Well okay, I'll stipulate to the idea that it's widespread. Why is it widespread? Widespread among non-Christians and anti-Christians? That's maybe the most amazing notion of all. Why can't we define as CE the birth of Albert Gore Jr.? Did something significant happen at the beginning of the "Common Era" (CE) that made it different from "Before the Common Era," that warranted starting the clock of history all over again?
Cutting to the obvious here, saying "BCE" instead of B.C. is widespread as a purposeful denial of Christ. And yet at the same time, the "Christ deniers" among whom it is de rigeur can't escape the importance of His birth. It apparently resonates beyond the boundaries of one religious tradition, of history, and some would say, of destiny.
see #22