Revelations

Sunday Dave and I took my parents and the kids to the Detroit Institute of Arts. I haven't been there in a long long time. I'm embarrassed to admit this next part but I'm saying it even if makes me sound like a sheltered ignoramus. When did "they" stop using B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini)? They now use, B.C.E. and C.E. For anyone else who is a sheltered ignoramus like me, B.C.E. stands for Before Common Era and C.E. stands for Common Era. My husband, who did not lead the sheltered life I did and attended Detroit Public Schools for many of his schooling years, already knew all about this. But I was surprised. And surprisingly outraged.

I'm was raised in a very Christian household. We went to church every Sunday and then some. As those who know me will attest, I have had some struggles with my faith and with Christianity over the years and continue to struggle with exactly what I believe. I'm not sure what I would call myself now. Christian? I'm not sure.

Without going into the specifics of my beliefs too much, I will say that I vehemently believe in separation of Church and State. But I don't think that all religious references need to be eradicated. Give me a break. It is so offensive to even hear the word Christ? I think it's taking political correctness a little too far. And correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the calendar sort of created using the birth of Christ as a benchmark?

Maybe I'm just being sentimental, after all, I have rejected much of what I was taught growing up. So why should I be so upset at "Common Era" or the recent attacks on Christmas? But I am. It really bothered me and I want B.C. back. Just like I want to get Christmas cards that say "Merry Christmas" instead of Happy Holidays. Does this bug anyone else? Am I overreacting? What are your thoughts on this?