Queries & Comments

Love Letters

I love Queries & Comments. Studying the Bible and religion is a new interest for me, and I find the letters very helpful. As I read an article, every statement seems so correct; then, in the next issue, there is a response pointing out all kinds of differences of opinion. It makes me realize how much I have to learn. Please don’t ever leave out the letters!!

Who’s the Prejudiced One?

Dr. La Monte Crape calls your use of B.C.E. and C.E. “a slap at Christians” and says he does not “care to subscribe to such a prejudiced magazine” (Queries & Comments, BAR 25:03, ). I wish to inform Dr. Crape that there are many religions in the United States other than Christianity and that as a member of one of them I find it extremely distasteful to have to use abbreviations of terms such as “year of our lord” and “before the Messiah” when writing a date. It is in the spirit of our multi-ethnic society to accept the neutral, nonreligious terms C.E. (Common Era) and B.C.E. (Before the Common Era). I think Dr. Crape should ask himself who is being prejudiced when he makes such a complaint. If it will make him feel better, Dr. Crape can always say that the abbreviations stand for “Christian Era” and “Before the Christian Era.” I also suggest Dr. Crape read what his God said about what to do when one is slapped.