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BCE (Before the Common Era or Before the Current Era) is the era before CE. BCE and CE are alternatives to the Dionysian BC and AD system respectively.
The Dionysian era distinguishes eras using AD (anno Domini, "in [the] year of [the] Lord") and BC ("before Christ").
■ A.D. 와 C.E
A.D.는 라틴어 Anno Domini의 약자입니다. 뜻은 '주님의 해 (the year of the lord)' 라는 뜻입니다. 주님의 해, 즉 그리스도 탄생일을 뜻합니다. 그래서 우리말로 하면 기원후라고 합니다.
기원후, 서기 OO 년이라고 할 때는 A.D. 외에 다른 말로는 C.E.라고도 씁니다. 종교적인 의미를 제거하여 Common Era로 C.E.를 씁니다.
ex)
A.D. 2001
2001 CE
Caesar reigned from 63 BC to AD 14.
■ B.C. 와 B.C.E
B.C.는 Before Christ 그리스도 탄생 이전, 즉 기원전입니다. 대신에 종교적인 의미를 부여하지 않고 쓰는 경우에는 B.C.E. ( Before Common Era)로 쓸 수 있습니다.
467 B.C.
487 B.C.E.
● AD ? A.D.?
AD 예요? A.D. 예요? 즉, 마침표를 찍어야 해요? 안 찍어야하나요?
이것은 선호의 문제입니다. 마침표 찍고 싶으면 찍고, 찍기 싫으면 안 찍어도 됩니다.
단, 하나의 문서에서 찍으려면 끝까지 다 찍고, 안 찍으려면 전부 다 찍지 말아야 합니다.
■ What is the meaning of AD, BC, BCE and CE?
The meaning of AD is Anno Domini or Year of our Lord referring to the year of Christ’s birth. The meaning of BC is Before Christ. CE is a recent term. It refers to Common Era and is used in place of A.D. the dates are the same i.e., 2009 AD is 2009 CE. BCE means Before Common Era. For example 400 BC is 400 BCE.
[This article continues after a message from the authors]
These Articles are Written by the Publishers of The Amazing Bible Timeline with World History
When did we start using AD and BC? Why?
Many different calendars have been used since man began tracking time. Most start with some epoch event or person. The use of BC and AD for numbering calendar years was invented by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 AD.
His purpose was to determine the correct date for Easter under the direction of Pope St. John I.
Prior to this time, one method for determining Easter was based on a 532 year calendar cycle stemming from the Alexandrian era. Other methods were also used which led to the confusion. Dionysius was asked to determine a method for calculating Easter that would then be used by the entire church. Dionysius did not want to perpetuate the name of Alexander, the Great Persecutor. He decided to start his 532-year cycle from 753 years after the Founding of Rome.
Today, based on historical evidence relating to Herod and astronomical data from the study of eclipses and star novas, most historians believe Christ was born a few years earlier. Dionysius named the years relating to his cycle, BC meaning Before Christ, which starts with year 1 and AD meaning Anno Domini, the year of Our Lord referring to the year of Christ’s birth. This is also a year 1. There is no year 0. That’s the reason purists insists the 21st century began January 1, 2001. For example, the first year began in 1 AD and ended the beginning of 2 AD. So the first year of the 21st century begins in 2001 AD and ends with the beginning of 2002 AD. It took about 400 years for the dating system devised by Dionysius to reach common usage. In combination with the Julian Calendar system that determines the beginning of months and years, this continued until 1582 AD. The number of each year is based on the Dionysius numbering system.
'Today, based on historical evidence relating to Herod and astronomical data from the study of eclipses and star novas, most historians believe Christ was born a few years earlier.'
For more information on how it spread read our article What Did We Use Before BC and AD. The need for the introduction of the Gregorian Calendar came about because a year is not exactly 365 days long. It is 365 and a quarter days long. Every four years, March 1st moved behind a day until after centuries instead of being early spring March 1st was now the beginning of winter. Something had to be done. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced in the Catholic parts of Europe in 1582 A.D. by Pope Gregory XIII (then the religious leader of the Roman Catholic faith). It was an improvement upon the Julian Calendar to keep the average length of the calendar year better in line with the seasons.
Now here's a rule that will drive you crazy. The rules, months, and days of the Gregorian calendar are the same as those of the Julian Calendar, except for the leap year rules. In the Gregorian calendar, a year is a leap year if the year number is evenly divisible by 4. However century years follow a different rule. The number must be divisible by both 100 and 400 to be a leap year; otherwise it is not a leap year. For example, 1600 and 2000 are leap years, but 1700, 1800, and 1900 are not.
"The legal code of the United States does not specify an official national calendar. Use of the Gregorian calendar in the United States is a result of an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1751, which specified use of the Gregorian calendar in England and its colonies. However, its adoption in the United Kingdom and other countries was fraught with confusion, controversy, and even violence. It also had a deeper cultural impact through the disruption of traditional festivals and calendrical practices." (Seidelmann, P. Kenneth, Explanatory Supplement, United States Naval Observatory. Nautical Almanac, pg. 578)
The widespread use of the Gregorian calendar and the use of BC and AD throughout the world came about thanks to the colonization practices of Europe. And economic pressures of a worldwide economy led by Europe and the United States. This is gradually changing as more and more academic writers prefer the use of CE rather than AD.
Related Articles:
What Did We Use Before BC and AD
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105 thoughts on “What is the meaning of AD, BC, BCE and CE?”
Taylor Lester
August 23, 2016
Thank you so much for making this website it really helped me
Reply
B. Anthony
September 11, 2016
This change from B.C. To BCE, and A.D. To A.C.E. has much more to do with elimination of Christian Doctrine and Beliefs than it does any “scientific” reason.
We have seen a steady decline in Academia for decades; the literal rewriting of and changing of Our Timeline itself. It is a shame.
Reply
Charlie
September 15, 2016
I happened upon this web site because of AD. I’ve kept thinking it was “after the death” of Christ but knew it wasn’t and wanted to make sure I got it right and I find this change from BC to. BCE and CE. What’s up with that! You know what the BIBLE says about adding to or taking from Gods Word. I don’t like these changes and I certainly don’t understand why these changes.
Reply
Marco Venuto
November 23, 2016
The number of non-Christian people around the worl is increasing heavily, so there is no reason to keep AD and BC – even though they have always worked perfectly – been used throughout the world. Let’s remember that Chineses and Jews also have their time mark.
Reply
Kelly
January 11, 2017
Thank you so much Marco. You’re the only person on this thread that posted something for others to learn from.
Shiloh
February 8, 2017
In other words, BECAUSE it has to do with Christ, do away with it. That is the only reason. Why does it bother anyone? It’s been used by Christians and nonChristians alike. Obviously, because the world is increasingly sensitive against anything of Christ. As a Christian, I do not worry about, for instance, the days of the week and months being named after pagan deities. I know that those gods are nothing and I don’t worship them. I am not super sensitive about them. Those names are just names to me. None Christians needn’t worry…Christ knows those who don’t respect for Him or want any remembrance of Him. The world has become quite silly about things. So what if we use AD and BC.
Helena
March 12, 2017
There is no Chineses
The right usage would be Chinese.
Wanda
April 15, 2017
So you don’t use them and leave the Christians alone. I say don’t mess with something that works. It is a way that time is measured.
Sebastian Sutton
February 22, 2018
We don’t need a reply by every christian on planet. some people believe in Christ while others don’t. I don’t know about anyone else but it has already changed to there is no point in complaining OK. Gosh
This isn’t directed to you marco
dave
June 12, 2018
We are using the Gregorian calendar which is a Catholic Calendar, introduced by pope Gregory XIII. It does not make sense to change the meaning of year zero of a religious calendar to suit the needs of the political correct msm and establishment.
Lol chineses
July 10, 2018
Lol Chineses
Zaphod Ashmole
August 9, 2018
Actually, Marco yes and No. In Western developed countries, yes Christianity is shrinking but in the developing world Christianity and to a greater extent Islam are growing. By Mid century 4 our of every 10 Christians will come from Africa. Meanwhile, Western populations are shrinking and with them the ‘unaffiliated’. It is noted that China will become the largest nation of Christians by 2030-50 with an estimated 250 million Christians of various denominations. As for calendars, the Muslims have a calendar system, the Chinese, Jews and literally thousands of other ethnic groups do as well. Fact of the matter is the Gregorian calendar is the standard at which commerce and governments operate. However, I am sure there is a support group for those developed world delicate flowers who feel oppressed by the Christian influenced Gregorian calendar. Me, myself, believe we should adopt a psuedo-Judaic style calendar starting from A.L. O up to 5billion plus. That would steam-line things wouldn’t ?
Tony Fernandes
February 10, 2019
The “new age of enlightenment” based on what is “politically correct” or “convenient” to satisfy minorities is increasingly erasing the symbols and values adopted by the Greco-Roman culture and inherited by the Christian Western civilization. Simultaneously these “mind destroyers” are rewriting history! This is happening every day and everywhere! It’s based on hypocrisy and double standards! Remember the revolt shown by the West when the Taliban destroyed the 1700 years old Buddha’s statues in Afghanistan in 2001? Now these so called “westerners” are doing the same here, in Europe, and elsewhere!
Paul C Bentall
February 19, 2017
As I am sure you have already found out AD means Anno Domini, in other words the year of our Lord. It is specifically Christian and therefore unsuitable for use when talking about other faiths or timelines that have starting points that are significant to other faiths.
Reply
Nick
September 1, 2017
Agree
Taylor
November 2, 2017
Either way….the calendar still has Jesus as the center. No matter whether it is called bc bce ad or ce.
David Ensign
December 26, 2019
It’s a unit of measure like inches or meters. If someone feels uncomfortable with it, don’t say “Before Crist”, just say “BC”. Keep it simple and don’t make a political or emotional issue of it.
Glorysten Troupe
February 27, 2017
Well, actually this time dating system is not biblical. It is a man made system to keep up with time. However I do understand what you are saying about adding or taking away from God’s word.
Reply
Wanda
April 15, 2017
Then the other religions should have found an event to measure time first.
Joann
August 14, 2017
I agree with Wanda.
Laila
July 3, 2018
That Correct, All believer of any religion have a Calendar,
The Islamic, Muslim, or Hijri calendar (Arabic: التقويم الهجري at-taqwīm al-hijrī) is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days. It is used (often alongside the Gregorian calendar) to date events in many Muslim countries. … The current Islamic year is 1439 AH.
Gerdamaria
October 2, 2019
Absolutely agree with you, because this is fact!
Taha
April 12, 2017
I always thought the same, but then after decent/diciple (of christ) e.g. A.D. But indeed its after birth not dead, after dead would mean his life it self wasnt recorded or whatever age jesus was in bc terms. Anyway this website made it clear for me thanks!
Reply
Jordank
May 9, 2017
Its not gods word.
Its the word of men.
Always has been.
Reply
Kim
October 21, 2017
All scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Timothy 3:16. Knowing no scripture is of private interpretation. 2 Peter 1:20.
Ernest Lovoi
October 31, 2018
No its God’s word as The Holy Spirit Gave it to man and Man recorded it !!! God Knows the Day and Time so who cares about the prefixes stupid people use what ever floats their boat that day I am tired of all the hate God will decide who is right and wrong He is the Judge of all the world .and Jesus Christ is his Son
Kent
December 17, 2017
Come on, man wrote the Bible/any scripts made. Why else do you think it is being updated from time to time. Bible refers to OX and other horrible things being allowed as this was ‘normal’ at time of writing. So, on natural to evolve the BC,AD thinking.
Reply
L
May 22, 2018
All Scripture is God-Breathed
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of [them] all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable {5624} for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Ernest Lovoi
October 31, 2018
Thank you L you are only persecuted if you are following Jesus because He said the world will hate you on My(Jesus’s) account and My sheep know my voice and wont follow a stranger you are on the right road L keep running the race and you will finnish on the right side God help those who Hate Him !!!! Repent for the day of judgement is at hand BC AD BCE or CE God knows the Day Maranatha !!!! Come Soon Lord !!!!
Jerry Bush Jr
January 24, 2018
The terms BC, and AD are not in God’s Word so changing them to BCE and ACE (respectively) would not take away from God’s Word. However, I do agree that the change is an act of taking God out of everything they can.
Reply
Keith Wilbert
December 30, 2018
Precise Jerry, my thoughts exactly!
Josiah
January 26, 2018
The Bible calendar is not the one you’re on if you’re upset about BC and AD. If you’re concerned about adding to or changing God’s Word and His calendar, get on the Feasts of the Lord.
Reply
Harold
January 30, 2018
Where in the Bible can you find the division of months and years defined as BC and AD? Please be factual in your oppositional statements.
Reply
Max
February 1, 2018
You must be kidding right!
Reply
Tee
July 23, 2018
There is nothing in God’s word about whether the times should be labled AD, BC, CE, BCE, or ABC. These modes of marking time are man-made labels, not a biblical or God-required one. What His word IS clear on is the 7 day week and what constitutes an actual day (by the way, in the Bible, NONE of the days have names, except for the 7th, and the ONLY one blessed and hallowed by Him as sacred. That day is Sabbath). Changing what the Bible labeled as “the Lord’s Day” from the 7th day of the week to the 1st day (or the day of the sun = Sunday) of the week by Constantine and religious leaders is an example the type of self-important man-made action that the scriptures are warning against when they highlight those who would seek to “change times” (found in Daniel) or add to/take away from the scriptures. And yet, there are countless non-scriptural-based “religious” traditions and dogmas held as gospel truth, as cherrished and sacred, with no understanding of their history, by so many “religously-indignant” people who find the change from a man-made BC/AD to a man-made BCE and CE so offensive. It is crtical for those who profess to be Christians to understand the difference between what God’s word actually says and requires, in its proper context, versus what is man-made tradition, and not to confuse the two.
Reply
inbaraj James
September 10, 2018
You are the only one, in this page, who has some knowledge about the 6000 years of actual history of the world.
Wordman
September 21, 2018
The July 2018 comment posted by ‘Tee’ is spot-on. Thank you.
Dr. Judah Marlar
September 15, 2018
I fully agree with you! Just when I think we’ve reached the bottom of the barrel of stupidity, I’m proven wrong. The Lord must be shaking His head in disgust. Come Lord Jesus, come!
Reply
Dan Hartman
December 18, 2018
I don’t either, but it is the result of the digression and degradation of this world system and its culture, which the Bible says is under the influence of the “evil” one, Lucifer. Mankind, that is, those “without” GOD, has always attempted to remove any reference to GOD and CHRIST from their consciences. Read Romans 1, “they are willingly ignorant of the truth”. So, we should always fight to retain the knowledge of GOD, but we should never be surprised when unbelievers want to erase JESUS CHRIST from their memories.