The Cross Offensive - Page 6

cougarfan · #51 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utahrulzz

People get all upset for no reason! I'm LDS and when I was 15 my non member girl friend gave me a cross necklace for my birthday. I still wear it to this day and it's a wonderful way to show my faith and devotion to Jesus Christ. If only the church members felt better about wearing the cross. Can you think of a better way to come out and let all of our Brothers and Sisters know we love our lord? I can't! When I was a missionary all of my companions talked about my cross. I wore it under my shirt of course so I didn't have the proper opportunity to show it to all of the wonderful people we visited each day. My companions saw it and realized it's not wrong to wear a cross. I had one crazy companion tell me it was like wearing a gun around your neck, which I always thought was silly since Jesus died on the cross for our sins, it's not like wearing a gun at all. After we discussed it, I encouraged him to pray about it and to pray about the Bible and Book of Mormon as well to help his testimony grow. After he read and prayed and fasted he came to see the cross and a very special and wonderful statement to show your devotion to Jesus. I wear my cross everyday and live in Utah. Most days people see it and they are very supportive!

Wow you are giving me the courage to wear a cross. The last time I tried that I was really taken to task by my bishop and young men's leader. They felt like I was being so horrible for even thinking of wearing a cross. The last time I read the New Testament I read a verse that said that the cross would be foolishness to those who don't believe. Maybe we mormons are missing something in being so against the cross.

bytebear · #52 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 11:10 PM

I have had conversations with people who claim LDS aren't Christians because of the cross (or lack of it). I ask them if a cross is required to be worn, or to be adorned on architecture to be saved. They hem and haw, and after a while they admit that having a physical cross has no bearing on salvation. Similarly LDS believe that no one is going to go to hell or be damned or whatever for wearing a cross.

So, ultimately, both LDS and other Christians believe the exact same thing in the saving power of a physical symbol of the cross. It doesn't save you and it doesn't damn you.

Mike Reed · #53 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 12:21 PM

In case anyone is interested, a story on my Sunstone Presentation appeared in print in Deseret News' "Mormon Times." There are a couple problems that I have with the article, but over all, I think DeGroote did a VERY good job. MormonTimes - Sunstone speaker attempts to explain LDS 'aversion' to cross

#54 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cougarfan

Wow you are giving me the courage to wear a cross. The last time I tried that I was really taken to task by my bishop and young men's leader. They felt like I was being so horrible for even thinking of wearing a cross. The last time I read the New Testament I read a verse that said that the cross would be foolishness to those who don't believe. Maybe we mormons are missing something in being so against the cross.

In a church full of symbolism, what's wrong wearing the universally recognized symbol of followers of Christ? It always surprises me how down on it some Mormons seem.

bytebear · #55 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utahrulzz

In a church full of symbolism, what's wrong wearing the universally recognized symbol of followers of Christ? It always surprises me how down on it some Mormons seem.

Well, I think it has something to do with being the symbol used by persecutors of the saints a century ago and anti-Mormons today.

#56 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 06:19 PM

Yes, but some of our Temple symbols have been used or twisted by other organizations and we don't throw them out do we? Of course not, so why throw out the baby with the bathwater over the cross?

The cross is sacred symbol and should be respected by members of the church. It's wrong for a Bishop or any leader to suggest someone is wrong or misguided for wearing a cross. If someone wishes to show a symbol of their faith in this manner, we should embrace them for their faith and follow their example. (Not saying you have to wear across, but follow their example of showing faith.)

anthonyzfrazier · #57 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 06:11 AM

I always remember the meaning of Christ resurrection, but remembering too that He died for us is such a great act...For me, wearing a cross is not offensive, it is symbolical of the Great Love for us.

I bought mine few years ago and now I wanted to have it for my daughter as a gift and it looks like this: tiffany inspired infinity cross pendant. I guess the design is not that offensive.

For me, it is a reminder that we should live the way we remembered Christ resurrected and his sacrifices for us.

Moksha · #58 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pam

But isn't that like saying...let's do it because everyone else is doing it?"

Yes, we should stand up and be counted as Christians - since we are.

ADoyle90815 · #59 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 09:18 PM

I happen to like the empty cross, as to me it reminds me that Christ did die for us, but He has resurrected. For other Christians, the cross is a reminder of the Attonement, which happened with Christ's death, but we also focus on the fact that He is risen. Catholics remember the suffering Christ went through, which is why they use Crucifixes, but they also believe that Christ rose.

bytor2112 · #60 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 10:59 AM

I don't personally have a problem with the cross, BUT, it does seem that most Christians completely ignore and are oblivious to Gethsemane where Christ REALLY suffered in a way that only a God could. So much so that he shrank and asked that this cup pass from him and an Angel was sent from the Courts of Glory to strengthen him. They seem to believe that only his death is the relevant and saving act.

Interestingly also, how many LDS watched the movie, "The Passion"?