Question

Dear Gramps,

People often ask me why the Mormons don’t display the cross. I’m looking for a succinct answer I can tell them, Thank you.

Fran

Answer

Dear Fran,

Although the crucifixion of the Savior was the most painful, excruciating experience in all the history of the universe, his resurrection was the most joyous and significant event in the entire universe. Because of the great suffering of the Savior that began in the Garden of Gethsemane and ended on the Cross, which suffering, infinite in its extent, was sufficient to pay the price of all the sins committed by all our Father’s children in all the universe.  The Father can extend His mercy to forgive sin without violating the law of justice.

Because of the great power of the resurrection of the Savior, every living thing, including all plants and animals that live in mortality and die, will be resurrected also. That universal resurrection also applies to other living creatures that those not acquainted with inspired religion do not believe are alive, such as the earth itself.

Although the members of the LDS Church are deeply touched by the infinite suffering of the crucifixion, they are also deeply touched by the infinite power of the resurrection. Therefore, the cross is not used as an icon in the LDS Chruch as Mormons tend to focus on the resurrection of Christ rather than on His crucifixion.

Gramps