I wrote an article in Thursday's Daily Cougar about UH's upcoming Hawaii bowl and the need for the University and it's patrons to fully get behind our program. I recieved a rather unusual response later that evening from a student at Houston Baptist University.. Mike, You know that X-mas is as much of a Christian symbol as Christmas would be? X represents the Greek letter "chi" which is the first letter of Christ's name as it's spelled in Greek. For hundreds of years, X-mas was used in religious writings to celebrate the incarnation and Christ's birth. I believe that you used X-mas to "X" out Christ from Christmas; however, God has a sense of humor, and every time you think you're Xing out Christ, you're actually fortifying Him. In Christ, ******* ******** Houston Baptist University senior, English literature and applied mathematics to which I replied.. Mr. *******, I did not title my article. The editorial board does that. So please direct your comments to them. Never once did I say "X-mas" or any variation of it. And on a personal note, as an ambassador of Christ I would not expect you to attack me so undully. "I believe that you used X-mas to "X" out Christ from Christmas" I'm sorry sir, but you are mistaken. My article was about the Houston Cougars, and not about Christmas, Christ, God, Religion, or any such matter. If you are so upset about the Hawaii bowl being on Christmas day, then perhaps you should write a letter to the Hawaii bowl officials or the Conference USA board of directors who control such matters instead of sniping at those who unwittingly upset you. Wishing you and yours a very joyous Christmas, Mike K. P.S. Go Coogs! Now, I'm not familiar with Houston Baptist University or it's patrons. But what are they putting in the water over there? It's things like this that make me have to grit my teeth and hope that people like this are a fringe of society, and that organized religion does not normally have this end result. (sorry if this thread belongs in the D&D forum, if any moderator feels it nessecary to move it, please do so)
As a follow-up to this.. I recieved an even more unusual response from the director of operations for Ronald McDonald (yes, Ronald McDonald) about my article asking me if I could give them any information on how Mr. McDonald could help to see the Cougars off the Hawaii bowl. Strange--- BUT TRUE.
I've seen that bit about X-ing out Christ before. I'm sure this guy and a lot of people like him send this out everytime they see it. I assume the X-mas thing was used so the headline would fit in the actual printed paper, rather than some sinister desire to not have the word "Christ" in the paper in any form, right? I used to get weird letters, too, when I wrote for the school paper (I remember writing a column about Magic Johnson when he first announced he had HIV. My basic point was, "Wow. Too bad.", and I got a ten page letter that was just nuts in response.)
I hate seeing that word x-mas. Jesus Christ is the reason for the holiday. I guess it is a little pet peeve of mine.
damn.. I know it's too late now.. but.. did anyone else notice that my post about the HBU hyper-jesus guy was my 666th post?
Typical for HBU. Although they have a fairly large population of Hindu students, the overwhelming culture is fundamentalist Christian, as promoted by the president (who tells everyone about Jesus locking all the doors to his car while it was in the parking lot of Randalls - or something - and talking to him, or tries to get potential new faculty to pray in front of him during interviews, etc.).
Damn, I thought this was a thread about people raving so hard this weekend that they wake up in 2004.
Donny, I think the guy was just stating his opinion, I don't think he was trying to be personal or rude. He probably uses that speal every time he sees "X-mas".
Ah... Donny, are you gonna be at the Cooger next year? I just might have to be your source of inside info... he he he he.
I have a customer that comes in time to time and he always says..." Jesust loves you and the devil hates you." Maybe the next time I see him I will wish him a Merry Xmas.
I know this is crazy, but how close are you to graduating? If you need any help getting a job out of school in the journalism field, let me know. As for those Baptists, I don't know what to tell you except that they are an easily offended bunch who don't seem to mind offending others, like when they call Catholics "Mary-worshippers." I didn't see anything remotely offensive in your column or the title.
As a Christian...it somewhat disturbs me that these petty little things have become the battleground of the church while we are surrounded by a world that desparately needs to feel the love of God as reflected through His believers.
