What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian?

billiefan2000 · 12th August 2003, 03:27 PM

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 · 12th August 2003, 03:30 PM

Five keystrokes.

The Mad Linguist · 12th August 2003, 03:31 PM

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Morwen
Five keystrokes.

Not a good enough answer is what I say.

Nyarlathotep · 12th August 2003, 03:34 PM

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 · 12th August 2003, 03:35 PM

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 03:40 PM

I found a reference on Snopes about Christian

and Xian.

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

Dancing David · 12th August 2003, 03:41 PM

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 · 12th August 2003, 03:56 PM

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 · 12th August 2003, 04:08 PM

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 04:23 PM

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 · 12th August 2003, 04:25 PM

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

triadboy · 12th August 2003, 04:51 PM

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 06:15 PM

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 06:42 PM

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 07:23 PM

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

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

UnrepentantSinner · 12th August 2003, 07:36 PM

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...

12th August 2003, 07:46 PM

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

swstephe · 12th August 2003, 07:47 PM

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):

Quote:

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 · 12th August 2003, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by billiefan2000

Not a good enough answer is what I say.

What would count as a good enough answer, then?

Max560 · 12th August 2003, 07:57 PM

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.

12th August 2003, 08:06 PM

Two priests face sex charges in Southern California
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...035EDT0177.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 · 12th August 2003, 08:16 PM

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 · 12th August 2003, 09:29 PM

Xian pronounced She-ahn.

Ladewig · 13th August 2003, 03:52 AM

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.

Gregor · 13th August 2003, 05:17 AM

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 · 13th August 2003, 05:59 AM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 06:07 AM

maybe a Xian is an extreme Christian?

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

The Mad Linguist · 13th August 2003, 06:53 AM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 07:01 AM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 07:38 AM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 07:45 AM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 08:50 AM

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?

Upchurch · 13th August 2003, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Redman
Maybe he'll even start to . . . think?

Well, asking questions is the first step in the proccess of learning. You may be on to something there.

Nyarlathotep · 13th August 2003, 09:00 AM

Quote:

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?

Quite the optimist, aren't you?

Lord Kenneth · 13th August 2003, 09:14 AM

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

hgc · 13th August 2003, 09:24 AM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 11:20 AM

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 · 13th August 2003, 12:43 PM

Quote:

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 · 13th August 2003, 03:32 PM

Quote:

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?...819#post669819

Quote:

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?...645#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?...475#post885475
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by kerri

Quote:

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?...493#post885493

Quote:

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?...498#post885498
And now, a charming dialog the hypocrosy of which is evident:

Quote:

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?!

12th August 2003, 03:27 PM	#1
billiefan2000 Muse Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Omaha Nebraska Posts: 522	What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? 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.

12th August 2003, 03:30 PM	#2
Morwen Reality junkie Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Valencia, Spain Posts: 780	"What's the difference between a Christian and a Xian?" Five keystrokes.
	__________________ "In the beginning, the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry, and is generally considered to have been a bad move." -- Douglas Adams "La vida, esa chulería de la materia" -- Emile Ciorán

12th August 2003, 03:31 PM	#3
The Mad Linguist Critical Thinker Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 257	Re: What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? Quote: 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.

12th August 2003, 03:32 PM	#4
billiefan2000 Muse Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Omaha Nebraska Posts: 522	Re: "What's the difference between a Christian and a Xian?" Quote: Originally posted by Morwen Five keystrokes. Not a good enough answer is what I say.

12th August 2003, 03:34 PM	#5
Nyarlathotep Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,514	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.
	__________________ Why stay sane in a sick world?

12th August 2003, 03:35 PM	#6
Nyarlathotep Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,514	Re: Re: "What's the difference between a Christian and a Xian?" Quote: 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.
	__________________ Why stay sane in a sick world?

12th August 2003, 03:40 PM	#7
Lord Emsworth Je ne suis pas une de vos élèves Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Through the Cables and the Underground ... Posts: 2,827	I found a reference on Snopes about Christian and Xian. Granted, the latter rather looks like it referred to a Chinese city

12th August 2003, 03:41 PM	#8
Dancing David Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 34,701	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?
	__________________ Hell, dynamiting fish in a barrel is more challenging. - Ladewig I suspect you are a sandwich, metaphorically speaking. -Donn And a shot rang out. Now Space is doing time... -Ben Burch You built the toilet - don't complain when people crap in it. _Kid Eager

12th August 2003, 03:56 PM	#9
HarryKeogh Catholic School Survivor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 11,342	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!

12th August 2003, 04:08 PM	#10
Pahansiri Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1,380	Re: What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? Quote: 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.
	__________________ "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."...H.W.Longfellow

12th August 2003, 04:23 PM	#11
Max560 Critical Thinker Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 256	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.
	__________________ ...the feeling you get is that you're one of those space monkeys. You do the little job you're trained to do. Pull a lever. Push a button. You don't understand any of it, and then you just die. Chuck Palahniuk- Fight Club

12th August 2003, 04:25 PM	#12
zakur Illuminator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 3,265	You should see how they stew at the use of the term "Christers."
	__________________ "I do not believe in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." -Thomas Carlyle "That's the problem these days: nobody thinks of the tumors." -steinhenge

12th August 2003, 04:51 PM	#13
triadboy Master Poster Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 2,556	Re: What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? Quote: 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.

12th August 2003, 06:15 PM	#14
arcticpenguin woo ban clan Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,717	Re: Re: What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? Quote: 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.
	__________________ The power of accurate observation is frequently called cynicism by those who don't have it. - George Bernard Shaw

12th August 2003, 06:42 PM	#15
WildCat NWO Master Conspirator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Albany Park, Chicago Posts: 48,983	Quote: 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.

12th August 2003, 07:23 PM	#16
Jet Grind Thinker Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 140	"Xian" is a shorthand way of saying "Christian". Don't get your panties in a bunch over it billie.
Jet Grind Thinker Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 140	__________________ "Metaphysics is almost always an attempt to prove the incredible by an appeal to the unintelligible." --H. L. Mencken

12th August 2003, 07:36 PM	#17
UnrepentantSinner A post by Alan Smithee Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USAian is not a word Posts: 26,353	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...
	__________________ I am an American citizen who is part of American society and briefly served in the American armed forces. I use American dollars and pay taxes that support the American government. And yes, despite the editorial decison to change American politics to the nonsensical "USA politics" subforum, I follow and comment on American politics.

12th August 2003, 07:46 PM	#18
evildave Guest Posts: n/a	He was such a good Christian, he bought a Chrysler.
evildave Guest Posts: n/a

12th August 2003, 07:47 PM	#19
swstephe Thinker Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: borneo island Posts: 176	The answer billiefan is looking for? 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): Quote: 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.

12th August 2003, 07:49 PM	#20
Upchurch Papa Funkosophy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Funky Town (STL, MO) Posts: 23,423	Re: Re: "What's the difference between a Christian and a Xian?" Quote: Originally posted by billiefan2000 Not a good enough answer is what I say. What would count as a good enough answer, then?

12th August 2003, 07:57 PM	#21
Max560 Critical Thinker Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 256	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.
	__________________ ...the feeling you get is that you're one of those space monkeys. You do the little job you're trained to do. Pull a lever. Push a button. You don't understand any of it, and then you just die. Chuck Palahniuk- Fight Club

12th August 2003, 08:06 PM	#22
evildave Guest Posts: n/a	Two priests face sex charges in Southern California http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...035EDT0177.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.
evildave Guest Posts: n/a

12th August 2003, 08:16 PM	#23
Yahweh Ayay ashay ayay Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 9,029	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".
Yahweh Ayay ashay ayay Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 9,029

12th August 2003, 09:29 PM	#24
UnrepentantSinner A post by Alan Smithee Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: USAian is not a word Posts: 26,353	Xian pronounced She-ahn.
	__________________ I am an American citizen who is part of American society and briefly served in the American armed forces. I use American dollars and pay taxes that support the American government. And yes, despite the editorial decison to change American politics to the nonsensical "USA politics" subforum, I follow and comment on American politics.

13th August 2003, 03:52 AM	#25
Ladewig Hipster alien Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: not measurable Posts: 16,794	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.
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13th August 2003, 05:17 AM	#26
Gregor Critical Thinker Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 355	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.
Gregor Critical Thinker Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 355	__________________ "Just because ignorance is organized and given a name doesn't change the fact that it's make-believe." Lord Kenneth

13th August 2003, 05:59 AM	#27
Skeptical Greg Agave Wine Connoisseur Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Just past 'Resume Speed' Posts: 12,873	Re: What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? Quote: 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..
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13th August 2003, 06:07 AM	#28
HarryKeogh Catholic School Survivor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 11,342	maybe a Xian is an extreme Christian? extreme is cool! http://maddox.xmission.com/c.cgi?u=xtreme_********

13th August 2003, 06:53 AM	#29
The Mad Linguist Critical Thinker Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 257	Quote: 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.

13th August 2003, 07:01 AM	#30
Pahansiri Graduate Poster Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1,380	Quote: 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 .
	__________________ "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."...H.W.Longfellow

13th August 2003, 07:38 AM	#31
Upchurch Papa Funkosophy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Funky Town (STL, MO) Posts: 23,423	Re: What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? Quote: Originally posted by billiefan2000 What is the Difference between a Christian and a Xian? "Christians" earns you more points in Scrabble than "Xian" does.

13th August 2003, 07:45 AM	#32
triadboy Master Poster Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 2,556	Quote: 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.

13th August 2003, 08:50 AM	#33
Michael Redman Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 3,063	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?
	__________________ The rule is perfect; in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane. - Mark Twain

13th August 2003, 08:59 AM	#34
Upchurch Papa Funkosophy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Funky Town (STL, MO) Posts: 23,423	Quote: Originally posted by Michael Redman Maybe he'll even start to . . . think? Well, asking questions is the first step in the proccess of learning. You may be on to something there.

13th August 2003, 09:00 AM	#35
Nyarlathotep Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,514	Quote: 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? Quite the optimist, aren't you?
	__________________ Why stay sane in a sick world?