I read with some amusement Aidan Radnedge's article about the modern-day labelling of the somewhat old-fashioned BC and AD eras (The Argus, December 12).

I was surprised at the lack of knowledge displayed about common and up-to-date academic terminology. BCE and CE are both well-established dating terms and can be found within a wide range of texts.

One of the most crucial reasons to change the old dating system is it assumes Jesus Christ was born in the year 0AD.

However, the actual date of his birth falls within a six-year window and, as such, it is meaningless and inaccurate to use it as an anchor for marking out history.

It seems to me the article only informed readers of the ignorance of some people about modern academic practices. In the same situation, I would first seek to enlighten myself before broadcasting such ignorance to the world.

-Sean Jones, sean.jones@lineone.net