Why is the symbol of the fish used in Christianity?

Question

It was originally the Egyptian symbol representing the female genitalia.

Answer 1

Damn... you beat me to it.


Just about to ask that question.

Answer 2

I only found this out a few years ago and you are right. Pagan beliefs have no place in Christianity. You cant mix light and darkness. Even knowing this, some will still use this symbol saying well it doesnt mean that to me. Doesnt mean what it means to you, this is what it represents and we are to let no evil into our lives, our homes, or on our cars. We all need to be studying this things out before we quickly accept them. There are many more than just the fish that need to go.
Start studying everyone, much to learn, and little time left to learn . By the way, if you study out some of the symbols used in Christmas, Easter, etc. you will not take part in those holidays again. No I am not a JW> I am pentacostal, but I decided to start studying a few years back once I heard about the fish, and from there I am learning that the devil has brought and is still bringing so much evil and paganism into Christiatny, even into the churches, and ppl are so duped, as few study today. Its like they fear truth.
We are to celebrate the Holy Days of God as they did in the Bible, and no they arent just for the jews. If we had been keeping them, we wouldnt be where we are today, as our mind would have stayed on holy things. Think of the word, holiday. Has the I in the middle. Take out the I for SELF, and you have holy day. the I needs to get replace with the Y for the word Holy. Hoidays are only a subsistuion for the truth. What ended at the cross was the sacrificial system, not the feasts and festivals. No where in the Bible are we told that.
Thanks for the fact. if you have more, share them, please.

Answer 3

lol I guess that's a new one on me !
well lets see if I remember this right.
The people had gathered to hear the message of God from Jesus. They would not go home to eat. Jesus asked the disciples to fish they brought back 7 fish. Some one had a loaf of bread...this is where the miracle comes in. as they passed the basket for the crowd to eat the 7 fish and the loaf of bread fed all the huge crowd. I am sure someone else can tell it better, Its been a while since I have had to tell this particular story.
female genitalia huh? wow that's cool. Thanks !

Answer 4

The fish is also used in the Old Testament in regards to people. Habakkuk 1:14, 15
You have made men like fish in the sea, like sea creatures that have no ruler. The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad.

Seeing as Satan takes people captive like animals to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26), it is conceivable that the "swimming in universal fluid" feeling has been noticed since ancient times. Universal fluid is associated with Mesmer, who used something like hypnosis, I think, in his treatments.

In any event, fish in the New Testament have a similar meaning to that quoted above. They're people. Matthew 13:47-50 shows that they could be a mixed bunch. "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This agrees with what the apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:17, 18. "The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."

Answer 5

For a completely different reason than you suppose.

See, Christianity is really the world's most successful dissident movement.

In public places, it was considered dangerous to identify oneself overtly as a Christian, so one person would draw the first arc of the fish symbol in the sand with his toe. Then the second person would draw the second arc, thereby finishing the symbol. Then the two knew that each other were Christians and could safely converse as fishers of men.

Also, some Christians believe that a second link between their religion and the fish symbol is seen in the Greek word for fish (ichthus, spelled: Iota Chi Theta Upsilon Sigma).

Answer 6

It was a sign of a true Christian. It is a Greek symbol.

"The fish symbol was chosen because, in the original Greek,the letters stand as an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." An acrostic is a poem whose initial or last letters can be put together to form a word or message"

Answer 7

Some of the apostles were fishermen, hence Jesus' quote that He would make them "fishers of men." Since Christians were persecuted throughout the Roman empire the fish symbol was a discreet way to identify believers.

Answer 8

Paperback is right on. It was a way for Christians to identify one another in a time when Christians were put to death for believing in Christ.

Answer 9

It is a born again symbol. I think it has to do with the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

Answer 10

From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ichthys

During WWII, missionaries from my sect had a similar delima in Germany. They had to find members of our sect to help smuggle them out (my grandfather was one of those missionaries). Missionaries would go around humming or whistling hymns unique to our sect - something members would instantly recognize, but would mean nothing to the Nazi soldiers.

Answer 11

It actually represents the age of Pisces which is the age Jesus belongs to but most Christians don't know this.