Q on the Ankh

[Anastasia1]

I am reading Introduction to the Coptic Orthodox Church by Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty. In it I read:

d) The Cross:  Egyptians  tended  to  identify  the  Cross with their own sign of eternal life, "the Ankh," which was held  in  the  hands  of  the  immortals  such  as  gods  and pharaohs. The "Ankh" sign took the shape of a cruciform with rounded tip, which was readily adopted and used by the Copts from the very early times.

I have always avoided ever using the ankh because I thought and was taught that it was from pagan religious ideas, or more recently, it would confuse people with thinking I agreed with/approved of pagan ideas.  Is this still the case?

[PoorFoolNicholas]

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Codex_Glazier_2.JPG
This will give you an idea. I searched Coptic cross, and easily found this.

[ialmisry]

I am reading Introduction to the Coptic Orthodox Church by Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty. In it I read:

d) The Cross:  Egyptians  tended  to  identify  the  Cross with their own sign of eternal life, "the Ankh," which was held  in  the  hands  of  the  immortals  such  as  gods  and pharaohs. The "Ankh" sign took the shape of a cruciform with rounded tip, which was readily adopted and used by the Copts from the very early times.

I have always avoided ever using the ankh because I thought and was taught that it was from pagan religious ideas, or more recently, it would confuse people with thinking I agreed with/approved of pagan ideas.  Is this still the case?

It wasn't really from pagan religious ideas:the sign is how you write the word 'aankh, which was the ancient Egyptian word for "life" (Coptic "oon-kh").  The picture is actually a sandal strap, 'nkh.

[Anastasia1]

So as a Christian, would it be alright to say, use an Ankh avatar on Christian websites or wear an Ankh pendant?

[vamrat]

I would personally avoid it since it doesn't carry the same meaning to those in the West (which is where I am assuming you live).  Same reason I wouldn't wear a circle with a + in it.  Though the symbol was utilized by Christians in the North (e.g. the Celtic Cross probably in part came from this), I am not an Odinist and most people around me would be more likely to recognize this as an Odinist symbol (supposing most Americans were more than semi-literate) or with Neo-Naziism.  If you are in fact an Egyptian living amongst Egyptian/Coptic Christians who would understand the meaning then by all means do so.   

[Seafra]

I am reading Introduction to the Coptic Orthodox Church by Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty. In it I read:

d) The Cross:  Egyptians  tended  to  identify  the  Cross with their own sign of eternal life, "the Ankh," which was held  in  the  hands  of  the  immortals  such  as  gods  and pharaohs. The "Ankh" sign took the shape of a cruciform with rounded tip, which was readily adopted and used by the Copts from the very early times.

I have always avoided ever using the ankh because I thought and was taught that it was from pagan religious ideas, or more recently, it would confuse people with thinking I agreed with/approved of pagan ideas.  Is this still the case?

im sorry but most people have no understanding of ANYTHINGS meaning... Also keep in mind "there is nothing new under the sun" MANY of our traditions borrow dates items shapes etc. from Pagan faith before Christianity... Including the cross, snakes of Moses, Trinity symbol, number three these were all sacred to the Celtic peoples before Christianity and that's only one people group. I have actually been approached by a number of Christians accusing me of occultism for wearing a "Peters Cross"... If you have a connection with the Ankh then study and learn it then if someone questions you (christian or not) you will have a opening to direct them to the Truth!

[Seafra]

I would personally avoid it since it doesn't carry the same meaning to those in the West (which is where I am assuming you live).  Same reason I wouldn't wear a circle with a + in it.  Though the symbol was utilized by Christians in the North (e.g. the Celtic Cross probably in part came from this), I am not an Odinist and most people around me would be more likely to recognize this as an Odinist symbol (supposing most Americans were more than semi-literate) or with Neo-Naziism.  If you are in fact an Egyptian living amongst Egyptian/Coptic Christians who would understand the meaning then by all means do so.  

HAHAHA you suppose too much here they would just think its a crosshair or something. Most Americans dont even realize it could be a celtic cross because the only think of the High Crosses. I made a necklace that i LOVE it is a Celtic cross withing a Coptic, in honor of the British Orthodox Church which i hope to convert into hen i move to Europe. I use this cross many times to share history of the Irish and Christianity. I can even segway into the thought that the Celts were so close( like many other things) as to the purpose. To the Celts it resemble unity and harmony of the elements... Like i said i think these are perfect opportunities into sharing the truth and how the Cross does bring unity and harmony to all Creation!

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