Common Symbolism
Because of the central role the Angel Moroni played in the restoration, an image of the angel Moroni blowing a trumpet is used as an unofficial symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Moroni is commonly identified by Latter-day Saints as the angel mentioned in Revelation 14:6, "having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people". Moroni appears on the cover of some editions of the Book of Mormon, on USVA headstones, and statues of the angel stand atop nearly all LDS temples. In 2007, the LDS Church claimed that an image of the angel Moroni in an advertisement violated one of the church's registered trademarks.
Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus has great appealed to the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a 3.4 m replica is on display in the Temple Square North Visitors' Center in Salt Lake City. There are additional replicas of this statue in many LDS Visitor Centers, including those at the Mesa Arizona Temple, the Los Angeles California Temple, and the Washington D.C. Temple. The LDS Church commonly uses images of the statue in official church media, such as the Internet site LDS.org.
Members may wear a ring with the Choose the Right shield on a daily basis, to remind them to be righteous. The LDS Church does not use the Christian cross, crucifix or ichthys as symbols of faith. Mormons view crucifixion related symbols as emphasizing Jesus' death as opposed to his life, ministry and resurrection.
Other symbols in Mormonism include the Tree of life (also representing the love of God and eternal life, 1 Nephi 11:8-22), the iron rod (the word of God, 1 Nephi 11:25), the tame and wild olive trees (the House of Israel, Book of Mormon Jacob 5), a tree seed (the word of God planted in one's heart, Alma 32:28), the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16-17), the many symbols of Christ and his mission as the Savior of mankind (for example, Isaiah 53:7, 55:1, John 6:35) and many others. Wheat grain on the stem is a symbol traditionally used by the Relief Society, as a historic reminder of their efforts to foster self-sufficiency.
Read more about this topic: Symbolism In The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints
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