The reason we do not use the cross as a central symbol in our church is because Christ gave no instruction to a prophet to do so. Since it is His church, and since he leads it, we only do what He says in regard to the church.
We should not view the symbol of the cross as something less than holy. We do not exclude it from our art or speech or writings. Paul used it a lot in his writings. However, as you have probably heard, we do not see it as the main focus of our joy.
There is real purpose in explaining why we "don't use the cross." Some people focus on sin and death and the melancholy of the death of our lord as their salvation (I am referring to personal aquaintances of mine). It is important that the Savior's message not be portrayed in this way. The good news is we can be freed from sin, from darkness and that we will all be resurrected. Very important message. Very bright message. Very important to distinguish the Lord's message from all others.
Generally, you will find that we do not use crosses personally. But when it comes right down to it, these sort of personal decisions are always left to the individual because [1 Tim 1:9 …the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient…]. We aren’t commanded in all things because the point is for us to be the kind of people who do not need such. We are expected to seek after righteousness and holiness through sanctification by the Holy Ghost. It is our responsibility to seek and follow the Spirit. This requires and results in a pure and loving heart. Then there is no need for rules that are made just to control those who are trying to do evil.
I read about a woman who, raised as Amish, went through a great struggle before becoming a fundamentalist Christian. Her only problem was that she strongly believed in wearing the traditional and modest Amish dress, but her new Christian friends just wore whatever. I do not remember how she finally reconciled this, but it illustrates how deeply ingrained we become with our traditions. The problem keeping her from her new faith had nothing to do with core doctrine, just outward tradition.
Joseph Smith said it was easy to get a man to make great sacrifices but very difficult to get him to let go of his traditions. This is apparent in the originally pagan symbols that were incorporated into Christian holidays. Pagans didn't mind becoming Christian as long as they were allowed to keep some of their traditions. Most people don't really care what a Christmas tree is supposed to mean as long as they are allowed to put one up once a year. It is a comfort to them, for their own reasons, and they don't care (at least in America) about why it is a comfort to someone else. It's what they are used to. This thing is also apparent in my wife who just HAS to have maple syrup on pancakes or French Toast. My favorite on French Toast is honey, hands down. But she could never do that. I could do either or on pancakes. I could even do syrup on French Toast.
I had an issue about clothing. As an avid motorcycle tourer, I loved to wear weather-beaten leather and sleep in the dirt and watch the gold fire of the setting sun touch off the weathered tree bark and buildings of the desert. I read an Ensign article once about a group who wore black leather all the time and lived in a biker house and who shed their leathers when they all were converted and joined the church. I struggled with that story. I loved my leathers from an artful standpoint, not as an egotism. I eventually gave up my hobby though - for other reasons. Now I find great satisfaction in dressing simply and comfortably in nothing outlandish. But I still wear leather when I ride a motorcycle, both of which I still do for practical purposes. As I get older, more and more, I find the "armor of God" to be more real and exciting to wear than the physical materials on my body. I find myself getting more interested in feelings and how they result in myself and those with whom I interact than in physical things. But I still enjoy physical work and sports as much as ever. They just no longer rule and consume my life.
I have to admit and point out that if I started wearing a cross around my neck, just about all of my leaders and most of the members of my branch would feel alarm because of their own traditions in this church. If I had an interest in using the cross as my symbol, I probably would not do it for two reasons: 1 – I generally don’t keep watches, jewelry, rings, etc. because they are cumbersome and get in my way. 2 – I know it will upset some people because of their traditions and their tendency to worry about other people and what and why they are doing what they are doing; I find peace in not upsetting people if I can help it. This was not always the case with me. I was one of the more independent-minded free spirit types. I did what made sense to me. I did not do things just because “that’s the way we do it.” I still do a lot of what makes sense to me, but I guess I have mellowed because now I care more about just giving to people than making my statement.
Paul had an awful lot to say about all this kind of stuff. I always had more difficulty understanding much of his epistles than Isaiah's words. But now I am reading the New Testament again and am really starting to get it more. The things I am getting really apply to our topic. Let me just boil them all down to this: Be more concerned about the love, the atonement itself, the power of the Spirit and the priesthood than the cross, pork, circumcision, white shirts, tea, coffee, sacrament meeting start times, Sabbath on Sunday instead of Saturday, ..........All of these things gradually come to get their proper attention when we are humble and penitent seekers of God. Steer the car by looking ahead down the road, not at the pedals.
Finally, you did not make any mention of why you are close to leaving the church - care to share that (if there is something specific – or not)? I am assuming the real reason cannot be the issue with the cross.
Yours truly,
Scott
