Merry X-Mas

Is using "X-mas" as a shorthand for "Christmas" taking Christ out the holiday? Many people have answered yes to this question and are quite worried. In fact, I discovered a Facebook page entirely devoted to this very concern: Its CHRISTmas.. Not Xmas... Why would u take Christ out of His holiday!?!?! 

Now, I am in no place to speak to anyone’s intentions. It is possible that we have people running around and randomly replacing "Christ" with the letter "X," though this seems like a strange and somewhat underused letter in the English alphabet to select. Nevertheless, though such dastardly motives are possible, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this common designation dating back to the middle ages. "X" is actually a shorthand for Christ. Let me explain: the Greek letter Chi looks very much like our English letter X. And, the Greek word for Christ is Χριστός. Notice that the first letter in this word is a Chi. It looks like an X, does it not? Mystery solved, Merry X-mas.

Are you still not convinced? Very well, below I have provided a copy of a letter originally penned in 1804 by the English Baptist theologian Andrew Fuller. Notice how he spells Christmas:

 

Denominationalism, Baptists, and the Bill of Rights

An appreciation for one’s denomination is not as prevalent today as it once was. Nevertheless, concerned members of the body of Christ should have an understanding and an appreciation for the heritage and contribution of their denomination. What are our distinctive beliefs? What have we contributed to the Christian community and society generally? These are important questions. Since I am a Baptist, I would like to recommend that you read a great article (here), written by Kenneth Keathley, regarding the Baptists key involvement in the adoption of our great nation’s Bill of Rights. 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY  

Thank You, Dr. David Allen

After considering the situation for a bit now, I have decided not to write an extended piece on the recently published A Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of God’s Plan of Salvation (see my previous piece here where I make some preliminary comments on the previously mentioned title). Since there have been so many responses from both sides (many of which were angrily toned), it seems unnecessary for me to attempt to offer something original here. I will, however, recommend that you read (here) a recently released article addressing the perennially important debate between “Calvinism” verses “Traditionalism” in Baptist life. Dr. Allen, though taking a position somewhat different than my own, has written a wonderful and conciliatory piece. Below are two quotes that I find particularly helpful.  

"If we are to come together in unity, we must do so as Baptists, not as Calvinists and Traditionalists.”

“Fifth, generally speaking, all Southern Baptists are concerned about theology. With respect to the current discussion, some of my Calvinist friends as well as some of my Traditionalist friends need to become better and more careful theologians and historians.”