Why Latter-day Saints Don’t Use the Cross in Their Worship

We often hear questions and misconceptions about why Latter-day Saints do not use the cross as a symbol in their faith. The answer is not about denying the significance of the cross but rather about the focus of our worship and belief.

The Truth About the Cross in Latter-day Saint Beliefs

First and foremost, it's essential to correct the phrasing of the question: "Why do Latter-day Saints not deny the cross?" We do not deny that Jesus died on a cross. Instead, we focus on the miracle of His resurrection, a central belief in our faith.

The atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ are indeed crucial to Latter-day Saint belief. Yet, rather than focusing on the cross as a literal reminder of His sacrifice, we honor His resurrection, which embodies His victory over death.

A Scriptural Insight into the Atonement

Let's delve into some passages from the Book of Mormon and the Bible to understand our perspective further:

1 Nephi 11:33

"And I, Nephi, saw that He was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world." This verse clearly states that Jesus was crucified for the world's sins.

3 Nephi 11:14

"Arise and come forth unto me that ye may thrust your hands into my side and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet that ye may know that I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth and have been slain for the sins of the world." This passage emphasizes the physical aspect of the atonement.

Ephesians 2:16

"And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby." Here, the focus is on the reconciliation through the cross, symbolizing the end of enmity between God and humanity.

The Role of the Garden of Gethsemane

It's important to note that the atonement did not take place in the Garden of Gethsemane. Satan's attempt to prevent Jesus's mission was thwarted in the garden, but the actual sacrifice occurred on the cross. Teaching that the atonement took place in the garden is a misinterpretation, a "purely vain imagination invented and promoted by the uninspired scribes of yesterday and today," as Gordon, a Church member, rightly stated.

The Symbolic Significance of the Resurrection

While we appreciate the atonement and the cross, the reality is that Christ is alive. His resurrection is the central miracle of our faith. We partake of the Lord's supper each week, commemorating the sacrifice, but the focus is on His resurrection and the covenants He maintains with His people.

Gordon, a member of the Church, eloquently stated, "We believe we are fully capable of remembering the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ without having crosses every square meter to remind us." This philosophy aligns with our belief in remembering Christ through personal witness and faith rather than physical symbols.

Conclusion

The cross remains a symbol of sacrifice and atonement, but it is not a focus in our worship or daily lives. Our emphasis is on the resurrected Christ, the hope and promise of eternal life. Our beliefs are rooted in the covenants and commandments given to us by Jesus, rather than a literal, physical symbol.

As we remember the atonement, we also recognize the enduring reality of Christ's resurrection, which brings hope and salvation to all people who trust in His redeeming power.