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Monday, October 10, 2011

Christ as the Point of Reference

Alice C.  Linsley



A few readers have asked why I don't use B.C.E. instead of B.C.  The use of B.C.E. and C.E. is common in academia, but not a single reader of Just Genesis has expressed offense at my use of B.C and A.D., even those who are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist.

Last week the BBC announced that it would use the politically correct B.C.E and C.E.  The only surprise here is that it took the BBC so long to make that decision. I suppose the British tend to preserve tradition more than the Americans.

I agree with Anglican bishop Michael Nazir-Ali who said, “These changes are unnecessary... Whether you use Common Era or Anno Domini, the date is still the same and the reference point is still the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Read about the BBC's decision here.



Political correctness is motivated by concern for diversity and by fear that someone might be offended and sue.  Linguistically, it is a nightmare because it layers our discourse with unnecessary verbage.  Almost always, PC talk makes Man the point of reference. 



1 comment:

Lon W. said...

Excellent. Have been looking for a way to state my own viewpoint regarding political correctness with-out being undeservedly offensive to those who choose to employ p.c. Now, they can be referred to a very well thought out explanation included in your blog. It is tickled me pink for some reason for a few minutes, yet is excellent.