Jesus Christ/Mormonism and the symbol of the cross

Answers portal
Jesus Christ
RESOURCES
Alpha and Omega April 6? LDS worship a 'different' Jesus? Are LDS Christians? Atonement LDS Quotes Centrality in LDS thought As viewed by historical Christianity LDS vs. evangelical view Extent of the Atonement Garden or cross? Portrayed in Latter-day Saint hymns Brother of Satan? Conception Date of birth Divine before born? Death on cross? Married? Only Melchizedek holder? Praying to Jesus? Elohim and Jehovah Grace Rapture
PERSPECTIVES
MEDIA
OTHER PORTALS
God Holy Ghost Holy Bible Early Christianity & Apostasy

Criticism

Critics claim that Latter-day Saints are not Christians, and point to the fact that the Church does not usually use the symbol or sign of the cross in decoration, personal jewelry, or architecture.

Source(s) of the Criticism

•  ^{[needs work]}

Response

Latter-day Saints have no objection to the symbol of the cross. Historically, the Church's earliest members were not from denominations or traditions who used the cross in their worship. When they joined the Church, these traditions continued with them. Isolation in Utah meant that the Saints were not much affected by the increased use of the cross by American protestants later in the century.

Of this question, Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Twelve said:

Why don't you have crosses on your buildings of worship? Why aren't your chapels built int he shape of a cross? Why don't you encourage your people to wear and display crosses? What is the Church's policy toward crosses? From Matthew 16:24-25:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and tak eup his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

We in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in response to these questions, try to teach our people to carry their crosses rather than display or wear them.^[1]

Endnotes

1. [note]  Marvin J. Ashton, "Carry Your Cross," BYU fireside address (3 May 1992), 1.

Further reading

FAIR web site

FairMormon articles on-line on Jesus Christ

• Cooper Johnson, "Mormons—Can They Be Considered Christians?" FAIR link