Chiasmus and the cross

In the book “You Shall Know Them” a group of scientists discover a tribe of creatures which could be considered either man or monkey. Through a series of events the court system is forced to determine what makes man a man. This question posed by the book has baffled scientists, philosophers and theologians for centuries, so, of course, the legal system can answer it, if not correctly, then with authority. The courts determine, among other things, that this tribe is human because it creates symbolic representations. It is not clear how they worship or even use the symbols but they are still a representation of an ideal, which is the definition of a symbol and, as far as the author of the book is concerned, the definition of man.
Early cultures represented the earthly experience of life, death and resurrection with stark similarity. This similar symbol, with many variations, is the cross. Latter Day Saints have a reluctant, if not tenuous, relationship with the cross. We recognize the crucifixion as a significant part of the atonement but avoid using the cross to represent or communicate the atonement in its entirety. (If Latter Day Saints wore anything around their neck as a reminder of our Lord’s great sacrifice, it would probably be a rock.)
Chiasmus gets its name from the Greek letter chi, which is simply an X, which is simply a cross on its side. The literary point of the chiasmus is to point you to its center; however, its literary form is secondary to its lesson. The form of the cross is also to point you to its center. The cross is the solid earthly form of the chiasmus, and its communication to the world is the central message of Christ.






The cross’ four directions, contained within two lines, symbolically represent man’s earthly journey and purpose. The vertical beam is rooted firmly in the earth; it has a beginning, a foundation, a grounding. As it moves upward past the horizontal beam it crosses a line into eternity. The vertical beam represents a connection between heaven and earth. The horizontal beam transforms the vertical line into a balance, the weighing of the soul. On one side is justice and on the other mercy. I call this vertical line the Atonement Line; it is when Christ intervenes in our life. The center of the cross is the place where earth, heaven, justice and mercy meet. It is a place of revelation, epiphany and metamorphosis; this same place is the center of a chiasmus.
When considering chiasmic text we not only look at structure but content. The content or message of the cross is contained within the crucifixion dialogues. The crucifixion dialogues move Christ’s teachings from the abstract to the concrete.

The crucifixion dialogues are as follows:

1. Luke 23:34—Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

This first statement connects us directly with heaven and earth. In as few words as possible it describes the Savior’s purpose.


2. Luke 23: 39-43— I say unto thee today shalt thou be in paradise.

This statement is Christ’s reaction to the plea of one of the thieves being crucified along side him. Each of the thieves statements are placed on the vertical balance line.


3. John 19:26—Behold thy mother!

With this statement Christ forces our view directly to the earth addressing our earthly responsibilities.


4. Matthew 27:46—My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?

As he cries these words our eyes are directed upwards and onwards towards the heavens.


5. John 19:28—I thirst.

Here we see that he is still bound to this earth.


6. John 19:30—It is finished

Looking straight ahead, probably at no one in particular he is prepared to cross over into the next life


7. Luke 23:46—Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit

And he leaves.


They are placed on the cross thus:




When considering chiasmic patterns, or any form, it is vital that we consider its application. Without taking the academic and connecting it to the personal it is merely rhetoric, and rhetoric alone should not determine if we are men. Man is defined by his symbols but he should also be defined by the purpose of his symbols and the purpose of the center of any chiasmic pattern is to draw us closer to God.