[prisonchaplain]

This issue of the cross is huge for Protestants. Let me share some random observations.

First, for evangelical/fundamentalist/conservative Christians, the cross is a symbol of rigor. Jesus died a tortorous death on the cross because He loved me THAT much, and because my sins were THAT offensive. When I see that cross, I see the gravity, the depth, the seriousness of my faith, and of the love of God that compels me.

Second...the cross is offensive. Positive thinking and will power will not save me. It is not by works of righteousness that I have come, but according to his mercy he has saved me. And so, the cross is a constant reminder of my need for humble service to God...the price was high, but He paid it. I owe him a life of gratitude.

Third, there is a suspicion that arises when some Christians seem to deny the cross. Why do this? Do they want a bloodless gospel? Do they want to believe the lie that their sins did not merit such a death? Are they unwilling to walk humbly before their God?

In fairness, I note that many "mainstream churches" have taken down their crosses. They say the crosses are offensive, morbid, racist (KKK), and just negative. One poster asked if Jesus' had died by lethal injection, would the needle be our symbol? Another church leader asked my pastor, "Would we put up electric chairs as our symbol," if Jesus had been killed that way??? I loved his response, frankly.

YES!

I know that LDS do not "deny the cross." My sense is that your leaders jettisoned it largely as a means of distinguishing the restored message from the traditional one. And, as FYI, I do not wear a cross. Nevertheless, meditation upon the crucifixion--keeping ever before us the sacrifice--not only the mental psychological anguish of the Garden--but the bloodied phsyical suffering on the cross--it both humbles and encourages me. God hates sin that much. He loves me that much.