"It's certainly a convenient abbreviation to use in, say, a thread title, where space is limited."

I knew that of course, Jim, I was being sarcastic.

I guess I'm a little sensitive about the use of 'Xtian' as an abbreviation for Christian, as I seldom, if ever, see Christians using it, but I always seem to encounter it being used by rabid anti-Christians as if the full "Christian" is some kind of swear-word, a bit like the prissy practice of writing "f***ing" when what the writer means is.....well, you know what the writer means.

It seems to be a means of insulting the faith, or the followers of Christianity. Although why anyone feels so inadequate that they need to insult a faith-system is completely beyond me.

Maybe not intended that way in this case, as I noticed the OP used the full 'Christian' in the body of his/her post, and I apologise if I misunderstood.

I'll get my coat.............