Few or many?

Some of the comments made seem to miss the point. Depending upon which academic literature you read, the term BCE was introduced primarily for one of two reasons.

Firstly, it is a dating issue. Because we do not know exactly when Christ was born, the term BCE overcomes reference to a definitive point in time. Is Christ's being born perhaps six years later than first thought a valid reason to refrain from using any reference to his birth as a benchmark?

In using the terms BCE and CE, the change is in the suffix characters, not the numbers themselves - 3050BC is still 3050BCE.

Secondly, it was an attempt by non-Christians to introduce a "neutral" term without reference to Christ.

However, this is a predominantly Christian country with a Christian culture. If these terms have recently been introduced into mainstream school texts in order not to offend non-Christians, it follows that some Christians will feel there is a valid reason to comment.

In isolation, the introduction of these terms is perhaps unimportant. I have a great interest in many faiths and believe in a multi-faith, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society.

My main point, however, is this is one small part of the erosion of an essentially Christian culture. Political correctness is the appeasing of the minority at the expense of the majority.

Where does it end? Dropping the traditional school nativity play (already happening in some parts of the country)? Banning the sale of religious Christmas cards (there are very few about, as has already been highlighted in the Press)?

Perhaps the powers that be are already trying to come up with a new name for Christmas and the reason for celebration?

Judging by the positive response I have received and the exposure on TV news and in the Press, the issue has sparked interest and discussion from both points of view.

That was the intention. Happy Christmas, everyone.

-Philip Long, Howard Terrace Brighton