I've got another xian on my back...?

Question

this time it's because I said "xian" instead of writing out the whole word. How is that offensive? We use the same shorthand for xmas, what's the preoblem? Do the characters that make up a word really have that much power? What a sad world it is when we become the slaves of words rather than their master. Agree?

XMC: again with you? Your comments illuminate your ignorance, not only about religion but life. "Why would I publish on this site?" Maybe for discussion purposes.

Mahal: Intentionally being obtuse is still being obtuse.

Are the "Laugh out Loudists" offended by "lol"?

Answer 1

Well, I am a born-again Christian and that should not really be offensive so to speak as the X in Xmas is actually the Greek letter for Christ, so it should just be seen as an abbreviation.

I think so many Christians are super sensitive these days as there seems to be so much bigotry and bad pr for Christians. Some of which is unfortunately deserved, but much of which is not.

I think we need to pick and choose our battles MUCH more carefully and this one is just silly.

Come on fellow Christians, lets stop being so nit-picky - said in love of course :-)

Blessings,
Mom of 5 with another on the way

Answer 2

"The exact origin of the single letter X for Christ cannot be pinpointed with certainty. Some claim that it began in the first century AD along with the other symbols, but evidence is lacking. Others think that it came into widespread use by the thirteenth century along with many other abbreviations and symbols for Christianity and various Christian ideas that were popular in the Middle Ages. However, again, the evidence is sparse.

In any case, by the fifteenth century Xmas emerged as a widely used symbol for Christmas. In 1436 Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press with moveable type. In the early days of printing typesetting was done by hand and was very tedious and expensive. As a result, abbreviations were common. In religious publications, the church began to use the abbreviation C for the word "Christ" to cut down on the cost of the books and pamphlets. From there, the abbreviation moved into general use in newspapers and other publications, and "Xmas" became an accepted way of printing "Christmas" (along with the abbreviations Xian and Xianity). Even Webster’s dictionary acknowledges that the abbreviation Xmas was in common use by the middle of the sixteenth century.

So there is no grand scheme to dilute Christianity by promoting the use of Xmas instead of Christmas. It is not a modern invention to try to convert Christmas into a secular day, nor is it a device to promote the commercialism of the holiday season. Its origin is thoroughly rooted in the heritage of the Church. It is simply another way to say Christmas, drawing on a long history of symbolic abbreviations used in the church. In fact, as with other abbreviations used in common speech or writing (such as Mr. or etc.), the abbreviation "Xmas" should be pronounced "Christmas" just as if the word were written out in full, rather than saying "exmas." Understanding this use of Christian symbolism might help us modern day Xians focus on more important issues of the Faith during Advent, and bring a little more Peace to the Xmas Season."

Answer 3

It's a wee bit offensive and I'm not a Christian. When I first saw it here, I had no idea what it even meant. As long as you weren't bashing anyone, I don't see the big deal. I think some people who use it though do it to insult the religion. At least from I've seen of the usage. Maybe whoever is bugging you about it thinks it should have the proper spelling because it's respectful thing to do. Either way, it's kind of a petty thing to gripe about considering the fact I've seen worse questions & answers on here.

Answer 4

If I could brush them off for you I would... it sounds worse than that horror movie "Arachnophobia" when all the spiders are swarming over people.
Xmas seems to be just fine as you say so why not Xians?...I think people offend themselves for melodramatic effect and when they want to change the subject and divert attention away from an uncomfortable truth about themselves..
Some so-called Xians are not very X-like at all.

Answer 5

Time for truth, is it not more factual that you do not spell the full word Christian just to antagonise? Xian is not as you well know a reconised word for Christian and as you seem to be an intelletual surely you must know this, in proper phonetics this would be pronouned as Sian and therefore without any connection, and surely you are not so lazy as to abbreviate this word, so the conclusion has to be that you cannot bring yourself to write the word Christ, now can you be Atheist and truthful at the same time?

Answer 6

I don't know what "xian" means. Is that really bad spelling, or are you showing how intollerant you are toward the beliefs of others?

You're a liberal, aren't you? Liberals only make a show of being tolerant when they can get some money or attention. Deep down, they are the most racist and bigoted group in America and Europe.

I'm a Christian myself, and I don't really take offense at your bad spelling, but it's easy to see you for what you are. What a sad world it is when you can't take the time to type 4 more letters because you're bent on offending others at will.

Answer 7

People purposely spell it Christian because many Christians find it funny that people like to put an 'X' in place of Christ. It is a sad world when you have to explain things like this to people when you know they already know the answer to what they're asking. It's not about words having power. It's about how people will do any little thing to grab attention when it comes to Christ.

Answer 8

Your willful attempt to antagonize those with blind faith in God over a petty gripe like the one you've detailed in this question debases your credibility.

If you must 'vent' talk to your therapist.

Your questions used to be so well crafted and erudite. What happened? Are you a clone of the authentic "Hot Carl Sagan"?

Answer 9

I always call it christinsanity. I saw that comment on your previous question, what a stuck up little nitwit.

But then, this 'person' (I use the term loosely) is interested in gambling (no sin?), 13 crystal skulls, asking why x-ians are getting bashed here and all other fun stuff.
http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AhqMRIqlMlFYgd_wJiy5.eLsy6IX?show=AA10249608&link=question&more=y

She even thinks god is an alien!
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjCSV42BoxpHVMt8BaXLrpjsy6IX?qid=20060708062409AAkr8cV

Answer 10

It is not a correct reference if you are referring to a Christian. It would be the same to call a Muslim a Musselman or a Jew a HEBE. It's just not nice.