For people not familiar with the abbreviation “BCE,” it is based on the birth of the baby Jesus, our Lord and Savior. It is used by people who fear that the mention of the baby Jesus might offend people who are extremely sensitive about the mention of the baby Jesus. Whenever it is used people should be reminded that it is in fact based on the birth of the baby Jesus. People who are offended by the mention of the baby Jesus will become more accustomed to hearing the name baby Jesus and will become more accustomed to it.
I call BCE, Before Christian Era. :-)
BCE - Before Common Era
CE - Common Era
It was the secularists and the religious pluralists that started using this designation so that others would not be offended. (barf)
BC - Before Christ
AD - “Anno Domini” Year of the Lord