Is Chi Rho Really a Christian Symbol?

What is Chi Ro? It is a Christian symbol that dates to at least the Roman empire. How is this relevant to Christians today? Knowing about the symbol and its history gives us a unique opportunity to share the gospel because we live in a society fascinated by symbols and art, including wall art, jewelry, and even tattoos. As Christians, we are called to share the gospel, and as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, we should meet people where they are so that we can show them the way to Christ. Using the symbol, we can find common ground with those we encounter along life’s journey to make relational and spiritual connections.

If we want to connect with others using the Chi Ro symbol, we need to know its meaning and history. We also need to know how we can relate it to today’s society. Let’s start with the meaning and then move on to its history.

What Does the Phrase Chi Rho Mean?

Chi Rho is the English equivalent to the Greek letters Χ (Chi) and Ρ (Ro). They are the first two letters or monogram for the name of Christ (Χριστός or Christos), also known as a Christogram. When the Χ is placed over the base of the Ρ, it becomes the symbol for Christ. For further reading on the phrase’s meaning, check out the article “What Is the Meaning of the Chi Rho Symbol” by Vivian Bricker.

The Chi Rho symbol has been used on jewelry, artwork, and logos. Some people use the symbol as a reminder of Christ, just like many people wear a cross for the same reason. Other people have used it as a form of protection. The symbol itself is just that, a representation of Christ’s name. The problem only comes if people try to use it as a talisman to ward off evil. As Christians, we need to call on God only for protection. The symbol has no power; only God has the real power.

When Did Christians First Start Using the Chi Rho Symbol?

One of the earliest uses of the Chi Rho symbol was by the Roman Emperor Constantine I. The historian Eusebius recorded the story of how Constantine converted to Christianity after he saw a symbol in the sky with the inscription “conquer by this.” In a vision, God told him to put the symbol on a standard to use as a safeguard in all engagements with his enemies. For further reading about the event, read Eusebius’ book The Life of Blessed Constantine (chapters XXVIII and following).

Word spread about the miraculous vision and Constantine’s subsequent victory in battle. The Chi Rho symbol spread quickly throughout the Eastern Roman Empire and is still popular today. For more information on Christian symbols like the Chi Rho, check out “Why Should Christians Know What the Chi Rho Means?” by Trey Soto and “Are Christian Symbols Biblical?” by Greg Grandchamp.

Why Is Chi Rho Important in Christian History?

The story of the Chi Rho symbol’s miraculous appearance in the sky and the following vision led to Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, making him the first Roman emperor to profess Christianity. According to Britannica, he started converting the empire into a Christian state not long after becoming a Christian. This led to the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., where the early church fathers wrote the Nicene Creed.

Whether historians agree on the legitimacy of Constantine’s claims of a miraculous vision or not, the result was the conversion of an empire so that the Gospel could be spread abroad. The symbol Constantine saw in the sky was not the source of his victories in battle; the symbol merely represented the true power found in Christ alone.

Do Christians Still Use the Chi Rho Today?

While the Chi Rho symbol is not as commonly known as other Christian symbols, such as the cross, it is still used in various ways. It is used in artwork, such as wall art, jewelry, and logos. Actually, the Chi or Χ is the basis for the use of X-mas instead of Christmas. The Χ is the Greek letter Chi, which stands for Christ, not a secularization of the holiday. The abbreviation dates to as early as the 1500s.

Not everyone who uses the Chi Rho symbol is a Christian, just like not everyone who wears crosses believes that Jesus died on a cross and rose again. However, the symbol can be a means of connecting with non-believers so that, like Paul, we can lead others to the freedom of Christ. This is why it is important to know the history of symbols so that we don’t get caught up in useless debates when we could use the moment to make connections and reach the lost for Christ.

How Can We Use the Chi Rho for Evangelism?

Like anything, the Chi Rho symbol can be used for evangelism to find common ground. If you see someone wearing the symbol on jewelry, logos, or even a tattoo, it can be a starting point for a conversation.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul explains:

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Paul did not assert himself as better than others but chose to be a servant to all. His attitude was of a servant since he was a servant to Christ. Then, he met people where they were. When he was with the Jews, he did not rant about the law as a yoke but used it instead to witness Christ’s freedom. He didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t, but he also did not rebuke people who were ignorant of the freedom in Christ. He tried to find ways to connect with all men so that he could lead some to Christ by any means necessary.

We, too, are servants of Christ, and as such, we have freedoms. We also have knowledge through the Holy Spirit’s leading that non-Christians do not, but that does not make us any better or worse. John 3:16 tells us that God loved the world and the whole world and told us to love others. Matthew 22:37-39 says:

“Jesus said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”’”

The heart of the gospel is love. We share the gospel out of love, so with a loving heart, let’s use whatever is available to reach those around us. The Chi Rho symbol is a means to that end, so let’s keep our hearts attuned to the Holy Spirit so that we can make the most of any opportunity that comes our way.

Photo Credit: zeevveez via Wikimedia Commons.

Linda Lyle is a writer, teacher, knitter, and unintentional collector of cats. She has written articles for the Alabama Baptist, Open Windows, Refresh, as well as multiple novels and novellas. Her newest book, 5-Minute Prayer Plan for When Life Is Overwhelming, is set to release in October. She spins yarns on her blog The End of My Yarn at lindalyle.com.