Anastasia1
Born into pahklava
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Faith: Oriental Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Occasionally traveling, Armenian.
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« on: January 12, 2012, 12:06:14 AM » |
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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?
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« Last Edit: January 12, 2012, 12:07:31 AM by Anastasia1 »
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2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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ialmisry
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« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2012, 12:57:46 AM » |
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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.   |
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« Last Edit: January 12, 2012, 12:58:08 AM by ialmisry »
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Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything so that he may do it no more.
A hasty quarrel kindles fire,
and urgent strife sheds blood.
If you blow on a spark, it will glow;
if you spit on it, it will be put out;
and both come out of your mouth
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Anastasia1
Born into pahklava
Sr. Member
Online
Faith: Oriental Orthodox
Jurisdiction: Occasionally traveling, Armenian.
Posts: 844
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« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2012, 01:12:31 AM » |
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So as a Christian, would it be alright to say, use an Ankh avatar on Christian websites or wear an Ankh pendant?
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2 Cor. 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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vamrat
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« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2012, 10:08:50 AM » |
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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.  |
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It is an education process for me as I learn about the psychology of spiritual apostasy. And others get the benefit of perhaps hearing righteousness for the first time.
Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
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Seafra
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Faith: British Orthodox hopeful
Posts: 230
It's in the shelter of each other that people live
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« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2012, 02:50:26 AM » |
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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! |
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Seafra
Member
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Faith: British Orthodox hopeful
Posts: 230
It's in the shelter of each other that people live
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« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2012, 02:56:24 AM » |
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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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« Last Edit: January 15, 2012, 02:58:18 AM by Seafra »
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