Variations of the ichthys symbol Variations of the ichthys symbol The ichthys symbol, or "Jesus fish", typically used to proclaim an affiliation with or affinity for Christianity, has many variations. Some of these are made by Christians in order to promote a specific doctrine or theological perspective, such as evolutionary creation. Other variations are sometimes intended for the purpose of satire. Both the traditional ichthys fish as well as its variations, are often seen adorning the bumpers or trunks of automobiles, often in the form of adhesive badges made of chrome-colored plastic. While the fish symbol dates back millennia, having its origins in pre-Christian religious
Christianity in Roman Britain reality. Christianity experienced slow and steady growth in the empire during the third century. In the mid part of that century, there was an intensification of the persecution of Christians, particularly under the Emperors Decius and Valerian. These waves of persecution may have impacted the Christian community in Britain; it is possible that Aaron and Julius, two Romano-British martyrs mentioned in early medieval sources, were killed at this time. In 260, the Emperor Gallienus issued an edict that decriminalised Christianity, allowing the Church to own property as a corporate body. These shifts in the state's attitude to religion were accompanied