Why Christians Wear Crosses

At the LDS Church’s General Conference in October 2022, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave a talk titled “Lifted Up Upon The Cross.” In this talk, he explained why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t use the cross as a symbol or icon. In fact—Holland explained that the lack of such an icon helps prove the validity of the Restoration of Christ’s True Church.

As Evangelical Christians, we delight in our use of the cross as an icon! And we often feel that the devaluing of the cross as a symbol stems ultimately from a lack of emphasis upon the cross in Mormon theology and beliefs. Thus, in this podcast episode, Garrett and Bradley take a look at Holland’s talk on the Mormon Church’s use of the cross and respond to his talking points.

Though the ICON of the cross isn’t an inherently necessary component of Christianity, the THEOLOGY of the cross certainly is. The cross is the focal point of God’s wrath, love, and the work of atonement. On the cross, our sins were paid for, our wrath averted, and our righteousness secured. It is the very heart of Christianity – and worthy of emphasis within broader Christian culture.

May the Lord grow our appreciation for His Work at the cross.