Passion of Christ

Mentioning the Passion of Christ to a Mormon would probably result in, “Huh?” This terminology isn't used in the Church and, even when explained, wouldn't mean quite the same to Mormons as to Catholics and Protestants. Also, there are emotions that arise with Mormons that differ from many other Christians.

Difference in Definition between Mormons and Non-Mormons

Mormon Doctrine defines Christ's Passion, from the non-Mormon point of view, as “Our Lord's sufferings—the pain, torture, crown of thorns, scourging, and final crucifixion—which he endured between the night of the Last Supper and his death on the cross” (p. 555). Mormons believe that Christ suffered during that time and in those ways. The difference is that Mormons believe that his worst suffering (the real “Passion of Christ”) happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Doctrine of Covenants and Book of Mormon reveal that Christ's Atonement was accomplished in the garden where “he trembled because of pain, bled at every pore, and suffered both in body and spirit, and 'would that he might not drink the bitter cup' (D&C 19:15-19; Mosiah 3:7). It was there he underwent his greatest suffering for men, taking upon himself, as he did, their sins on condition of repentance (D&C 18: 10-15)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 555). This difference, alone, might not mean much because no one's salvation depends on which place and what time he suffered the most—it's simply a minor doctrinal point: Everyone appreciates Christ's suffering and sorrows for him.

However, there arises from this difference on Christ's Passion something that is perhaps more significant, and that's the use of the cross as a religious symbol, which arose as a result of the association of Christ with it. Mormons interpret non-Mormons as trying to sensitize themselves to Christ's exquisite suffering by displaying the cross ever before them. However, many Mormons are already extremely sensitized—some might say, hyper-sensitized. Mormons view displaying the cross as similar to having a much loved family member shot or knifed and then having to see a gun or knife—or their loved one being shot or knifed—always before their view. The cross was the murder weapon which killed someone they love with all their hearts. Mormons flinch from seeing it. It sears their sensitive feelings about his suffering. They feel grief when they are reminded of his torture and death. Mormons much prefer to think of Christ's overcoming death than of his suffering death. They like to think of his triumph, not his suffering and seeming defeat. For that reason, Mormons appreciate when those not of their faith are sensitive to their feelings and understand when they reject the cross as something they don't want to see.