Here is a very interesting look at the Mormon rejection of the most familiar and iconic symbol of the Christian faith. It is interesting that a former Mormon bishop understands that the Mormon aversion to the Cross symbol is based on the church’s desire to maintain its distinctive nature. You wouldn’t believe that today when they are striving to be a denomination among many others. Maybe they will embrace the cross once again; although that might prove difficult since they believe that Jesus atoned in Gethsemane.
Reed's research explains Mormons' "ambiguous, confused relationship to the cross," says Rees, a former LDS bishop. "At one time there was an informal acceptance of it as an overt symbol, but in the 20th century its use has been discouraged by church leaders. Wanting to maintain its distinctive identity among Christian churches, the church essentially rejected outward manifestations of the cross, one of the most compelling symbols in all of Christendom - even though there's nothing doctrinally, theologically or scripturally that keeps us from embracing it."
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