Should Your Car Wear a Fish?

Of all the burning doctrinal and theological issues facing Christians in 2018, one of the most perplexing is: To fish or not to fish? That is the question.

By this plastic symbol on the back of your donkey shall all men know you are my disciples.

The fish symbol has been the object of parody over the past several decades, but if nothing else, this shows the widespread acceptance of the auto-emblem version of the icon, at least in North America.

The ickthus — ΙΧΘΥΣ — (pronounced ‘ickthoos’) a 2nd – 4th Century symbol of the early church is both a play on the Greek word for fish, and is also an acronym or if you prefer, an acrostic.

► Iota “Ι” is the first letter of Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for “Jesus”.
► Chi “Χ” is the first letter of Christos (Χριστός), Greek for “anointed” (of the Lord).
► Theta “Θ” is the first letter of Theou (Θεοῦ), Greek for “God’s”, the genitive case of Θεóς, Theos, Greek for “God”.
► Upsilon “Υ” is the first letter of (h)yios (Yἱός), Greek for “Son”.
► Sigma “Σ” is the first letter of sōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for “Saviour”.

The symbols are available plain or with the Greek letters, but if you choose the latter, you need to make sure it’s pointing the right way. But the right way will vary depending on how they designed it. In terms of the blank ones, sadly many a church has split over the correct direction of the piscine creature.

There are many videos online (including some from the many detractors who insist it’s a Satanic symbol) concerning the Ickthus and its many parody versions, but for a simple, straightforward understanding, watch this Anglican priest’s 2-minute explanation.

Oh…and as to our opening question, if your car or truck or SUV should wear a fish, I think a lot of that answer depends on how you drive. ‘Nuff said.

 

with files from Wikipedia