Thursday, November 14, 2024

The Cross and the LDS Church: A Reflection on Symbolism, Faith, and Arrogance

The Cross and the LDS Church: A Reflection on Symbolism, Faith, and Arrogance

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), I wear a cross. It’s a symbol that means a great deal to me, not only as a Christian but as someone who has navigated faith and identity through several phases of life, from growing up in Islam to leaving behind socialism and veganism, to finding peace in Christ. The cross represents the very foundation of Christianity—the sacrifice of Christ for the redemption of mankind. To me, it embodies the love and mercy of God in a way that no other symbol can.

However, as I reflect on my faith and my position within the broader Christian community, I realize that the Mormon rejection of the cross as a symbol of faith is not just a theological difference; it also reflects a level of arrogance that, when fully considered, makes no sense in light of the broader Christian world.

Having traveled the world, I've seen firsthand the power and symbolism of the cross. It is far more than just a piece of jewelry or a decoration. It is a bold statement of belief, a declaration of faith, and, in some places, a symbol that could very well cost someone their life. There are countless individuals in countries where Christianity is persecuted who risk everything by wearing a cross. To them, wearing the cross is the ultimate expression of faith—taking up one's cross and following Christ. Can we, as Latter-day Saints, truly say we understand the weight of such a sacrifice?

In many parts of the world, Christians are targeted for their faith. The very act of wearing the cross can lead to persecution, imprisonment, or death. If that isn’t a demonstration of true discipleship, I don't know what is. Yet, here we are, in a relatively safe and prosperous country, with the audacity to distance ourselves from the cross—one of the most powerful symbols in all of Christianity. To argue against wearing it or to justify why we should not display it, especially given the suffering that so many face for doing so, is an act of ignorance.

The truth is that the LDS Church’s stance on the cross is about differentiation—an effort to set us apart from other Christians. But is that really the right approach? To distance ourselves from the central symbol of Christ’s life and sacrifice is not just divisive; it’s misguided. We are a fraction of one percent of the global Christian population, and our theology, while rich and distinct, is far from the only interpretation of the teachings of Christ. The Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions are all Christian faiths that venerate the cross, and yet we, as Latter-day Saints, choose to remove ourselves from this tradition.

Think about it for a moment: How many Mormons would be willing to wear the cross if doing so meant risking their lives? How many of us would stand firm in our faith, just as Christians around the world do daily, in the face of persecution? I believe the answer is simple—many of us would hesitate, just as anyone would. Yet, we should not hesitate to embrace this symbol of Christ’s love and sacrifice. The cross is not just a Christian symbol; it’s the most universally recognized emblem of Christ in the world. It is a testament to His suffering, death, and resurrection.

There is no other symbol in the world that holds such profound meaning for billions of people. It is incredible, truly awe-inspiring, to think that the symbol of a man’s death has become the most powerful testament of love, hope, and eternal life. The cross represents the pinnacle of human history—the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. For Latter-day Saints to turn their back on that is, in my opinion, a tragic error. It is not merely a theological position; it is a failure to honor the most important symbol the world has ever seen.

So, what should we do? We should embrace the cross. We should wear it, not as a mere adornment, but as a powerful reminder of the price that was paid for our sins. We should honor the cross not only in the quiet corners of our churches but in the streets, in the workplaces, and in the world. We should be willing to take up our cross, as Christ instructed, and follow Him wherever He leads.

The reality is that the LDS Church has set itself apart in many ways, but this particular distinction is unhelpful and, ultimately, unnecessary. The cross is not the exclusive property of any one denomination. It belongs to all who call themselves Christians, and it is time for us as Latter-day Saints to join the greater Christian community in honoring it.

We are, after all, part of the Christian family. It is time we recognize that and, in doing so, recognize the profound significance of the cross.

Citations:

at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)