xianity?

[ace_of_jokerz]

ok, this is my first post here, and probably my last, but i've seen the word "xianity" in a couple different places, and wanted your take on it.

it seems to be used sometimes as a short form of "Christianity", but in place of the Savior's name, there is an "X"

is the word good? bad? indifferent?

 

[papakapp]

I don't know. It is used to avoid typing the word Christ. I know some people who use it, and force their children to write xmas in stead of Christmas just because they hate Christ that much. I think most people around here who use it are athiests and only use it as a short form of Christianity and not specifically to be disrespectful.

 

[TCapp]

Actually, it was legit. X is ... Greek? for "Chi", I think... It's only an abbreviation, and I don't think it started with atheists, etc.

 

[LewisWildermuth]

I have heard many reasons for the use of the "x".

Some trace it back to roman times during the persecutions where many were crucified on X like structures rather than a more traditional cross. They did not dare let their religion be known so they his it by not referring to the name Christ.

Others I have spoken to use it more because of the old Jewish tradition of not writing Gods name out of respect.

And yes sometimes it is atheists that refuse to write out Christ...

I have not studied some of the claims fully so I cannot say for certain where it really started... But these are a few things I have heard, hope it helps.

 

[bjh]

It wouldn't surprise me if some unbelievers used X instead of writing out "Christ", hoping to avoid mentioning Him. That being said, what we look at as an "eks", as was mentioned by TCapp, is also the Greek letter "chi" (as in the first letter of the word Christos (and the second letter in ichthus (tr. fish - a crude english rendering would be IXOYE -- look familiar?).
Personally I have no problems using the shorthand, but I know others that do. But then, I don't see X as an "eks" when used in some contexts.
Also, I know of Churches that use either the X by itself or XP as symbols throughout the church (chi + rho - the second letter of Christos) to represent Christ.)
Basically, I guess my answer would be "know thine audience". If they are offended by using an "eks", for the sake of another brother (or sister), don't use it. (1 Cor 10:31-33)

Is this enough of an answer?

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

I don't like it, but it has been used positively before.

 

[Knight]

I don't care for it either. It seems, to me, to be rather lazy. So what if you have to spell out five more letters.

Also, and this is strictly my opinion, I think this tends to remove the name of Christ from people's minds. Christians like to be reminded but non-Christians don't.

 

[oneiric]

exactly, knight

 

[Sinai]

s this enough of an answer?

Yes, bjh. You gave a very good answer of some of the reasons that have been given by some persons for substituting "X" for "Christ." I especially liked your closing your response with Paul's admonition to the Corinthians.

 

[rantcliff]

I have taught my high school students that it is a perfect witnessing opportunity. Go up to a person selling Xmas trees and commend him on his knowledge of the Greek language. After a dumbfounded look I can talk about "chi" being a symbol of Christ and Christ's place in Christmas.

Lemon into lemonade.