What Is the Significance of the Fish Symbol?
I have seen the small emblem of a fish on many cars. Sometimes the name "Jesus" is enclosed; sometimes there are foreign letters. Now I am seeing the same fish-sign with the name "Darwin" inside it. What is the significance of this?
The fish became a symbol of Christianity in the early days of the post-apostolic church. It is frequently carved on the walls of the catacombs beneath the ancient city of Rome.
The Greek word for “fish” is ichthus, and each letter stood for a word:
- i (
iesous—Jesus) - ch (
christos—Christ) - th (
theou—of God) - u (
huios—son) - s (
soter—savior).
The fish thus became a kind of code word during times of persecution, allowing believers to express their conviction: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and my Savior.”
In the “Darwin” symbol, you will notice tiny feet have been added to the fish image. This is intended to suggest that fish evolved into walking creatures. It is not difficult to discern the philosophy of those who display this emblem.
This new symbol is revealing. First, it suggests that the displayer dishonors the Creator and the Bible and shows contempt for Jesus Christ. Second, it reveals that the owner is ignorant of the facts of science. Third, the symbol demonstrates that the growing influence of creationists has greatly irritated evolutionists. Creation science has made tremendous headway in recent years. Let us continue to press the battle.
Perhaps it is unnecessary to say that the Christian’s teaching and example are all he needs to demonstrate his faith. When we truly live by our convictions, our contemporaries will observe it.
