The Cross

A couple of months ago, I had an interesting discussion with a friend about the aversion to the use of the symbol of the cross in Latter Day Saint culture. Together we wondered, when did that happen? When did it become a big deal? When did Latter-day Saints decide, "we aren't going to use this symbol"? Obviously it had to be a conscious decision because it is so common in most other Christian faiths. I think it is safe to say that almost all of the original converts to the church, including Joseph Smith, came from Christian backgrounds where the cross was a heavily used symbol and it meant a lot to them. There are pictures of Brigham Young's wives wearing crosses, two temples are the shape of crosses, and the list goes on. What happened? When was it publicly announced that we as a church should stop using that symbol?
My World Religions professor talked about it, and today I found an article entirely about the subject. Here is a link to that article, but I will quote parts of it in my post. I think it is a fascinating subject.
Apparently, it was used as much in Utah as anywhere in the beginning. Even the official church cattle brand was a cross. There was a proposed monument to honor the pioneers in the shape of a huge cross on Ensign Peak. But it was never built, because right about then (the beginning of the 20th century), LDS attitudes toward the cross as a symbol changed. It was due to an anti-Catholic sentiment. Missionary work was rough going, and Catholics had played a role in that, so they began to have an aversion to any catholic symbol, i.e. the cross.
It became a really polarizing issue. Some people had no problem with it (a This Is The Place Monument at the mouth of Immigration Canyon featured a cross and so on) and others questioned if it was appropriate for Mormon girls to wear. The question was taken to President David O. McKay, and he settled the issue (a bit) by saying "Latter-day Saint girls should not purchase and wear them. ... Our worship should be in our hearts." The church did settle the anti-Catholic feeling later, which is good, but the taboo against the cross stayed.
Then in 1975 President Gordon B. Hinckley, then only an apostle, said in general conference, "...for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ." I've found that this is the quote most people remember, and the reason most LDS members give for not using the symbol of the cross.
I would like to make a comment, though. Something I learned in my World Religions class was that Protestants and Catholics use the the symbol of the cross, remembering that the cross is empty (that is the difference between the cross and the crucifix, by the way). Having an empty cross reminds them that indeed, "He is risen". So for them, the cross is a symbol of the living Christ. They also use the symbol to remind them of what Christ has done for them. He gave His life for them and then he rose from the dead. I think it is beautiful. To say that the only symbol we as Latter-day saints use is the way we live our lives is obviously not true (CTR rings, anyone? They are a little less meaning loaded than crosses). I realize that it is practically a church expectation and standard to not wear crosses, especially since Gordon B. Hinckley made his statement. In a way, it is a little sad. I think it is a beautiful symbol. I'm not saying that you need to go out and buy one - I think the Mormon culture backlash would be shocking - but please realize how wonderful this portrayal of faith is for some people. I think it is awesome that they are willing to wear their religion around their necks. They are simply trying to "always remember Him", which is one of our goals, too.