NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
RECONCILIATION BY THE CROSS OF CHRIST
Mormons identify themselves as Christians, but they do not use crosses or crucifixes as symbols of their faith. Though LDS chapels and temples may incorporate some representational art and symbolism, like Moroni blowing his trumpet, they are never adorned with crosses. Mormons will wear religious jewelry and clothing with religious images, like "Choose The Right" (CTR) rings or "Stripling Warrior" t-shirts, but they will not wear crosses. Mormons are not opposed to representational art and symbols as such; they simply refuse to be identified with the cross. Though it seems a small matter, the Mormon aversion to crosses is --at best-- alien and somewhat disconcerting to Catholics.
Catholics find this aversion unsettling with good reason. The cross is, in both scripture and sacred tradition, the image of the Christian faith par excellence.
In scripture, Jesus Christ is often identified as "Jesus the crucified" and recognized by His wounds, even after His glorious resurrection (Matthew 28:5, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:39, John 20:20 & 27, Revelation 5:6). The crucifixion of Jesus is a means by which we are reconciled with God (Isaiah 53:5, Ephesians 2:16, Colossians 1:20, 1Peter 2:24) and is frequently used as an image representing the Gospel itself (1Corinthians 1:18 & 23, 2:2; Philippians 3:18). Crucifixion is at the heart of every Christian's life because we are members of the Body of Christ (Matthew 10:48, 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 14:27; Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20, 5:24, 6:14). The crucifixion of Jesus is one of the greatest possible expressions of His love for men (John 15:13). To be sure, the incarnation makes reconciliation between God and men possible, and the resurrection perfects our justification, and we must always adore, portray, and meditate on these holy mysteries of Christ's life. But the cross or crucifix is the best emblem of the Christian faith, because "we preach Christ crucified" (1Corinthians 1:23). The incarnation is the root of this Tree of Life, the resurrection its fruit. To many, this may seem foolish, but the foolishness of God is greater than the wisdom of men (1Corinthians 1:20-31).
In ancient times, the cross of Christ was the source of much derision. Our Lord suffered what ancient Romans called the "extreme penalty," the loathesome and disgusting death of a wicked criminal. The entire process of execution by crucifixion was designed to humiliate. Everyone believed that crucifixion was disgraceful and accursed. It was daring for the earliest Christians to even speak of Christ's crucifixion, and incredible to glorify it as the Apostles did.
The cross of Christ is still scorned today. While East Berlin was divided from the West, all crosses were removed from the steeples of churches so that the television tower, an emblem of the communist state, could dominate the skyline. The atheistic communist regime could not tolerate the self-sacrificial cross of Christ competing with its cruel grasp for power. Yet dismal as the city became, Christians did not lose the beacon of their hope: when the sun shone on the East Berlin television tower, a cross of light was always reflected. The brilliant irony became affectionately known as "the pope's revenge"!
In 1993, a young Christian woman wearing a crucifix was browsing through the marketplace in Jerusalem's Old City. A Muslim shopkeeper seized her arm, taking her quite by surprise, and took the crucifix in his hand. "Is this how you show honor and love to your God," he sneered, "by crucifying Him?" Though stunned by the shopkeeper's unusual behavior, the young woman managed to reply, "No, this is how He shows love for me."
Examples of such derision for the cross could easily be multiplied. Even some people who claim the name "Christian" will argue that crucifixion is a shameful way to die and therefore a shameful way to represent Christ. But the Lord chose what is despised to shame the proud (1Corinthians 1:27-29, c.f. Isaiah 53:1-12), and Christ's humility even unto a degrading death is worthy of the highest exaltation (Philippians 2:5-11). "Have this mind among yourselves"! We should have no aversion to --nor even reticence about-- the cross of Christ. Do not be afraid, do not be ashamed!