What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian?

[billiefan2000]

Can someone explain to me since some people here seem to have no courage to say the word CHRISTIAN to describe a Christian.

Instead they use the word XIAN and I would love to hear what the difference between a XIAN and a CHRISTIAN is.

[Morwen]

Five keystrokes.

[The Mad Linguist]

Originally posted by billiefan2000
Can someone explain to me since some people here seem to have no courage to say the word CHRISTIAN to describe a Christian.

Instead they use the word XIAN and I would love to hear what the difference between a XIAN and a CHRISTIAN is.

There is no difference, Billiefan. It's an abbreviation used for typing speed.

The "X" is the first letter of "christ" in Greek letters (X = ch). The New Testament was originally a Greek book.

The Xian abbreviation was first used BY CHRISTIANS in the middle ages, circa 750 years ago.

It's the same thing as Xmas for Christmas.

[billiefan2000]

Originally posted by Morwen
Five keystrokes.


Not a good enough answer is what I say.

[Nyarlathotep]

Once again you make a mountain out of a molehill. Writing Xian vs. writing Christian has nothing to do with courage. It is done for the same reason that people write 'bye' instead of 'Goodbye' or 'LOL' instead of 'Laughing Out Loud'. It is done to save a few strokes of typing or a bit of writing, nothing more, nothing less.

[Nyarlathotep]

Originally posted by billiefan2000



Not a good enough answer is what I say.

You say it because you are desperately seeking some sort of validation for your typical Christian persecution complex.

[Lord Emsworth]

I found a reference on Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/xmasabbr.htm) about Christian :p and Xian.

Granted, the latter rather looks like it referred to a Chinese city

[Dancing David]

I type Xian when I am tired and likely to make speeling erors, I never thought that anyone would think to find it offensive, because i sure see it on custom license plates.
C-h-r-s-t--i-a-n, dang
C-h-r-i-s-r-i-a-n, darn
C-h-r-u-s-t-i-a-n, nope
X-i-a-n

Sorry Billie, if you want to feel prosecuted there are better ways to do it, there used to be a peacher who came to the U of I and preached on our Quad, I think he liked the feeling of being in Soddom and Gomorah, it was very entertaining.

Considering that Christions foolishness permeates our culture, you have no idea of what it must be like to be a non christian in our society.

Have you been praying to Jesus? Did he tell you to worry about this?

[HarryKeogh]

there is no difference. the christian and the xian are both going to heaven while the other 5 billion people are going to eternally drink from rivers of fire while having red hot pokers stuck up their butts , sent there by the all-loving God.

duh!

[Pahansiri]

Originally posted by billiefan2000
Can someone explain to me since some people here seem to have no courage to say the word CHRISTIAN to describe a Christian.

Instead they use the word XIAN and I would love to hear what the difference between a XIAN and a CHRISTIAN is.


Billiefan my friend don’t you find it ironic ( rhetorical, I do not expect an answer) you judge peoples “courage” yet you will not respond to others post to you , questions, points etc?

As The Mad Linguist [quote]The Xian abbreviation was first used BY CHRISTIANS in the middle ages, circa 750 years ago. The "X" is the first letter of "christ" in Greek letters (X = ch)[/quote.

You do not understand your belief or its history.

Be well, I hope you find a comfort in knowing people here do not count your "sins" against you.

May you be well and happy may you be free from your anger, hate and Hypocrisy. May you stop judging others as your Bible commands.

Perhaps then you will be a "real" Christian.

[Max560]

Notwithstanding the origins of the term Xian in place of christian, I believe that certain christians feel that the use of the abbreviation is meant as a pejorative term.

This perception is probably related to a similar case where fundamentalists are referred to as 'fundies'.

So what is probably happening is that the act of abbreviation is being perceived as an insult, even when the initial use of the abreviation is benign, with no intent to belittle one's faith.

In any case Cthulhu will devour christians and Xians alike, and will probably find them to be quite tasty.

[zakur]

You should see how they stew at the use of the term "Christers."

[triadboy]

Originally posted by billiefan2000
Can someone explain to me since some people here seem to have no courage to say the word CHRISTIAN to describe a Christian.

Instead they use the word XIAN and I would love to hear what the difference between a XIAN and a CHRISTIAN is.

This is exactly why I think Billiefan is a 14 year old girl xian. No guy xian would care about this.

[arcticpenguin]

Originally posted by triadboy

This is exactly why I think Billiefan is a 14 year old girl xian. No guy xian would care about this.
True. And anyone with marketing experience knows that Q, X and Z are cool letters.

[WildCat]

Originally posted by Dancing David

Sorry Billie, if you want to feel prosecuted there are better ways to do it, there used to be a peacher who came to the U of I and preached on our Quad, I think he liked the feeling of being in Soddom and Gomorah, it was very entertaining.
Hey, I bet that's the same one that used to come up to Northern Illinois University when I went there, late 1980's. He used to scream at all the girls, calling them whores and sluts who would surely go to hell if they didn't become born again. What a wanker.

[Jet Grind]

"Xian" is a shorthand way of saying "Christian".

Don't get your panties in a bunch over it billie.

[UnrepentantSinner]

One is a member of the Christian religion, the other is a city in China.
<rimshot>

The difference is some of us can type, while some hunt and peck and need to/chose to use shorthand.

Same reason I use atheist instead of "freethought-skeptic who has concluded that either a deity doesn't exist, or if he/she/it does it exist, he/she/it doesn't interact with humans." It's all about the carpal tunnel man...

[evildave]

He was such a good Christian, he bought a Chrysler.

[swstephe]

Billefan is probably thinking of the whole "x-mas", "Christmas" thing where it was supposed to be a way of crossing out the word "Christ" for the Jews, who didn't believe that term. That's actually not quote true, but I'll let alt.jewish.culture.faq speak for me, (and agrees with previous posts):

Some Jews consider Jesus to have been an ordinary man and write his name like that of any other man. Some question whether or not he even existed, possibly being a myth borrowed from similar stories. Others ascribe to him the status of a "deity worshipped by others," whose name Jews should not pronounce. Many extend this ban to the written form. Some write "Xianity" as a simple shorthand, like "Xmas," while others prefer not to write "Christianity" lest it appear that they consider Jesus to have been the Messiah.

Note that the shorthands "Xianity" and "Xmas" do not derive from attempting to "blot out" the Jesus's name; rather, they arose because the first letter of the Christ in greek (Christos) is a Chi, which looks like an "X". In fact, the shorthand is used by many Christians.

The possible halachic problem with writing Christ derives from the fact that "christos" is the Greek word for Messiah/moshiach.

Hence some argue that writing the name Christ in full tacitly acknowledges (G-d forbid) that Jesus was the Messiah.

[Upchurch]

Originally posted by billiefan2000

Not a good enough answer is what I say. What would count as a good enough answer, then?

[Max560]

Honestly, I don't think that any disrespect is intended with using Xian.

It's not as though anyone was referring to someone who is Mainly Fundementalist as an MFer.

[evildave]

Two priests face sex charges in Southern California
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2003/08/12/state2035EDT0177.DTL

Two Roman Catholic priests appeared in Southern California courtrooms Tuesday to face charges of recent sexual molestations of girls, prosecutors said.

The Rev. Gerardo Jarencio Tanilong, 71, pleaded innocent at the North Justice Center in Fullerton on two felony charges of lewd acts on a child for allegedly fondling a 15-year-old girl on July 12.

[Yahweh]

The first time I read the word "Xian", I read it and it sounded like "Zion". I thought "Zions" were completely delusional uberChristians who took the Bible as a completely accurate literal account of the past and who killed all who were not as passionate in Jesus Christ. After I realized my mistake, I figured that I was slightly wrong.

You have no idea the confusion I had when I saw signs that read "Bike Xing".

[UnrepentantSinner]

Xian (http://www.hoteltravel.com/china/guides/sightseeing_page5.htm#xian) pronounced She-ahn.

[Ladewig]

One of the things I dislike about Christianity is that it is impossible to get a clarification on the ambiguous rules. I know that people who are persecuted for defending Jesus are blessed (Matt 5:11), but I want to know if the blessing counts if the persecution comes from going out of one's way just to say stupid things to non-believers?

Of all things to complain about, you didn't pick out where posters write Jeebus instead of Jesus or Sky-Daddy instead of Heavenly Father.:rolleyes:

[Gregor]

Sure there is a difference

"Christian" is a figure of speach used to refer to a mythical person (as a noun) or a mythical characteristic (as an adjective). In common usage it means whatever you claim of yourself, to distinguish yourself from others, as is "I'm a Christian, but those Catholics are not." Since there are no clear definitions of what a "Christian" is, linguists don't really know what one is or what "Christian" behavior is.

"Xian" is a reference from others towards a person claiming to be a "Christian."

"BillieFan" is a self-conscious, 20 year-old, slightly overweight girl whose mission with her church is to post to the heathens - with bated breath - in her daring fashion of Cut and Paste from Rapture Ready.com. You go girl.

[Skeptical Greg]

Originally posted by billiefan2000
Can someone explain to me since some people here seem to have no courage to say the word CHRISTIAN to describe a Christian.



You hit it on the head Billie.. We are a bunch of cowards.. Saying the ' C ' word will validate everything they claim to believe..

[HarryKeogh]

maybe a Xian is an extreme Christian?

extreme is cool!
http://maddox.xmission.com/c.cgi?u=xtreme_********

[The Mad Linguist]

Originally posted by Gregor
In common usage it means whatever you claim of yourself, to distinguish yourself from others, as is "I'm a Christian, but those Catholics are not." Since there are no clear definitions of what a "Christian" is, linguists don't really know what one is or what "Christian" behavior is.

Beg to differ. A Christian is anyone who says "I am a Christian!".

Christian behaviour is behaviour displayed by someone who says "I am a Christian!"

No other way to define them, really, since the Christians' own definitions tend to revolve around unobservable characteristics.

[Pahansiri]

Originally posted by Gregor




"BillieFan" is a self-conscious, 20 year-old, slightly overweight girl whose mission with her church is to post to the heathens - with bated breath - in her daring fashion of Cut and Paste from Rapture Ready.com. You go girl.

Actually billiefan2000


Is a Single, Christian, male 180-195 Pounds who graduated from High School in 1998, he is male and his first name is Joshua .

[Upchurch]

Originally posted by billiefan2000
What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian?"Christians" earns you more points in Scrabble than "Xian" does. ;)

[triadboy]

Originally posted by Pahansiri


Actually billiefan2000


Is a Single, Christian, male 180-195 Pounds who graduated from High School in 1998, he is male and his first name is Joshua .

I think this is a pseudo-personage. Billiefan is too feminine. Whoever Billiefan is - I agree - he/she has bait breath.

[Michael Redman]

Hey, I think everyone is missing the point here. Billiefan posted a thread that did not consist simply of a link to someone else's opinion. He asked a question of his own! Then, he responded to an answer! A stupid response, to be sure, but at least that's something.

Maybe our little billiefan is coming out of his shell. Maybe he'll actully engage in conversation. Maybe he'll even start to . . . think? :eek:

[Upchurch]

Originally posted by Michael Redman
Maybe he'll even start to . . . think? :eek: Well, asking questions is the first step in the proccess of learning. You may be on to something there.

[Nyarlathotep]

Originally posted by Michael Redman

Maybe our little billiefan is coming out of his shell. Maybe he'll actully engage in conversation. Maybe he'll even start to . . . think? :eek:

Quite the optimist, aren't you?

[Lord Kenneth]

BILLIEFAN TYPED SOMETHING OUT FOR ONCE??? WITHOUR C/PING FROM RAPTUREREADY?!

[hgc]

Originally posted by Lord Kenneth
BILLIEFAN TYPED SOMETHING OUT FOR ONCE??? WITHOUR C/PING FROM RAPTUREREADY?! Makes me wish he'd stick to copy & paste, since his own thoughts display a depressing level of ignorance, obtuseness and bigotry.

edited to add: Oh, and a laughable sense of victimhood.

[swstephe]

Is it right to write the word "Jesus", anyway, when that isn't his name, but came down to English through French and Latin. They should be writing "Yeshua", (or the Aramaic, which I don't quite remember how to spell at the moment). Anyway, I counted 5 people named "Jesus" in the Bible, and its still a common name in many Mexican communities.

At one point, I thought I had realized that there was no such thing as Christian. Jesus practiced Judaism. The Apostles practiced post-messianic Judaism and still considered themselves Jews. Much of the writing was about how gentiles were now welcomed as part of the Jewish heritage. Baptism was practiced well before "John The" as a way of bringing non-Jews into Judaism (by having them symbolicly cross the Red Sea). Therefore, Christians should be nothing more than post-messianic Judaism. It was just influences over the centuries that made it drift into an incompatible and unrecognizable religion. That's just my theory. I was actually trying to figure out whether pork was still prohibited at the time.

[triadboy]

Originally posted by swstephe
Anyway, I counted 5 people named "Jesus" in the Bible, ...

I always liked the story that the crowd wanted Pilate to release Jesus Barabba and crucify the other Jesus.

Bar means 'son'
Abba means 'father'

There must be mythic imagery here that was lost.

[the_ignored]

And by the way, billy, i've already asked you to refrain from calling us xians- its rude and antagonistic
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?postid=669819#post669819


And, again, with the "xians." It's obvious to me that you're doing that to be irritating and insulting...considering the fact that you go to the trouble to write up LENGTHY posts, but are seemingly too lazy to type out the word "Christians"...which would just be an additional five key strokes.
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?postid=683645#post683645

So it seems that they do take offense to it. People like Billiefan are normal over there, it seems.

I like that last statement. Doesn't this idiot realize that people use abbreviations all the time? LOL etc. where used as examples here.



(you can see they are Very Eager to take offense there...)
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?postid=885475#post885475
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by kerri
I hope you don't think I am that naiive Janet- :sly

We all know exactly why you do it- its the same reason you call God evil every chance you get on this board- and its the same reason you previously said that if you had to choose any religion it would have been satanism...
you do it to mock God-

Well- when you disrespect my Lord- I will do as I said- and remind you who you are mocking.

Our God Reigns

whether you mock Him or not
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?postid=885493#post885493

So, its a coincidence that you and almost every other athiest who posts on this CHRISTIAN board always type "god" instead of putting the miniscule effort into typing "God", and showing at least the slightest amount of respect for the fact that you are aloud to come and post on a PRIVATE CHRISTIAN board?

And BTW- if I go back and look- are you saying you have never capitalized anything at all in your posts?

Don't bother, because I already looked and you have.

And if it truly was unintentional- you would have had enough respect to not continue to do it, after you were told it was offensive to do so on a CHRISTIAN message board.

Quite honestly- I don't understand how you or anyone else who remains so purposefully disrespectful are aloud to remain as posters on this board.

BTW- I don't capitalize my own name either, so that really has nothing to do with anything.

is it so hard to give a little respect, Janet?

http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?postid=885498#post885498
And now, a charming dialog the hypocrosy of which is evident:
Billyboy Hey, genius. Can you tell me where then in the bible it says to insult, or degrade others's beliefs? Because that's what you're doing! Is calling people names like "arrogant antagonistic babbling demon minion " an example of "christian love"? ……

Jim Hey, duplicitous boy. Look at what you are doing, name calling. Hmmm
Wow such hostility. Maybe you should see a therapist. I think, genius, if you look closely in the bible you will not find much good said about atheist, idolaters and the lot.

They take offense at: abbreviations and not capitalizing the name of their god, yet they call people stuff like "arrogant, antagonistic babbling demon minion"? The hell?!

[SteveW]

This, I promise, is my last post on a billiefan thread.

I agree, she is someone between 14 and 20, overweight and has a belief in a mission to convert us heathens into converting to a blind faith in God (I even capitalize it).

I wonder if she gets points for responses from her church?

It's sad that she rarely answers posts from her threads.

[Lord Emsworth]

the_ignored
(time to change your username?)

your links are not working for me. It that you need to log in there.

Funny quotes though

[the_ignored]

Originally posted by Lord Emsworth
the_ignored
(time to change your username?)

your links are not working for me. It that you need to log in there.

Funny quotes though


The RR website is run by a bunch of gutless cowards, who, after a while, set it up so that you have to be Registered and Online before you can get into their newly created "members section" which includes "apologetics".

Guess the athiests there were swaying too many fence-sitters. This way, mostly fundies will have access to the thread.

If you bet banned, or "Read only" you can still log on, of course, but you don't even SEE the "Members only" section! It's only visible to you if you register. If you just cruise by there, you'd never know of the "apologetics" "pretrib rapture oasis" forums in the "Members only" section!

You'd have to sign up to see them, and likely only fundies would be interested in signing up.

edit to add: those posts were from "apologetics".

[evildave]

Pastor's teenage son accused of molesting kids in church
http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?tl=1&display=rednews/2003/08/13/build/local/60-pastor.inc
HELENA — The teenage son of a Helena minister is accused of molesting at least three younger children this summer in the restroom of his father’s church.

Prosecutors say William Hughes, who turned 14 on Tuesday, may have molested other children as well, but some are so young that investigators have not been able to get statements from them.


Ahh, the qualities of a good Christian upbringing.

[UnrepentantSinner]

I do notice that most of the Christian haters almost never type Christian and nearly always use xian (they won't even capitalize the Chi).

[zakur]

Originally posted by SteveW
I agree, she is someone between 14 and 20, overweight and has a belief in a mission to convert us heathens into converting to a blind faith in God (I even capitalize it).Not according to this profile (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/UserProfile/userid-6217):User Information —billiefan2000
Real name: (removed)
E-mail address: (removed)
Age: 22
Sex: Male
Location: Omaha Nebraska

My e-mail is (removed).

Fan of the show Sue Thomas F.B.Eye and am huge Trivia Fanatic.

I am Single,Christian,180-195 Pounds,and am a fan of BILLIE PIPER(whom you probably could tell from the nickname BILLIEFAN2000.)

I graduated from *******in ****by the way.

If I am online I am either checking my e-mail or at:

http://www.raptureready.com


Edited by Hal Bidlack: this post was reported, and so I have read it. I have made a quick decision here to at least for the moment remove the name and email of billiefan from this post. While the information is available on the internet, we have a general policy here on the JREF of not releasing personal information.

I'm not at all sure I am making the right decision here, but felt the need to act quickly. I reserve the right to allow the information to be posted again if it turns out this was a bad call. But my gut tells me that we don't want to post private information here unless it is by the actual person named. Your views? I stand ready to be educated.

[Skeptical Greg]

Originally posted by UnrepentantSinner
I do notice that most of the Christian haters almost never type Christian and nearly always use xian (they won't even capitalize the Chi).

Christian haters?

Do you have a list?

[LW]

Originally posted by triadboy


I always liked the story that the crowd wanted Pilate to release Jesus Barabba and crucify the other Jesus.

And where exactly is that story told? Not in the Bible, for certain. If you think otherwise, please give chapter and verse.

The "rebel" Barabbas is known only as Barabbas in the Bible, with no other name given.

The Acts also mentions Josef and Judas Barsabbas who were Christian leaders (and possibly two different names for one single man), but no Jesus Barabbas.

[Pahansiri]

Originally posted by LW


And where exactly is that story told? Not in the Bible, for certain. If you think otherwise, please give chapter and verse.

The "rebel" Barabbas is known only as Barabbas in the Bible, with no other name given.

The Acts also mentions Josef and Judas Barsabbas who were Christian leaders (and possibly two different names for one single man), but no Jesus Barabbas.

For what it may be worth.

http://www.redbay.com/ekklesia/barabbas.htm

[Michael Redman]

Edited by Hal Bidlack: this post was reported, and so I have read it. I have made a quick decision here to at least for the moment remove the name and email of billiefan from this post. While the information is available on the internet, we have a general policy here on the JREF of not releasing personal information.

I'm not at all sure I am making the right decision here, but felt the need to act quickly. I reserve the right to allow the information to be posted again if it turns out this was a bad call. But my gut tells me that we don't want to post private information here unless it is by the actual person named. Your views? I stand ready to be educated. [/B]You are making the right decision, Hal, and the forum should have a policy against posting personal information of others posters without permission, even if that information is otherwise available. Anyone who posts under a fake name should certainly respect the anonymity of other posters. Besides, the threat of being revealed might hinder the free flow of honest discussion on this forum.

That's my opinion.

[Pahansiri]

Originally posted by Michael Redman
You are making the right decision, Hal, and the forum should have a policy against posting personal information of others posters without permission, even if that information is otherwise available. Anyone who posts under a fake name should certainly respect the anonymity of other posters. Besides, the threat of being revealed might hinder the free flow of honest discussion on this forum.

That's my opinion.

I agree, I posted the same information from that same site but left out anything that may bring harm to him such as location and his name.

[zakur]

Originally posted by Michael Redman
You are making the right decision, Hal, and the forum should have a policy against posting personal information of others posters without permission, even if that information is otherwise available.Shouldn't the link be removed as well, then? What's the practical difference between posting the information and posting a link to the information? (And if the decision is made to remove the link, I know that the profile has been linked to before on these forums.)

And what if someone posted "To read billiefan's profile, just do a search in Google for 'billiefan2000' "? Would that post be allowed to stand as is, edited in some way, or deleted completely? Originally posted by Michael Redman
Anyone who posts under a fake name should certainly respect the anonymity of other posters. Besides, the threat of being revealed might hinder the free flow of honest discussion on this forum.In the case of this particular poster, there's nothing to hinder. ;)

Seriously, though, as the offender here, I think Hal can do whatever he wants. He's the sheriff, after all.

And although I post here using a pseudonym, I've posted enough personal details that any enterprising individual could find out who I really am. I've even linked to pictures hosted on my personal website!

Finally, to billiefan: If this concerns you, you should contact the admin at the aforementioned (and linked site) and have your profile either edited or removed completely. And since Google caches web pages they index, you should contact them as well: help@google.com.