, back in the day when we actually cared about doing good for the world. But even 30 years ago, what I called the 'language police' were starting to take over. I once got read the riot act at a conference when I said 'ESL,' (English as a second language), instead of 'ELL,' (English language learners), which was apparently the new acronym. Seriously, an entire meeting was derailed while a half dozen people put me through what amounted to a struggle session on my blasphemous utterance. For years after, I put up with this malarkey because, you know, I didn't want to 'offend' anyone. All those supposedly 'little things,' the pronouns, the 'bipoc,' the 'cis' led eventually to state legislatures replacing the word 'mother' with crap like 'uterus haver' and 'chest feeder.'
A person doesn't have to be Christian to acknowledge the history of our country, our culture and all of Western Civilization. But they are erasing Christianity from history, from law, from philosophy, from science, from music, from art, from everything! And it all starts when we give in to 'little things' just like this. Well, no. I'll say it again: NO! I don't plan to get in anyone's face about this, but neither will I back down. I did enough of that before I became a Christian (er, a few weeks ago). If I gain anything for myself out of accepting Jesus Christ as my savior, let it be the strength and conviction to stand my ground on these 'little things.'
I really appreciate you sharing this story and the fact that you stood by your convictions, not letting your political party dictate what you should think.
So many people, I feel, simply change their thoughts on a dime because it’s what their party tells them they should think.
And amen I’m so happy to hear that you just found Christ a few weeks ago. That’s awesome!
I have the utmost respect for you for not only doubling down but also tripling down with this. Respect. I also made sure I forcefully dropped an "AD" in the latest article so you would have no doubt where I stand!
I am dead, too funny 😂. You have my utmost respect sir 🫡.
Excited to give it a read here in a bit once my coffee is ready.
Once upon a time in the 90s, I used a BCE in some submitted research and felt the impact for days. It bothered my conscience. I determined to never do that again.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me! That’s actually a really interesting experience I think I can relate to. I can think of many moments where I conceded something that seemed small, but it just didn’t feel right about.
A sort of conviction it would seem.