Cross, point, or angel on steeple?

[_Mike Reed]

Sometimes, when we are in no hurry, yes.

[_Giveitson]

In terms of a physical symbol of that sacrifice, I don't think God ever said physical symbols of His death are to advertise.

Did God ever say that the Christus or angel Moroni statues "are to advertise"?

But He is not dead, He is not dying, He is Risen!

Mormons believe that Joseph Smith's work did not end at his death either. Why then is it acceptable in Mormon culture for Mormons to treat Carthage as sacred space? Why do Latter-day Saints visit the place of martyrdom, and report having spiritual experiences therein?

Hi, Mike.

The Angel Moroni is not a symbol of His death, but a symbol of the restoration of the gospel.

The Christus depicts the nail marks in Christ's hands and feet, marks whose explicit purpose as explained by Christ is to advertise the sacrifice He made and to bear witness that He is God. See 3 Nephi 11:14-17. Seeing the prints on the resurrected Savior puts the sacrifice in context.

But remember, I'm not minimizing the cross. It's important to understand that Christ died for us, and a cross can remind us of that; however it has become so widely used that for us it may be difficult to consider the issue objectively. So let's look at this in a way that removes the cultural traditions. The cross is a visual depiction. Let's replace that visual with something comparable of an auditory nature, such as the sound of a man being tortured on a cross, gasping for breath and crying out. Would it be appropriate for a Church to record that sound and play it each time someone enters through the doors? Or to make it the official sound of the Church and play it constantly in the background during service?

Carthage proves that the Prophet's testimony was sealed with his blood. That fact is sacred even though the physical act of him being murdered was not sacred. And Carthage itself did not kill him, it merely bears witness.

[_Quasimodo]

Maybe temples should be topped with a depiction of Joseph falling from the Carthage jailhouse window?

[_Nightlion]

Maybe temples should be topped with a depiction of Joseph falling from the Carthage jailhouse window?

Just the bullets would do.

[_Nightlion]

Hate to break it to the cross haters but ah, em, I mean, Thus hath the Lord said:

D&C 56: 2
2 And he that will not take up his cross and follow me, and keep my commandments, the same shall not be saved.

D&C 112: 14
14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep.

Since Jesus is fond of the metaphor I seriously doubt it is the mark of the beast, the Anti-Christ.

[_Yoda]

(Moderator Note) Mike Reed's post can be read here:

viewtopic.php?f=2&p=600412#p600412

It was moved due to temple content. Remember that we have a hard and fast rule regarding temple content. ALL coversations involving specifics regarding temple symbols and dialogue MUST take place in the Telestial Forum.

[_Mike Reed]

(Moderator Note) Mike Reed's post can be read here:

http://www.mormondiscussions.com/phpBB3 ... 12#p600412

It was moved due to temple content. Remember that we have a hard and fast rule regarding temple content. ALL coversations involving specifics regarding temple symbols and dialogue MUST take place in the Telestial Forum.

I won't participate there. I'll only post where the subject can be treated respectfully.

Stupid rule.

[_harmony]

Carthage proves that the Prophet's testimony was sealed with his blood. That fact is sacred even though the physical act of him being murdered was not sacred. And Carthage itself did not kill him, it merely bears witness.

Absolutely not. Not ever. Good grief. You might want to read up a little more on the events prior to Joseph's incarceration. And a little understanding of what is sacred and what is not would also not be amiss.

[_gdemetz]

Nightlion, you are misinterpreting those scriptures. It is a figurative statement meaning for one to sacrifice for the gospels sake, and has nothing to do with using the instrument of Christ's death for a symbol of the church, and crucifying Him afresh.

[_Mike Reed]

Nightlion, you are misinterpreting those scriptures. It is a figurative statement meaning for one to sacrifice for the gospels sake, and has nothing to do with using the instrument of Christ's death for a symbol of the church, and crucifying Him afresh.

Ah yes, Nightlion... it is a figurative statement.... in other words, it is SYMBOLIC. ;)