Faith without religion.
The Divergent Symbolism of the Cross in Biblical Christianity and Mormonism
In a recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” host Shawn McCraney delved into the symbolic significance of the cross, contrasting its meaning in biblical Christianity with its interpretation in Mormonism. McCraney highlighted the absence of the cross in LDS doctrine and practice, noting that while Latter-day Saints often affirm their Christian identity, their doctrinal views on the cross diverge significantly from traditional Christian teachings.
The episode explored the cross’s multifaceted symbolism: materially as the instrument of Christ’s crucifixion, metaphorically as a representation of the believer’s afflictions, and metonymically as a symbol of the gospel and the power of God. McCraney emphasized that the cross is not merely a Roman instrument of death but a profound emblem of spiritual significance, representing the atonement, reconciliation, and the fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus Christ.
McCraney critiqued the LDS focus on the Garden of Gethsemane as the primary site of atonement, arguing that this perspective diminishes the cross’s central role in Christian theology. He urged Latter-day Saints to reconsider the cross’s importance and to embrace its full spiritual meaning, which he believes is essential for a true understanding of the gospel and the work of Christ.
The discussion underscored the broader theme of the series: examining the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity and encouraging viewers to explore the biblical foundations of their faith.
