The Cross

[IdahoJones]

I look at the cross as one way to display your faith. I was taught and have believed what Pres Hinkley said in that Ensign article for a long time, that our lives are a reflection of our faith and that we believe in the resurrected Savior. In fact its the central theme of the Book of Mormon. When I see somebody who wears the cross it doesnt offend me. I look to it as one way they chose to declare there faith.

[MarginOfError]

The cross is not used by other religions as a result of a commandment by God. In fact, there is not one scripture that can even be construed as to mean that the true church of God would use a cross as its symbol of its belief in Christ. Of course, the scriptures wouldn't speak of "mainstream" Christianity versus non-"mainstream" Christianity because in the scriptures there are only two major churches -- the Church of Christ and the Church of the devil.

Having explained that, the cross was first used -- get this -- during the Crusades. That's right. It was a symbol of war, not a symbol of religion, per se. So the cross has historical importance in that regard. Over time, because of the aggressive missionary efforts by many churches, the symbol of the cross because the accepted sign of Christianity around the world. What's the trend that you see?

It's all man-made. There's no scriptural basis in the practice. Adam and Eve did not wear a cross in the Garden of Eden, Moses didn't have a cross on his staff, and Jesus certainly did not walk around with a cross around his neck. What you really have conflict with, then, is "mainstream" Christian trends based in historical events that have no scriptural basis. Mormonism simply states that the cross is not an acceptable symbol of our belief in Christ. As Gordon B Hinckley put it, the lives of the members of the Church are the symbol of our belief in Christ.

You failed to mention if you are categorically opposed to members of the Church wearing crosses or not.

In a playful spirit, I submit the following to you.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Matt. 16:24)

But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.
Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;
For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell. (3 Nephi 12:28-30)

And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved. (D&C 56:2)

[Gwen]

i don't think anyone is arguing that a cross was commanded by god or that it is anything more than a secular symbol. i understand the church stance and agree with it. i wouldn't want crosses everywhere, i was raised in the church and that is how i am. what is being said is that if it has personal significance one should not feel compelled to give it up. i wore a watch on a chain for a long time, it wasn't cause i was worried about the time, i had one on my wrist as well. it was a personal symbol of a goal i had set, it was my constant reminder of something i was working on to improve my life. i could have chosen anything to have that meaning for me but that is what i chose. if someone wants to wear a cross as their symbol of their personal commitment to god, that is their perogitive.

[Vanhin]

Originally Posted by Rekhyt2238

Let me start out by saying I am very close to leaving the church. Though I have a few questions before, which is why I came here. To start with, one of my issues with church doctrine is the subject of the Cross. Personally, I wear a Cross, but according to the church website, mormons are not supposed to wear the symbol of the cross because, “the Savior lives, [So] we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith.” My opinion on the subject, is that the symbol of Christ's' death, the Cross, is the symbol of Christianity because without his death there would be no religion.

So my question is, why? I do not understand why the fact that Christ lives means that we should not wear a Cross. I ask for any further explanation and/or opinions on the subject.

I don't know of any official stance that we should not wear a cross. And as others have said, I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I would gladly wear a cross or a Star of David, and would not lose any sleep over it, if I was so inclined.

Jesus Christ explained what the symbol of true discipleship is:

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Why are you close to leaving the Church?

Regards,
Vanhin

[j-llo]

To start with, one of my issues with church doctrine is the subject of the Cross.

The cross does not have anything to do with church doctrine. How long have you been a member? The reason I ask is this; remember why you were baptized. It should have had nothing to do with symbols or nice members or mean members.... You received a testimony that the gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was truth, correct? That testimony is the most important thing. The church is an organization of imperfect people striving to live a perfect principle. Ignorant members (and we are all ignorant in some area) will sometimes try to point out something that they see as imperfection in the hope that their imperfections will not be so obvious. If someone has made you feel bad about wearing a cross it is just that. Please do not let your testimony of the gospel hang on that cross. Rediscover the joy that comes with the manifestation of the Holy Ghost that the Lord lives and has restored to us the fullness of His gospel so that we can return to Him.

[ianhorn24]

Anything can be used to symbolize one's belief in Christ. The use of the cross in terms of demonstrating one's faith is legitimate as individuals.

My comments were not directed to individuals, however, but rather to churches as a whole who have chosen to use the cross publicly to demonstrate their belief in Christ, such as the majority of "mainstream" Christianity. I pointed out the historical background of the use of the cross and simply pointed out that the cross had historical and not scriptural roots. Should one choose to wear a cross, as I have seen many Mormons do, to symbolize their belief in Christ there is no sin being committed there. No harm no foul.

[bytor2112]

The cross aside.... are you a member of the church? If so how long? Do you have a testimony about anything? The Book of Mormon? Joseph Smith? I suspect that you don't if you are worried about religious symbols.

We believe that Jesus drank of the bitter cup and took upon him the sins of the world and made himself a ransom for penitent sinners in Gethsemennee. The suffering on the cross of Calvary was the means of his death.

Advice? Wear the cross if you like. But pray, really pray and read the Book of Mormon. The Church is true.... please don't let something like wearing a cross prevent you from gaining a testimony, an absolute knowledge that this is the Lords church.

[NormalMormon]

I see the cross in two different lights.

1. A token of remembrance for what He did for us.
2. A sacrificial torture device.

If God sent another Son in this day, and we sentence him to death by lethal injection, I probably wouldn't be wearing a syringe around my neck. Just a thought....

Oh, but don't let something as silly as a CROSS make your testimony falter! If you feel it's something positive, then wear it! You won't be ostracized for it or anything. Personally, my mom wears crosses all the time. If she were to give me one, I'd wear it too.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by Rekhyt2238

Let me start out by saying I am very close to leaving the church. Though I have a few questions before, which is why I came here. To start with, one of my issues with church doctrine is the subject of the Cross. Personally, I wear a Cross, but according to the church website, mormons are not supposed to wear the symbol of the cross because, “the Savior lives, [So] we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith.” My opinion on the subject, is that the symbol of Christ's' death, the Cross, is the symbol of Christianity because without his death there would be no religion.

So my question is, why? I do not understand why the fact that Christ lives means that we should not wear a Cross. I ask for any further explanation and/or opinions on the subject.

There is a lot of interesting post concerning the cross. Please allow me to be clear. There are a few symbols from ancient scriptures that have reference to covenants with G-d. But reference to symbolism is not in-and-of-itself a principle of faith in G-d. The Kingdom of G-d is not understood well in our time nor is the association of symbols with covenants. Therefore, the cross has become a counterfeit symbol in our day.

I would not associate myself with a cross - not because of its intended popular meaning in the world but because it is a counterfeit symbol created by man and not by G-d or his appointed servants. There are ancient symbols of sacred covenants - many are not publically displayed but are between an individual and G-d.

I would also submit that in our day, so few are aware of the sacred covenants as G-d offers them within the structure of his kingdom, that counterfeits are more acceptable than that which is genuine – even among those trying to believe. Because covenants of the kingdom have been lost so has the understanding of their symbols. Those that judge others - especially based on their association with counterfeit symbols, publically display a most unfortunate miss-understanding of faith in G-d and the principles of the gospel Christ taught.

Wearing a cross no more means someone is a Christian or associated with Christ than sleeping in a garage means someone is a Chevy.

The Traveler

[omega0401]

Originally Posted by Rekhyt2238

I do not understand why the fact that Christ lives means that we should not wear a Cross. I ask for any further explanation and/or opinions on the subject.

Rekhyt, I do hope your faith and testimony of the restored gospel is much more stronger than whether to wear a cross or not. This restored gospel is true despite how others may unfairly treat you.

First, I personally am not offended by others who wear a cross. I just don't think it is necessary to wear a cross to show that you believe in Christ. We know we believe in Christ, that we are Christians without the need to wear a cross. It's possible that some people wear a cross to shout it from the roof tops that they are Christian.

I believe it's not what you show or wear on the outside that counts it's what's on the inside, in your heart, and how you live your life. Do you love and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ? Do you love one another? Do you ask forgiveness and give to others your forgiveness and love them anyway? Sometimes we forget that last part. Do we repent when we've done something wrong and desire to not repeat it again and if we do we are not afraid to repent once more and try over again. To wear a cross does none of those for me. I think it's what we do with the knowledge of the gospel we are given and how we live our lives. Those I feel are much more important than wearing a cross. But others should not judge you because you do. They should love you intead and they probably do and don't show it or know how to show it.