The term 'Xtian/Xian'

[David19]

I thought i'd post this here, as i wasn't sure where it should go (so again if anyone wants to move it, please feel free :)).

But this is something that keeps coming up, when some sites and Pagans talk about Christianity or Christians, they'll usually use the word 'Xtian' or Xian (i think those are the 2 most common spellings?), but does anyone know why, IMO, it just seems as a way to insult Christianity, or Christians, as most people, who i've seen use the term, go into the typical fluffy Christian bashing that is common in some of the neo-pagan community (usually among the fluff bunnies).

When i first saw the term, i just assumed the person was that dumb that they couldn't spell Christian (and considering that person was a neo-nazi, i think i still stand by that remark ;) :)), but a lot of people seem to use it, and so it kind of confuses me.

Where did it come from and why do so many people use it, i've heard some people say it's how you spell Christian in Greek, but since not many Pagans are actually typing in Greek, i can't see the use for it, or that it's easier to type that than the word Christian (it's just me, but that's just lazy, it's about 4 extra letters, if you can't do that, you need help or you've got some issues).

Anyway, what are your thoughts, also if you're Christian, how do you feel about the term, do you mind or care or do you see it as an insult?.

Thanks.

[Semjaza]

I always type out Christian or Christianity. 'Xian' etc just seems offensive, and I've only seen it used offensively, and only used by Wiccans or pagans. So I can handle a few extra letters... :)

Cheers,

Semjaza
FFFF

[kytti]

I think the X was originally supposed to represent a cross wasn't it? It is just a condensed version just like Xmas for Christmas. And now Christina Aguilera is using it too. She signs her name Xtina or something.
I don't think it has never been meant as an insult ( don't understand how it would be ). I think it is just laziness.

[HeathenMaiden]

I admit that I tend to use it when I am frustrated about Christianity or certain followers of that religion but that's where it stops for me. I can understand why the term could be considered offensive to Christians though!

[Cappy]

I think the X was originally supposed to represent a cross wasn't it? It is just a condensed version just like Xmas for Christmas. And now Christina Aguilera is using it too. She signs her name Xtina or something.
I don't think it has never been meant as an insult ( don't understand how it would be ). I think it is just laziness.

That pretty much sums it up for me. I write Xtians mainly because I'm lazy. :lol: No insult ment here at all. :D

[ViolinGoddess]

As a christian I am kind of put off by it. It's like the person writing it doesn't want to acknowlege the Christ part of it. Or is intentionally avoiding it. So I'm am slightly insulted. But since I'm not exactly sure why pagans use it, I cannot be totally insulted./ Does that make sense?

Violin Goddess

[Theres]

i find it either offensive and/or lazy, and i have little time for either.

but i think it's mostly just ignorant Xgans that use it anyway.

[LacyRoze]

As a christian I find it somewhat offensive. I also tend to agree that it can be a sign of laziness. Though it ruffles my feathers, I tend to just let it roll off my back. Others may not wish to show my religion respect and that is their choice.

[Novembers River]

or that it's easier to type that than the word Christian (it's just me, but that's just lazy, it's about 4 extra letters, if you can't do that, you need help or you've got some issues).

That's exactly how I feel when I see people use "u" instead of "you". Come on it's 2 letters extra.

Sorry, I didn't mean to derail! I've never used Xtian. I think it's silly and lazy.

[Silvana]

I've never seen it as an insult and I don't think just pagans use it. I first noticed it when a history prof. used it as short hand for Christian when writing notes. I use it when I'm furiously trying to scribble notes down in a class, but that's about it. Just another short hand technique for me, same as w/i and b/c.

[JyuMuse]

I've never seen it as an insult and I don't think just pagans use it. I first noticed it when a history prof. used it as short hand for Christian when writing notes. I use it when I'm furiously trying to scribble notes down in a class, but that's about it. Just another short hand technique for me, same as w/i and b/c.

agreed, that pretty much sums it up for me.

[Ben Gruagach]

The use of X as an abbreviation for Christ has been used for hundreds of years (at least back to the 1500s I think) and is based on the Greek alphabet. It's been used in the names Xtian, Xmas, etc. for a long long time.

It was first used and popularized by Christians who clearly didn't think it was disrespectful so I have a hard time considering it to be disrespectful today.

http://christdot.org/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2410 explains it all.

[Duwayitheru]

From the Wiki article on "Christian".
Xian or Xtian is another word that has been used to describe Christians and is similar to using Xmas in place of Christmas; the X or Xt used as a contraction for "Christ" ("X" resembles the Greek letter Χ (Chi), the first letter of "Christ" in Greek (Χριστός [Christos]). Some Christians find these terms offensive and equate it to taking Christ out of the term.

I remember hearing some other reasons for this from Christians, though I currently can not remember that little history lesson. I'll see if I can dig it up..

Most Christians who know the history of it don't take much offense, though they might see one as being lazy for doing it. The only ones who I have seen get very angry are the ones who don't know it's meaning. The funny thing is, most people who use it often do mean it as an insult and also do not know its meaning. (Not saying everyone, some are just lazy to type it out.. but majority of cases I have seen.)
Personally, I do not use it (with the exception of on rare occasion when I need to type quickly in IM or chat with people I am very familiar with) because the few extra letters aren't that hard to type in a message board setting and because there are those who do not understand where the term came from, and/or do find it offensive for various other reasons.

I take the time to type out Christian because it is only a few extra letters.. Just like I find nothing wrong typing out words when others put u 2 ur 4 etc. It's just lazy imho. (Hehehehe. :D)

[halfwaynowhere]

i generally don't use the term, but thats because i don't like how it looks. i think when i was younger, i used it a few times, but i was probably going through that fluffy bunny christians are evil phase. i didn't consider it to be derogatory, though. it just made sense. i mean, i spell christmas Xmas, so why not abbreviate christian the same way? I mean, it is the same letters being shortened. of course, i have generally interpreted the X to represent the cross, rather than the name christ. not that the word is crosstian, but because the cross symbolizes christianity. but i'm not christian, so i'm not going to be offended by it, and i can't say that its not offensive. but i'll refrain from using it in the future, because some of you are offended by it.

[_Banbha_]

What does the abbreviation 'xian' mean? Is it an insult?"

When writing the name "Christ", it is quite common to abbreviate it to X or x, representing the first letter (chi) of the Greek XPICTOC khristos. For example, "xmas" is a common abbreviation of "Christmas". "Xian" just means "Christian".

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the use of the abbreviation "xian" or "xtian" for "Christian" dates back at least as far as 1634. Before that, it was more usual to take the first two letters of XPICTOC, and write "xpian" for "Christian". Priests would record Christenings using the shorthand "xpen" or "xpn".

So no, it's not an insult.

Link (http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mathew/arguments.html#xian)

Maybe it's just a Catholic thing but I remember seeing the 'X' and 'P' often on symbolism, includcing the priests vestments worn during mass. Sometimes entwined or 'X' on one side and 'P' on the other. So it's actually sacred. Perhaps it's not something all Christian sects are familiar with; and so some take offense.

I never thought it was offensive as a Catholic and I don't now. I never used it either though, for no particuliar reason, and see no reason to start. Oh, maybe I wrote "Do not open until Xmas" on a box. :p

[Shanti]

Growing up with a Catholic mother who followed it dearly and sent us kids to parochial school (St. Stanislaus and then Notre Dame) for a total of 9 years, we all used it along with x-mas.
It wasn't an insult in parochial school!

I have always used the x's and I always will. If people don't like it, to dam bad. I don't care.

Sometimes I think people look for a reason to complain.

[Lunacie]

My mother was a devout Christian all her life and she's the one who taught me to write Xtian and Xmas. I never meant any insult by doing so, any more than she did. That should be clear from the context in which I use those abbreviations, but if someone finds my use of them insulting then that's their choice.

[_Banbha_]

Growing up with a Catholic mother who followed it dearly and sent us kids to parochial school (St. Stanislaus and then Notre Dame) for a total of 9 years, we all used it along with x-mas.
It wasn't an insult in parochial school!

I have always used the x's and I always will. If people don't like it, to dam bad. I don't care.

Sometimes I think people look for a reason to complain.

You know, I just remembered the X is often embossed on the Eucharist (body of Christ for Communion) itself. It's also in a lot of stained glass art and was painted on the walls of the parish church I went to growing up; usaully hovering over the chalice that held the wine/blood of Christ.

And, I agree with you about people just looking for a reason to complain.

[Infinite Grey]

Like any word I believe it is in the context to which it is delivered... it can be a result of laziness, which annoys me... and it can be and often is used in a condescending manner. Though the history (etymology) the word may suggest that it isn't an insult, the manner of its usage may be. A classic example of this is words to which are considered profanity.



Personally I do not use it, as in the majority of instances in which I could you it would be considered condescending in a lazy or insulting manner (I.E. blasphemous)
.

[Twinkle]

My mother is a devout Catholic...and still uses X-mas as an abbreviation on her storage boxes for her decorations...it's not an insult to her, nor does she take it as such when she sees it used.

I agree with Peacock in that it's all about context. If you're insulting Christianity and deliberately replacing Christ with an X...then yeah...that's insulting. I've seen it done on Forum Boards before...and although I'm pagan it makes me cringe.

Every time I see it now I look closely at context....

Personally, I don't see why it's so hard to write it out...but that's just me.

[LostSheep]

It irritates me.

[Xander67]

I never really saw it as an insult, I have even seen other christians using it.. I always thought it was meant as an abrieviation, (net-speak) I have also seen Xmas for Christmas.... in retail some places use Xmas as a code for that halloween on merchandise boxes in Recieving ...
:whatgives:

[TseMoana]

When I see X-mas (or xmas or however one spells it), I always have the tendency to read it as exmas. So I don't use that, and wouldn't use xian either as I'd read that as exian. eta: And both exmas and exian sound not right to me.

[StephanieAine]

I thought i'd post this here, as i wasn't sure where it should go (so again if anyone wants to move it, please feel free :)).

But this is something that keeps coming up, when some sites and Pagans talk about Christianity or Christians, they'll usually use the word 'Xtian' or Xian (i think those are the 2 most common spellings?), but does anyone know why, IMO, it just seems as a way to insult Christianity, or Christians, as most people, who i've seen use the term, go into the typical fluffy Christian bashing that is common in some of the neo-pagan community (usually among the fluff bunnies).

When i first saw the term, i just assumed the person was that dumb that they couldn't spell Christian (and considering that person was a neo-nazi, i think i still stand by that remark ;) :)), but a lot of people seem to use it, and so it kind of confuses me.

Where did it come from and why do so many people use it, i've heard some people say it's how you spell Christian in Greek, but since not many Pagans are actually typing in Greek, i can't see the use for it, or that it's easier to type that than the word Christian (it's just me, but that's just lazy, it's about 4 extra letters, if you can't do that, you need help or you've got some issues).

Anyway, what are your thoughts, also if you're Christian, how do you feel about the term, do you mind or care or do you see it as an insult?.

Thanks.


I've heard all the reasons why 'Xian' and 'Xtian' are supposed to be acceptable - but I don't find them acceptable. It's *extremely* rare to see an actual *Christian* refer to themselves that way - it seems to be the way that people type it when they're of *another* belief system, particularly paganism. And frequently people who have a problem with Christians and/or Christianity.

To me, it's rude. It's as if typing the 'Christ' part of 'Christian' is so horrendous to them that they can't make themselves do it, or maybe as a slam to the Christian being spoken of. I don't know; I've seen it done different ways and in different situations.

I'm a *Christian* - not an 'Xian'!

[Agaliha]

The use of X as an abbreviation for Christ has been used for hundreds of years (at least back to the 1500s I think) and is based on the Greek alphabet. It's been used in the names Xtian, Xmas, etc. for a long long time.
It was first used and popularized by Christians who clearly didn't think it was disrespectful so I have a hard time considering it to be disrespectful today.
http://christdot.org/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2410 explains it all.


From the Wiki article on "Christian".
Xian or Xtian is another word that has been used to describe Christians and is similar to using Xmas in place of Christmas; the X or Xt used as a contraction for "Christ" ("X" resembles the Greek letter Χ (Chi), the first letter of "Christ" in Greek (Χριστός [Christos]). Some Christians find these terms offensive and equate it to taking Christ out of the term.

Most Christians who know the history of it don't take much offense, though they might see one as being lazy for doing it. The only ones who I have seen get very angry are the ones who don't know it's meaning. The funny thing is, most people who use it often do mean it as an insult and also do not know its meaning. (Not saying everyone, some are just lazy to type it out.. but majority of cases I have seen.)



What does the abbreviation 'xian' mean? Is it an insult?"
When writing the name "Christ", it is quite common to abbreviate it to X or x, representing the first letter (chi) of the Greek XPICTOC khristos. For example, "xmas" is a common abbreviation of "Christmas". "Xian" just means "Christian".
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the use of the abbreviation "xian" or "xtian" for "Christian" dates back at least as far as 1634. Before that, it was more usual to take the first two letters of XPICTOC, and write "xpian" for "Christian". Priests would record Christenings using the shorthand "xpen" or "xpn".
So no, it's not an insult.

And, I agree with you about people just looking for a reason to complain.



Well they all beat me to it. It just means Christian. I really don't see why people are so offended by it. I don't think a Christian back in the day when it was in common usage would bat an eye at it.
From the above it can be seen that there is no insult intended in the actual phrase "Xtian". Though there are people who use it as such. I'd think the context of it should be used to determine if it's offensive or not because the world alone is not.
"oh my mother is Xtian" -- not offensive. "Also: Know of any good Xtian books?"
(Just examples!) "You're a stupid Xtian" -- offensive. Also offensive: "I hate how those Xtians are supressing Pagans" BUT even then it's just an abbrievation. It would be just as offensive as: "You're a stupid Christian" would it not?
Same can go for any world. Someone can say "Jew" with hate just as well as someone can say it without.
Getting worked up over an abbrievation seems silly to me. Though I am not a Christian. Even if I was I wouldn't be offended.

[Paracelsus]

I think we've been here before, but I would just like to back up the posters above who point out that it is an accepted shorthand, referring to the original Greek spelling of Christ with a "Chi".
I was introduced to it at university (where I studied Theology), by the Prior of the Domincans in the UK (who had just re-written the English Language version of the Catechism for the Catholic Church) - at the end of the day he's hardly likely to use it if it is insulting.
My suspicion is that the majority of Christians who get wound up by it are those who are profoundly ignorant of their own tradition - who think that meditation is satanic, for instance, thus ignoring the substantial use of meditation practices throughout Christian history.

[Mouse]

I use it occasionally because there are times when three letters actually can be a lot for me. I'm highly dyslexic, though I attempt to hide it, so when I'm very tired etc I abreviate everything that's possible to abreviate because I simply can not think my way through the words I'm trying to type. Most times I'll just go to bed, but occasionly I really want to say something that I may forget to in the morning, and I'll write short handed.

I don't see why it's offensive, but then I've known a few Christians who do it too.

[LostSheep]

According to http://www.faqs.org/faqs/judaism/FAQ/scjp-admin/section-14.html ...

X is an abbreviation for Christ, arising from the Greek term
Christos, which starts with a Greek Chi, written as X. This usage dates back
to the 1500s. Thus, the usage is not an attempt to "blot out" the name, or be
offensive. ...

... but on the other hand, I do tend to agree with this
I've heard all the reasons why 'Xian' and 'Xtian' are supposed to be acceptable - but I don't find them acceptable. It's *extremely* rare to see an actual *Christian* refer to themselves that way - it seems to be the way that people type it when they're of *another* belief system, particularly paganism. And frequently people who have a problem with Christians and/or Christianity.

To me, it's rude. It's as if typing the 'Christ' part of 'Christian' is so horrendous to them that they can't make themselves do it, or maybe as a slam to the Christian being spoken of. I don't know; I've seen it done different ways and in different situations.

I'm a *Christian* - not an 'Xian'!

because that's what i've heard people say, that they say "Xtian" because they can't bring themsleves to mention the word "Christ".

I guess it depends on what someone wants to say.

[Dawa Lhamo]

Maybe it's just a Catholic thing but I remember seeing the 'X' and 'P' often on symbolism, includcing the priests vestments worn during mass. Sometimes entwined or 'X' on one side and 'P' on the other. So it's actually sacred. Perhaps it's not something all Christian sects are familiar with; and so some take offense. Yeah, it's actually the Greek rho that looks like the letter P. The Chi-Rho symbol is an older symbol for Christianity than the cross itself. Chi and Rho being the first two letters of Christos.

Personally, I do use Xian when I'm talking about Christians. I think I may have used it in passing before, but I started really using it after I took several courses on Christianity and taking copious notes. When you have occasion to write "Christian" several dozen times in an hour, you tend to want to abbreviate. Just to save your hand from cramping. ^_^

I figure, if it was invented by Christians, used for hundreds and hundreds of years by Christians, then it's ok for me to use too. My Christianity professor used it quite a bit. He was a Catholic theologian. He was not an impious man. Ok by him=ok by me. ^_^

All abbreviations are laziness... or efficiency, depending upon your POV. Perhaps a person only has five minutes that they can take (out of their work day or whatever) to write a note about something. They're going to abbreviate. It's not about insulting Christians, it's about how they choose to ... maximize their time. ^_^

I generally, as with all abbreviations, use the complete form "Christian" the first time or two, but if I have to keep writing it for whatever reason (and this is probably why it's associated with rants--because they're long and repetitive, and it's perhaps a coincidence that they are often unfavorable to the subject of the rant), then I'll abbreviate.

I agree with Paracelsus on his last point. I think that the Christians who are offended perhaps ought to take the time to learn their church history a little better. Heck, I'd recommend that to any religionist. Learn your own history. ^_^ It's not that hard, and it's good clean fun. ^_^

[Lunacie]

I think a blanket statement that everyone who uses Xtian because they would be offended by writing/typing the word Christ - is incorrect. In my experience it isn't all that rare, but then my experience is mainly my own family.

I do have problems with some Christians, but neither will I use a blanket smear against all of them.

[River]

Ahhh...I remember asking my sunday school teacher about it when I was little but I can't remember the answer.

I don't think it is meant to be offensive, because she used to write it on the board because it was quicker than writing out christian.

Just lazyness.

[David19]

Like any word I believe it is in the context to which it is delivered... it can be a result of laziness, which annoys me... and it can be and often is used in a condescending manner. Though the history (etymology) the word may suggest that it isn't an insult, the manner of its usage may be. A classic example of this is words to which are considered profanity.



Personally I do not use it, as in the majority of instances in which I could you it would be considered condescending in a lazy or insulting manner (I.E. blasphemous)

I agree with you, and what others have said, i think the history of it may not be insulting, but the way it's used in many Pagan sites and by some Pagans, i think it's intended to be insulting, or they're just lazy and can't be bothered to write 5 letters (as if it's that hard!).

[Shanti]

I agree with you, and what others have said, i think the history of it may not be insulting, but the way it's used in many Pagan sites and by some Pagans, i think it's intended to be insulting, or they're just lazy and can't be bothered to write 5 letters (as if it's that hard!).

I just love the attitudes these days!!!

Gee, what do you think of people who use IMO, I.E., FYI, Etc and so on all over the forums and chat rooms? Oh yeah, they are all lazy!!!

LMAO its the net and its yakky time. If your forming opinions of peoples personalities and intent based on internet abbreviation crap, man, you just may need a REAL life!!!

Oh and its not just pagans who abbreviate Christmas or Christian or In My Opinion or For your information, ETC.....

Talk about over analysis!:spaceman:

And FYI, as I already stated, my X-tian mother and my parochial,
(Catholic, I.E Christian) school is where I learned the x-mas, x-tian, abbreviations....wow Christians taught it to me!! Now that's a shocker.

[Xentor]

I agree with you, and what others have said, i think the history of it may not be insulting, but the way it's used in many Pagan sites and by some Pagans, i think it's intended to be insulting, or they're just lazy and can't be bothered to write 5 letters (as if it's that hard!).

"Many pagan sites and (...) some pagans" might just not like christians very much. They could've used "chair" and make it an insult.

If some christians themselves use it, and are thaught so by their christian parents, not all use will turn out to be offensive.

Our priests too wear clothes with XP embroydered (with the P going through the middle of the X, standing out above it) and hand out hosts with XP stamped into them. (Microsoft Windows XP - for christians only?)

[ap Dafydd]

It's a Christian (or Xian) word, they invented it.

If we wanted to be rude or disrespectful to Christians, there are all sorts of other words that could be used!

gwyn eich byd

Ffred

[Faelon_Moon_Hawk]

I thought i'd post this here, as i wasn't sure where it should go (so again if anyone wants to move it, please feel free :)).

But this is something that keeps coming up, when some sites and Pagans talk about Christianity or Christians, they'll usually use the word 'Xtian' or Xian (i think those are the 2 most common spellings?), but does anyone know why, IMO, it just seems as a way to insult Christianity, or Christians, as most people, who i've seen use the term, go into the typical fluffy Christian bashing that is common in some of the neo-pagan community (usually among the fluff bunnies).

When i first saw the term, i just assumed the person was that dumb that they couldn't spell Christian (and considering that person was a neo-nazi, i think i still stand by that remark ;) :)), but a lot of people seem to use it, and so it kind of confuses me.

Where did it come from and why do so many people use it, i've heard some people say it's how you spell Christian in Greek, but since not many Pagans are actually typing in Greek, i can't see the use for it, or that it's easier to type that than the word Christian (it's just me, but that's just lazy, it's about 4 extra letters, if you can't do that, you need help or you've got some issues).

Anyway, what are your thoughts, also if you're Christian, how do you feel about the term, do you mind or care or do you see it as an insult?.

Thanks.

i've actually seen it used by both pagans and christians on various forums around the net. i think its just short hand or forum speak, in the same way christmas is also commonly xmas.

[Sage Rainsong]

Personally I think that people just want to shorten the word or they are so insecure that they can't bring themselves to type Christ.

[wolf]

I spell out Christian, and Christianity, and try to make sure that I properly capitalize the terms.

I think that using the "X"-word is insulting, even when used in the context of the name of the Christian Winter Holy-Day.

[bbnflpn]

i know the term xmas came about because it was a way to take the christ out of chirstmas, not to be offensive but so it could be a general spelling so every one could be accepted of the holiday who wasnt christian. i think the term xtian is more of an aberivation as a starter rather than an insult and it has changed in to an insult. i use to use the abrivialtion cause well for a long time i had trouble spelling chirstian, and i didnt want to offend any chirstians, theni just got lazy and kept using it. however i was asked by a person on another thread not to spell it that way cause it was disrespectful to him, so every where i type i put christian and christmas.

[Zephyrstorm]

I think assuming that those who use the X in place of Christ in Christian are doing it to be insulting or out of some discomfort with the title of Christ is a hazardous thing. There are many symbolic values hidden in that X - not only is it the first letter of the word Christ in Greek, but it was the first step to drawing the fish when one met fellow Christians in the ancient world. There are a lot of layers of meaning there - one finds the Chi-Rho on all kinds of Christian sacred objects that are still in use today and in artifacts that are quite old.

While I find no insult in the term, after all, the abbreviation of Xtian and Xmas were created by Christians, I think all words can be used in an insulting manner.
It's like people who use alternative terms for foul language - it doesn't change the meaning behind the word to say fudge you instead of ---- ---. It's not the words that carry the insult - it's the context and the intent.

Z

[RhiannynWildseed]

I predict that in about 1000 years, we'll respond much like the characters from Futurama....


Bender: Ah! Nothing like a warm fire and a Super Soaker of fine cognac.
Fry: Yeah, it really puts you in the Christmas spirit.
Farnsworth: What-mas?
Fry: Christmas. You know? X-M-A-S.
Leela: Oh, you mean Xmas. You must be using an archaic pronunciation. Like when you say "ask" instead of "aks".

:rolleyes:

[Shanti]

FYI, these abbreviations we have been talking about are not new.
Back in the 60's when I was at St.Stanislaus grade school I learned them. And that was long before the Internet came into peoples homes. Heck TV was black and white and telephones had dials!! And pagans were not even something the average person was aware of!

So trying to say its insulting because pagans use the abbreviations is ridiculous and its not forum laziness....PCs didn't exist in the 60's, when the abbreviations where used as commonly as they still are today.

[LordHelmet]

Oh no, someone called you an xtian which dishonors christ!! Oh they're so lazy ... IMO u should alwys make sur u spl stuff rit to b respecting of stuff.

Oh Xian is making fun of the cross....

Grow up people. pagan doesn't have a shorthand cause it's 5 letters. If someone sends u an Xmas present instead of a christmas present, will you be less thankful?

[Infinite Grey]

Still say it's in the context... "thing" or "Him" or "Her" can be derogative, it all depends on the context.

Perhaps it would be prudent for certain people to “grow up” and realize this.

[LordHelmet]

It's a Christian (or Xian) word, they invented it.

If we wanted to be rude or disrespectful to Christians, there are all sorts of other words that could be used!

gwyn eich byd

Ffred

Ya like ... dumbtians, or gulableians, or bookbelievers, or there's superstitiousagans, or just plain darksided for pagans.

[cheddarsox]

I'm scratching my head as I read this. I too was raised Catholic, and taught to use the abbreviations. No disrespect at all.

The first I heard of it being disrespectful was about 15 years ago when Evangelical Christians started to decry that it was a plot to take Christ out of ....well pretty much everything.

that had never been my intent when I used the abreviation. No more than it is my intent to diss on states when I use their abreviations in print rather than spell the whole thing out. Or use Mrs, or any other abreviation. But I got sensitized to the whole thing because obviously it upset some people.

I am willing to spell it out to show respect to those who are upset by the abreviation. I try to be a team player, but I have to speak up when they start accusing people of not being able to bring themselves to type out the name of Christ. Oh come on now people. Now who is being insulting. How much ass kissing is required? I'll type out the full word, and capitalize it out of respect for your beliefs, but you really needn't start casting aspersions on the spiritual integrity and health of those who don't.


If it makes you feel any better. I don't celebrate Christmas or X-mas. I celebrate the Winter Solstice. Please make sure you capitalize it and spell it right so I wont feel all persecuted. and no...I don't celebrate Yule, please make a note of that and only use the proper terminology when discussing me and my beliefs. And please don't offer me any well wishes from the Goddess because I don't "do" Goddess...and...well...you get the picture. Or I could lighten up, realize that you don't practice my faith and not take your ignorance personally. hey! theres an idea!

Lots of laughs...

and Just My opionin

cheddar....oh no...I abreviated my screen name! I just can't bring myself to type out the "sox"...I must have a deep seated fear, hatred and inability to deal with major league baseball teams...Dr Phil....sorry...Doctor Phillip...help me.

[Lunacie]

Maybe it all boils down to people who are afraid that someone is going to take Christ out of their hearts.

No one can take Christ out of Christmas just by saying that they don't celebrate that particular holiday. The whole thing is absolutely nonsense in my honest opinion.

[MankyCat]

Honestly, I don't see the big deal either way, even when I was a christian (many many moons back).

I remember when I was younger and saw advertisements that would use "Xmas" as in "Merry Xmas!" That was not considered terribly offensive. If I remember correctly, a lot of Christians thought it was nifty at the time. I know I did. I also thought it looked really pretty when done in the nice scroll work style writing (calligraphy included).

I used it for Christians years back when typing online. Mainly it was because that's what others were doing. Then again, the internet was still pretty young at the time. Then a Christian friend of mine stated how she felt Xian was offensive. I asked her why. And honestly, I liked her explanation (even though, I was far from being Christian at the time).

She said people were taking Christ out of it... which she felt was disrespectful to him and the belief system... especially when other christians would do it. She worded it a lot better, but it struck me as interesting. The best explanation I heard... and more, I respect her and her feelings (and those of the people following the religion). It's something so minor (replacing Christ with X), but that people feel so strongly about.

If you want them to respect you (even a little), then you need to respect them. Plain and simple.

Whether people want to abbreviate what I practice (or the closest label to it I have found) or not is of no concern to me. A word is just a word. It's the intent behind it that gives meaning... and even then... most of the time I don't care.

[Mesektet]

I thought i'd post this here, as i wasn't sure where it should go (so again if anyone wants to move it, please feel free :)).

But this is something that keeps coming up, when some sites and Pagans talk about Christianity or Christians, they'll usually use the word 'Xtian' or Xian (i think those are the 2 most common spellings?), but does anyone know why, IMO, it just seems as a way to insult Christianity, or Christians, as most people, who i've seen use the term, go into the typical fluffy Christian bashing that is common in some of the neo-pagan community (usually among the fluff bunnies).

When i first saw the term, i just assumed the person was that dumb that they couldn't spell Christian (and considering that person was a neo-nazi, i think i still stand by that remark ;) :)), but a lot of people seem to use it, and so it kind of confuses me.

Where did it come from and why do so many people use it, i've heard some people say it's how you spell Christian in Greek, but since not many Pagans are actually typing in Greek, i can't see the use for it, or that it's easier to type that than the word Christian (it's just me, but that's just lazy, it's about 4 extra letters, if you can't do that, you need help or you've got some issues).

Anyway, what are your thoughts, also if you're Christian, how do you feel about the term, do you mind or care or do you see it as an insult?.

Thanks.

I have never heard the "greek connection" on the term. Since I first saw it being used, mainly in chatrooms and the like, I assumed that it was used to save time or space, like Xmas.

[David19]

Oh no, someone called you an xtian which dishonors christ!! Oh they're so lazy ... IMO u should alwys make sur u spl stuff rit to b respecting of stuff.

Oh Xian is making fun of the cross....

Grow up people. pagan doesn't have a shorthand cause it's 5 letters. If someone sends u an Xmas present instead of a christmas present, will you be less thankful?

My main point was to say that the term 'Xtian/Xian' when used by some Pagans is usually used in a negative context to insult Christianity.

It's cool when people write the word Xmas or whatever, when it's done in the right context, but a lot of Pagans don't do it (they're too busy going on about how the Church stole Yule or whatever, thousands of years ago, that doesn't even matter).

It also annoys me when people spell Muslim, 'Moslum', and it annoys my Muslim friend too, but that's more a general statement and doesn't, necessarily, apply to Paganism.

[mystic_peacock]

Hehe, I spell it "Xian" in my notes at school in Religious Studies or mythology because I use abbreviations for a lot of things. For me it's not derogatory in my notes, and I would never spell it that way, say, in a letter to a Christian. But it's convienient in college when you need to write really, really fast :)

--Serra

[Lunacie]

My main point was to say that the term 'Xtian/Xian' when used by some Pagans is usually used in a negative context to insult Christianity.

It's cool when people write the word Xmas or whatever, when it's done in the right context, but a lot of Pagans don't do it (they're too busy going on about how the Church stole Yule or whatever, thousands of years ago, that doesn't even matter).

It also annoys me when people spell Muslim, 'Moslum', and it annoys my Muslim friend too, but that's more a general statement and doesn't, necessarily, apply to Paganism.

And the point that I was making (along with several others here apparently) is that in our experience, even when a Pagan has been complaining about Christians (or Christianity or Christmas) and use the X abbreviation, it was not done in a negative context. It's generally because we've seen it as an accepted abbreviation.

[DoktorSick]

Ya like ... dumbtians, or gulableians, or bookbelievers, or there's superstitiousagans, or just plain darksided for pagans.

Those are great I'll have to remember to use some of those.
I don't see what the big deal is.This is not a spelling test or a term people
If you understand what the person is talking about get over it.
You to much time on your hands if you nit pick over a few abrev. words.
And to add to the list here's a few i use from time to time. jesus fan club
dead on a stick fan club,brown nosers for christ.

[Athena-Nadine]

I find it interesting that Christians get offended by a word created by Christians and The Church.

[Lunacie]

I think it's more about the attitude that's percieved that about that one abbreviation. So stop debating the word and talk about the real issue, eh?

[Dawa Lhamo]

You to much time on your hands if you nit pick over a few abrev. words.Well, it says something about the amount of time on my hands that the first thing that came to mind when I read that was that you should have abbreviated it "abbr." :lol:

[Athena-Nadine]

I think it's more about the attitude that's percieved that about that one abbreviation. So stop debating the word and talk about the real issue, eh?
Oh, I don't doubt that. :) I was adressing the people who said that Christians hardly use the words and that they were created to "remove Christ."

(not that you were addressing me, specifically, but I just thought I'd clear that up anyway :) )

[Lunacie]

Oh, I don't doubt that. :) I was adressing the people who said that Christians hardly use the words and that they were created to "remove Christ."

(not that you were addressing me, specifically, but I just thought I'd clear that up anyway :) )

Okay then. :)

[StephanieAine]

So far it seems to me that there's more upset over the Christians who find it more respectful to have the full word 'Christian' written out, rather than abbreviated, coming from non-Christians than Christians.

Okay, maybe I said that clumsily.

Basically - why is it so upsetting if I, or another Christian, indicate that yes, 'Xtian' comes across badly much of the time (especially online; it's different when I see it in an advertisement and I know the advertiser was paying for their ad by the letter)?

I don't abbreviate any religious group's term/s (assuming that the group can be abbreviated, or that the group does not already use an abbreviation as a matter of routine. Case in point - those who refer to themselves as "LDS" as short for "Latter-day Saint" rather than the term "Mormon" - which is so often used by non-LDS people. The LDS say they call themselves LDS, so that kind of abbreviating is seen as respectful).

To me, spelling out the proper name is just as important as spelling out someone's given name. There is a person who frequently refers to me by an abbreviation - a very unusual abbreviation, at that, but it always feels sort of like I'm being depersonalized somehow. Same thing with Xtian, Xian, and so forth, except worse in ways. Generally I just ignore it, but the feeling is still there.

As far as things about the symbolism of X and Chi-Ro, the ichthus, and so forth... when those are given as explanations of why a non-Christian can use Xtian as an abbreviation, saying that Christians themselves used to use a certain symbol in a positive context and so forth... it doesn't come across as a good explanation for why it's being done now, today. Especially when the person using the abbreviation isn't of Christian belief and in fact may hold very negative feelings towards Christians and/or Christianity.

It comes across as a way of just making it okay to use the abbreviation even though someone is saying "that is being taken as a dismissive/offensive/etc way of referring to Christians." Sure, when *Christians* used certain symbols/abbreviations etc. at various times among each other, there wouldn't be a negative, put-down sort of connotation. But in 2006 around people of varying religious beliefs using such shorthand, it's a different ballgame - very different meanings and reasons behind using them.

[StephanieAine]

Hehe, I spell it "Xian" in my notes at school in Religious Studies or mythology because I use abbreviations for a lot of things. For me it's not derogatory in my notes, and I would never spell it that way, say, in a letter to a Christian. But it's convienient in college when you need to write really, really fast :)

--Serra

When I'm taking notes while doing research for a book project, I usually use "Chr" for Christianity *or* Christian. I just sort of go by the context of the particular phrase or sentence I've written along with the abbreviation to know whether I meant Christianity or Christian at the time I made the note. Try it - it's super fast - bet you'll like it. (Come to think of it, it would work well for it to be Chr= Christianity/the faith as a whole, and the lowercase chr= Christian/adherent of the faith.)

[Callatya]

it doesn't come across as a good explanation for why it's being done now, today. Especially when the person using the abbreviation isn't of Christian belief and in fact may hold very negative feelings towards Christians and/or Christianity.

At that point we could wipe out a whole bunch of words and abbreviations that are being used by someone they don't apply to do make fun of someone they do.

For myself personally, I have no issue with the use of the word Xmas because I feel that if Christ can be inserted in an existing festival, it shouldn't be such a suprise that it can go the other way.

Every year at around September millions of people start buying millions and billions of dollars worth of items for a holiday that a decent number of them don't actually believe in or understand. They sit through glorious dinners, suffer through relatives and manage to get through the season without so much as a thought as to what the day/season is about. To me, calling that commercial shopping frenzy Christmas is offensive to Christians. It has only the slightest hint of a religious exercise for a lot of people and I feel that labelling the entire gift-giving, tongue-biting, snarking-in-the-car-home-afterwards exercise as something to do with Christ should be discouraged on the whole.

What is started as, what it was intended for and this giant mess it has become aren't really the same thing, therefore I feel very awkward using the same name to describe them.

"Xmas", the commercial gathering day, is no longer exclusive to Christians and I'd feel quite wrong lumping actual Christian folk in with a crowd of such mixed beliefs and reasons for celebration. About the only thing it has held on to overall is being with family, and I don't think that is enough.

That is not to say that real Christians (gosh that sounds bad, i mean actual believers as opposed to those who just do the done thing) don't celebrate in this fashion, they do! and great for them! its fantastic! but these days many other people from many other religions do also. Not to praise anyone, just to get in on the family gatheing aspect. Entire families of many generations do this, and its great! But it isn't based around religion and making out that it is feels somewhat like making light of what that religion stands for.

Xmas as it stands today has a life of its own, and I don't think crying foul over the spelling is going to make anyone turn towards Christ.


As for Xtian, its just shorthand for me. I rarely discuss it online or in writing so it is rarely used, and I have a nasty tendancy to fail to capilalise in general, so failing xtian I'd probably end up with christian which I expect would also be offensive. Unless I walk on eggshells and make a super dooper effort, I'm probably not going to get it right. In this case though, 'right' is flexible depending on who you are speaking to, so I figure I'll just be me without any malice and if someone is greatly offended then I'm sure they'll respectfully mention and I can do my best to work with their needs. I think thats pretty fair :) I wouldn't expect anything more from anyone else.

[cheddarsox]

Hmm...so what is the REAL issue?

Yes, some pagans diss on Christians. No doubt. But I think that most who have issues with Christians are pretty open about it. I see/hear them voice their negative opinions boldly, they don't usually parse it in subtle things like reducing Christmas to X-mas. I don't think there is a secret subversive plot. The issue is open and on the table. Some Christians and some Pagans don't much like each other.

And on the Christian forums, they often make fun of the deities, refer to them as demons etc. Again, not real subtle. What I'm saying is that the disrespect is undoubtedly real in lots of circumstances, so real and open that it is sort of foolish to quibble about the hidden motives concerning a the use of a common abreviation.

I attend a Christian church with some regularity. I donate monthly to my local Christian radio station. I went to a pentecostal revival service last Friday night...and yes, I do use the dreaded X abbreviation.

So you tell me what's important and what the real issue is.

Sometimes I think that people are looking for fleas and ignoring the tiger that is at their throat. There are lots of real problems between Christians and Pagans, I don't think the letter X is a significant one.

cheddar

[Lunacie]

Hmm...so what is the REAL issue?

Yes, some pagans diss on Christians. No doubt. But I think that most who have issues with Christians are pretty open about it. I see/hear them voice their negative opinions boldly, they don't usually parse it in subtle things like reducing Christmas to X-mas. I don't think there is a secret subversive plot. The issue is open and on the table. Some Christians and some Pagans don't much like each other.

And on the Christian forums, they often make fun of the deities, refer to them as demons etc. Again, not real subtle. What I'm saying is that the disrespect is undoubtedly real in lots of circumstances, so real and open that it is sort of foolish to quibble about the hidden motives concerning a the use of a common abreviation.

I attend a Christian church with some regularity. I donate monthly to my local Christian radio station. I went to a pentecostal revival service last Friday night...and yes, I do use the dreaded X abbreviation.

So you tell me what's important and what the real issue is.

Sometimes I think that people are looking for fleas and ignoring the tiger that is at their throat. There are lots of real problems between Christians and Pagans, I don't think the letter X is a significant one.

cheddar

YES, that's what I was saying earlier. I don't deny that there is a negative attitude among SOME Pagans towards Christians, caused in large part by the negative attitude they have towards us. I mean, the attitude that we are evil and worship the devil and are only trying to lure their children down the road to damnation when we are really only asking to be left alone to practice our own spirituality.

But looking at the bigger picture, I see a growing (and disturbing) trend among Chistians to complain loud and long that everyone else is trying to take Christ out of everything, without any consideration on their parts that maybe Christ doesn't belong in everything. We are only asking for separation of beliefs and our own space without the intrusion of a religion that we don't follow, but somehow that is seen as a demand that they give up something. **le sigh**

[Dawa Lhamo]

When I'm taking notes while doing research for a book project, I usually use "Chr" for Christianity *or* Christian. I just sort of go by the context of the particular phrase or sentence I've written along with the abbreviation to know whether I meant Christianity or Christian at the time I made the note. Try it - it's super fast - bet you'll like it. (Come to think of it, it would work well for it to be Chr= Christianity/the faith as a whole, and the lowercase chr= Christian/adherent of the faith.)I'm sorry, but I think that's an absurd suggestion. Change the abbreviation to Chr instead of Xian? It's the very same thing, except one's using a Greek letter and the other's using a Roman letter.

How's this? Jesus most likely spoke common Greek, and he was killed by Romans... so wouldn't using the Roman letters over the Greek one be a celebration of his death? Isn't that insulting? Don't you see how this is carrying this whole thing too far?

My point is that the letter is not the problem. It's the tone of the person who uses it. If you *see* a tone in the word Xian where there is none, then I would suggest that it's not their problem, but *your* problem.

Truly, there is a problem with people intentionally insulting Christians, but it's the problem of the person doing the insulting, not the abbreviation they're using, which is completely value neutral.

Again, I use Xian and it's because I studied Christianity in college and I got used to that abbreviation. Sometimes, it's ok to abbr. things when you've got better things to be doing with your time. My tone is far from insulting when I use it. And I resent blanket accusations of Christian-bashing when I use it. For goodness' sake, people...

[David19]

And on the Christian forums, they often make fun of the deities, refer to them as demons etc. Again, not real subtle. What I'm saying is that the disrespect is undoubtedly real in lots of circumstances, so real and open that it is sort of foolish to quibble about the hidden motives concerning a the use of a common abreviation.

I know on some Christian forums they do say Pagans are 'evil' and that 'pagan' gods are really 'demons' or 'evil' or whatever, usually, these sites are run by fundamentalists, personally, i don't go around joining fundamentalist forums 'cause i have better things to do.

But, again, considering most Pagans say they tolerate most beliefs, they'll endlessly bitch about Christianity or Christians (or Jews or Muslims), e.g. there's a few Pagans who seem to have a big problem with Islam and Muslims, etc.

Most Christians (and Jews and Muslims and others) don't think Pagans are 'evil' or whatever, they don't actually give a sh*t about Pagans or neo-paganism, they'll respect their beliefs as long as their beliefs are respected too.

Some people do think that Gardner may have been a bit 'wierd' but that's too be expected (put yourself in another position, if someone came up to you and said their a witch, lets get naked, etc, what would your first reaction be?).

[David19]

How's this? Jesus most likely spoke common Greek, and he was killed by Romans... so wouldn't using the Roman letters over the Greek one be a celebration of his death? Isn't that insulting? Don't you see how this is carrying this whole thing too far?

Just wanted to say, Jesus probably spoke Hebrew more than common Greek, he was Jewish afterall, he lived in Palestine/Israel, etc. He may have known Greek, as i think it was like English is today, but Hebrew (or maybe Aramaic? or Arabic?) would've been his mother toungue.


My point is that the letter is not the problem. It's the tone of the person who uses it. If you *see* a tone in the word Xian where there is none, then I would suggest that it's not their problem, but *your* problem.

I think you bring up a good point, it's the tone, and that's exactly what i was trying to say, most Pagans who use it use it in a negative tone (you can just tell the way they say, or type it).

[Lunacie]

I know on some Christian forums they do say Pagans are 'evil' and that 'pagan' gods are really 'demons' or 'evil' or whatever, usually, these sites are run by fundamentalists, personally, i don't go around joining fundamentalist forums 'cause i have better things to do.

But, again, considering most Pagans say they tolerate most beliefs, they'll endlessly bitch about Christianity or Christians (or Jews or Muslims), e.g. there's a few Pagans who seem to have a big problem with Islam and Muslims, etc.

Most Christians (and Jews and Muslims and others) don't think Pagans are 'evil' or whatever, they don't actually give a sh*t about Pagans or neo-paganism, they'll respect their beliefs as long as their beliefs are respected too.

Some people do think that Gardner may have been a bit 'wierd' but that's too be expected (put yourself in another position, if someone came up to you and said their a witch, lets get naked, etc, what would your first reaction be?).


There are Pagan fundies as well but it's not accurate to say that all Pagans, or even most of us, have a bad attitude about Christians. I really don't see much "bitching" about Christians and Christianity on this forum. Do you really?

[LordHelmet]

I would say this, christians and christian ideas are much more accepted on this site then pagans usualy are on christian forums. Except for fundies .... (did I say christians... I must have too much time on my hands, I meant XPians) One site actualy has a section for pagans, but you have to pick a religion when your signing up, which is noted on your posts, and if your not christian, defined by the nicean creed, you can't access parts of the forum.

On the other hand if a chr -- oops xtian fundie came here to talk about fundie stuff I think they would get the same responses as a pagan from here would on their sites for suggesting pantheism or something.

[cheddarsox]

I'm sure the perspective on this issue has a great deal with which threads a person is attracted to. I don't automatically tune in to every "Aren't Christians thus and such" thread. So I probably miss alot of the hurtful stuff that goes on, even here at Mystic Wicks.

What I do know is this. I have and know of a pretty good number of Christians who are active members here and have never seen them attacked just for being so. I have seen some Christian beliefs attacked, and people complain about the behavior of some Christians, but not just going after someone solely because they were a Christian.

As a non Christian who belongs to some Christian forums, I can say that I have routinely been discredited soley because I was not Christian. We may be discussing something on a differnt topic, and then someone will pipe up "Well, cheddar isn't a Christian, he worships trees and bunnies, so why listen to anything he has to say" and then it all starts.I get "outed" usually by someone who was losing ground for their opinion in the discussion, and my pantheism becomes the straw man that throws the discussion off their trail.

If the Christian God is all powerful, I'm not sure why it is so terribly threatening that non Christians don't use His name. I know that the Divine is all powerful, so much so that it makes no difference at all that people don't use a specific title to describe it. Nothing anyone does or does not do can harm the Divine.

I've had people say "Don't X out my God", as if I could?

I haven't heard "most" pagans endlessly bitch about christians. Most of the discussion here is about pagan beliefs and practices, or general human interests. Very little is about Christians. When the subject does come up, people with a hot button issue on it jump in. If you are one of those people, you are going to see more of this than average. Just like if I mostly read threads here pertaining to Wicca, I might think that MW was mostly Wiccan.

cheddar

[LordHelmet]

OK, Jesus didn't speak much Greek or Roman if any. He spoke a chaldean dialect.

The idea that using the roman letters instead of the Greek would be a celebration of his death and therefore insulting to him is a load of bullsh*t! Good friday before easter is a christian holiday for one. The two Roman wasn't a seperate language until after Diocletians split actualy stuck long enough for the language to split. Furthermore it wasn't the Romans that wanted him exicuted. Pilate tried to defend him and even seemed to like him, he only allowed him to be crucified because he couldn't afford to go against the local opinion among the nationals anymore without having a civil war between them that would have cost thousands of roman and native lives. He even washed his hands saying he wanted nothing to do with an exiciutan of an innocent man. The whole point was that he was convicted according to the laws of his fathe and God who he was blameless before, and that it was by the followers of those laws that his exicution was ensured, forever proving that the letter of the law alone wasn't enough judge or come to rightousness.

Hey David I don't know if that was sarcastic humor or not, but if you think Pagans use xtian very much in contempt, I think it's in your head. I don't know though, that doesn't seem like you though... maybe I just haven't seen it... I doubt it though.

[SphinYote]

As a christian I am kind of put off by it. It's like the person writing it doesn't want to acknowlege the Christ part of it. Or is intentionally avoiding it. So I'm am slightly insulted. But since I'm not exactly sure why pagans use it, I cannot be totally insulted./ Does that make sense?

Violin Goddess

Not at all. In fact in some of the earlier illuminated gospels, it was the X that was emphasized as part of Christ's name, it would often be enlarged to take up the entire page (I believe that's the way it is for the Book of Kells, not sure...)

That said, most people probably don't know that, and are typing Xian out of laziness, but to me it never had any negative connotations per se, because it's been done throughout history, by Christians, for Christians, as well. (of course, in illuminated manuscripts they are often so intricately decorated, it's anything BUT laziness in those instances, so I guess two completely different contexts, here...)

[Dawa Lhamo]

OK, Jesus didn't speak much Greek or Roman if any. He spoke a chaldean dialect.

The idea that using the roman letters instead of the Greek would be a celebration of his death and therefore insulting to him is a load of bullsh*t! Thank you. Isn't it ridiculous? That was *exactly* my point. ^_^ And yet, these types of arguments get presented again and again.

I said that about Greek because the New Testament was written mostly in Koine Greek, which at the time was basically *the* trade language of the Mediterranean. It is likely that the historical Jesus at least knew a few words and phrases of Koine Greek, and it is possible that he might have been able to make basic communication in it, though I doubt he would have been very fluent (though some scholars do make arguments that he might have, at that). {Biblical/Jesus scholars (http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/b-greek/2003-September/026323.html) aren't in complete agreement over it, so I don't know how you can say what you say so definitively...}

But it doesn't matter if what I said was historically accurate. Because that's the kind of argument, historically accurate or not, that gets put up about the "real meaning" of these sorts of things.... and what I was trying to do was to show how ridiculous it all is. ^_^ So thank you for agreeing with me. ^_^

Tashi delek!
Dawa Lhamo

[David19]

Hey David I don't know if that was sarcastic humor or not, but if you think Pagans use xtian very much in contempt, I think it's in your head. I don't know though, that doesn't seem like you though... maybe I just haven't seen it... I doubt it though.

It's not on this forum, as Mystic wicks seems to be one of the better Pagan forums out there, but on some sites and forums, when someone says the word 'Xtian/Xian', it's usually in the context of 'those 'Xtians/Xians' stole Yule, those Xtians/Xians really killed witches, etc'.

Now if someone, living in the 21st century, is still taking something that happened 1,000 or 2,000 years ago personally shows that they need to come into this century.

[Lunacie]

Yeah, and (not on this site) but what about those Christians who still take it personally that the Pagan/Romans killed their Savior 2,000 years ago, what about them? Just sayin'... ;)

[SilentDreams]

Well, I don't care how they spell it, if it's used in a bashing/hating format it's just as bad as any other spelling. But I do find that many people(even some christians) just use it as a short version. Heck I see "Xmas" on christmas wrapping all the time. I don't see "Xian" or "Xtian" as much different. I just always type out Christian because I'm so used to. Besides lol, I type fast enough that a few extra letters won't bog me down.