What is the Mormon symbol?

Answer 1

The following is an excerpt of a talk given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until his death. He gives an account of his response when asked about the symbol of the Mormon church:"Following the renovation of the Mesa Arizona Temple some years ago, clergy of other religions were invited to tour it on the first day of the open house period. Hundreds responded. In speaking to them, I said we would be pleased to answer any queries they might have. Among these was one from a Protestant minister. Said he: "I've been all through this building, this temple which carries on its face the name of Jesus Christ, but nowhere have I seen any representation of the cross, the symbol of Christianity. I have noted your buildings elsewhere and likewise find an absence of the cross. Why is this when you say you believe in Jesus Christ?" I responded: "I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian colleagues who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ." He then asked: "If you do not use the cross, what is the symbol of your religion?" I replied that the lives of our people must become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship." Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Symbol of Our Faith," Ensign, Apr 2005, 2-6 (This full talk can be found at lds.org or by clicking on the link below.)

Answer 2

The Church itself does not have a symbol, but Mormon, politically correct term being Latter Day Saint, buildings, scripture, and culture are full of symbolism..

*Each Sunday, Mormons, self referred to as Latter Day Saints or just Saints, participate in a 'sacrament' ceremony, similar to communion or the Lord's supper. They eat bread which is symbolic of the Jesus Christ relinquishing his mortal body for man's redemption. They then drink water, which is symbolic of the Christ spilling his blood for the same purpose. The sacrament is a time for careful reflection, and can be a renewing ordinance similar to baptism during the repentance process,

*At baptism and during temple worship, Saints wear all white to symbolize purity. During baptism they are submerged into the water and then emerge, symbolizing the washing away of all past sins, and a clean, fresh start.

*Inside temples, there are several symbolic designs. The chandeliers have three levels to represent the levels of heaven, and many of the walls are decorated with interlocking golden chain patterns that symbolize the holy bond of eternal families that is forged within the temple.

*Another symbol is that of the sun, moon, and stars. This represents the three levels of heaven: celestial, terrestrial, and telestial. It should be noted that this is only used to demonstrate the concept to children within the Church, and is not a symbol that you would see anywhere other than a on chalkboard in colorful cut outs.

*An unofficial symbol of the Church has become the statue of the angel Moroni, which is found at the top of most Latter Day Saint temples. He is blowing a Trumpet to symbolize proclaiming the Gospel and ushering in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

To read a similar question which describes why Mormons do not use the cross as a symbol, see the "Related Questions" below. Also check out the "Related Links" to see examples of Mormon symbolism.