Y Cru, brute’?
Almost exactly one year ago, the Young Men’s Christian Association, aka the YMCA, changed its name to simply “the Y”. Of course, the Y has been common slang for some time. YMCA justified the change noting that no one knew what YMCA even stood for anymore as well as to fight the stereotype encouraged by the Village People’s song “YMCA”. And it could be argued that few associate the Y with any Christian Mission anyways.
History repeated itself when Campus Crusade for Christ changed its name to “Cru”, a nickname that has been common for some time, much like the Y. And just like the YMCA, Campus Crusade was fighting the negative connotations of “crusade” (hearkening more familiarity with the Christian versus Molsem wars centuries ago than Billy Graham’s Crusades (or Greg Laurie’s Harvest Crusade, for example)). I agree with the point that “Campus” over simplifies their mission. But to say they want to move away from “crusade” by just reducing it to short-hand? I don’t buy it.
Actually I didn’t buy this story at all. When I first heard it I went straight to Snopes. I mean, the change came almost exactly a year to the day after the YMCA name-change. And for me, not involved with “Cru” in any way shape or form, the full name was always shortened to just Campus Crusade. Now I don’t know what to call it.
They also mention that the name “Christ” gets in the way of their mission. I can see the argument that you don’t jump right into conversation with “I’m a Christian and I’m here to convert you. Here are the four spiritual laws so that you can receive Jesus as your own personal savior. Oh, by the way, my name is Frank.” But c’mon, you’re a CHRISTIAN EVANGELISM MINISTRY!!! Maybe your name should reflect it. If you want to be a hip night club, then admit it. If your name gives a specific first impression, maybe there’s a reason. And maybe that’s a good thing.
Blackwater changed its name to Xe to try and overcome bad press. My mom’s retirement home changed its name from Classic Residence to Vi to separate it from its parent company, Hyatt. So I’m convinced. Vi was bought out by Xe who operates youth rec centers by the name of Y and a ministry called Cru. It’s a conspiracy. Or a word scramble. CruYViXe. Oh I get it, “crucifix”. Campus Crusade is really a Catholic organization! That makes more sense than any reason they give.
“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” (Luke 9:26)
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” (Matthew 15:18-21, emphasis added)