Why do Xians not know using "X" is an acceptable shortening of the word "Christ?"?

Question

Some Christians object to using the letter "X" instead of "Christ" in words like "Xmas" + "Xian." They say it is an effort to "Cross Christ out." They might have a point if this was a something new, but they themselves started it thousands of years ago. The word "Christ" is the English translation of the Greek "Christos." The early Greek Christians started using "short hand" for various Nomina Sacra (Sacred Names) including one for Christos (XY with a line drawn over the two letters.) A similiar use of "Xt and "XP"" to denote Christ was used by the Roman Catholic Church as early as 1000 CE, and we see the same idea in the labarum symbol (A capital "P" crossed with a small "X"). With typewriters and computers, many use similiar short hand. Rather than typing "Christ" which requires a key shift, then alternating hands for each letter, they use a single "X." Complaining about something they themselves started is a bit illogical and denies the history of their faith.

Answer 1

You are correct, but just as people rarely learn world or U.S. history, they also are ignorant of Christian history. It is not often taught in church (although it is in Bible Colleges and Seminaries).

The Chi Rho was the most prominent "shorthand" used in the early church, along with the Ichthus (fish) symbol. The Chi Rho used the first two letters of the Greek word "Christos."

Answer 2

I've known that since I was a kid at Catholic school and took one of many Xian History courses. The story about "crossing out Christ" is simply ridiculous, and the only people I've ever personally heard making that argument are Fundamentalist Christians.

For me, not being a champion typist, just finding the X on a computer keyboard is often more difficult than simply typing out "Christian", but that's just me.

Answer 3

You might have a point if most people who use that abbreviation didn't do it as a form of disrespect to Christians. Intent is what matters.

Answer 4

Oh no...its now become too hard for atheists to type 6 letters instead of 1 when doling out insults.

How pathetic you are.

Answer 5

Perhaps the history of it is as you say. But does that change the insult we feel ... that you would lazily leave out His name which is so glorious to us who consider Him our Savior. It's like calling God "the big dude" or "pops". It's disrespectful, no matter how it got started.

Answer 6

Many Christians are painfully ignorant of their own history, unfortunately.

Answer 7

Some do

Answer 8

umm Xian, is crossing out christ, its not standing for Christ. furthermore X does not mean christ in greek, there are more letters to it perhaps if your so knowledgeable you should use them...

"Christ is the English translation of the Greek word Χριστός (Christós), "

if u wanna use greek words, then the whole word should be in greek. not just half of it...

last i checked its not common for 2 languages used in 1 word.