Just a pinch of incense - Vatican uses BCE/CE in place of BC/AD

Introduction

In a recent development, the Vatican has chosen to replace the traditional terminology of BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) with the secular BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) in its official documentation. This significant shift was noted in a letter written by Pope Francis, addressing the role of literature in Christian formation. The document includes phrases that reference these secular terms, marking what many consider a departure from the Church's historical framing of time centered around the birth of Christ.

The paragraph in question cites two quotations from ancient poets, one from Epimenides and another from Aratus, both incorporating BCE in their wording. Critics of this decision highlight that BCE has traditionally been employed primarily by Jewish scholars who do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. The use of BCE and CE is seen as a capitulation to secularism, which increasingly removes religious context from historical discourse.

This new move by the Vatican has drawn considerable ire, with commentators suggesting it indicates a broader trend of the Church conforming to modern ideologies and abandoning core principles. The conversation around this issue also touches upon how the Church should engage with contemporary society while maintaining its foundational truths—namely, the acknowledgment of Christ as central to human history.

Notably, both Gavin Ashenden and Katherine Bennett, the hosts of the recent discussion that raised this matter, expressed their disappointment and concern that the terminology shift could dilute the significance of Christ in both history and contemporary discourse. They argued that the relationship with Jesus is irreplaceable and that straying from this can lead to a loss of meaning, truth, and ultimately, a compromise of the faith.

Engaging in this dialogue is imperative, they argue, to ensure the Catholic Church doesn't contribute to a narrative that seeks to erase Christ from history. As they emphasized, knowing Jesus is foundational to understanding truth, and as such, it is essential for Catholics to defend and articulate this truth vigorously in the public space.

Keywords

Vatican, BCE, CE, BC, AD, Pope Francis, secularism, Christ, history, language, truth, Catholic faith, compromise, engagement.

FAQ

Q1: What changes has the Vatican made regarding the dating system?
A1: The Vatican has replaced the traditional BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) terminology with BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) in its official documentation.

Q2: What prompted this change in terminology?
A2: The shift reflects a broader trend toward secularism and a desire to connect with contemporary audiences, although it raises concerns about erasing Christ's significance in history.

Q3: How have commentators reacted to this decision?
A3: Critics, including Gavin Ashenden and Katherine Bennett, have expressed disappointment, viewing this change as a compromise of the Catholic faith and a departure from its historical foundations.

Q4: Why is acknowledging Christ important according to the discussion?
A4: The hosts argue that recognizing Christ as central to human history is crucial for understanding truth, and any attempt to remove Him from historical language undermines the integrity of the Catholic faith.

Q5: What implications does this change have for the Catholic Church?
A5: This decision could dilute the Church's message and alienate Catholics who feel that the Church is compromising on foundational values in order to align with modern perspectives.