After Mormonism

The concept of God The Father coming to Earth to engage in sexual relations with Mary is revolting and dangerous doctrine.  There is no more obvious a molestation of Biblical scripture than with the propagation of this teaching.  One may not hear current church leadership engaging in open discussion relating to this issue, but this doctrine is crucial in substantiating the Mormon concept of an extra-Biblical Christ and their promise of individual godhood.  The implications of teaching this concept are far darker than just substantiating a polytheistic tenet but instead it endorses polyandry, violation of marital covenants, incest and a repudiation of Biblical writings, which is still regarded as canon among the LDS. 

Some younger members of the Mormon Church may question whether this is doctrinal at all, or just an attempt to slander the church.  This, like many other crucial and pivotal doctrines of the LDS church, are still believed and held as important and sacred doctrine, but have been subtly moved into the shadows to allow for a “Christianization” of the LDS Church.  In other words, the LDS leadership is attempting to make the church appear more Protestant friendly in an attempt to continue positive missionary momentum.  

Returning to the discussion of the accuracy and authenticity of this doctrine, consider the writings of Mormon President, Brigham Young, “"The birth of the Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood—was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers," (Journal of Discourses, v. 8, p. 115).  He further explains, in a clear rejection of Biblical writings, "Now, remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 51).  Brigham Young’s comments clearly enunciate the Mormon position regarding the conception of Jesus through physical means.  This would effectively render Mary’s claims of a virgin and miraculous conception null and void.

Contrast those statements with the writings and teachings of the Bible.  In Matthew 1:18 it states without confusion that, “she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”  Later the declaration becomes even bolder still in verse 23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  (Luke 1:23 KJV)  Furthermore, this is reinforced in the Gospel of Luke, “And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” (Luke 1:29-31 KJV).  Mormon doctrine and leadership clearly rejects the Bible and the doctrine contained within it.

Considering the venue for these remarks, Facebook, my readers might be saying, “Well that was a long time ago…I am sure that is not what the church teaches now!”  Fair question and observation, since many other doctrines have changed over the last 170 years, for a more modern perspective let’s review the comments by Bruce R. McConkie.  McConkie is largely considered one of the preeminent theologians and doctrinal mind of modern Mormonism.  In his groundbreaking book that is staple within many Mormons homes, Mormon Doctrine, he writes, “"Christ was begotten by an Immortal Father in the same way that mortal men are begotten by mortal fathers," (Mormon Doctrine, 1966, p. 547).    He goes even further, leaving little doubt to the voracity and relevance of this teaching within Mormonism, "And Christ was born into the world as the literal Son of this Holy Being; he was born in the same personal, real, and literal sense that any mortal son is born to a mortal father. There is nothing figurative about his paternity; he was begotten, conceived and born in the normal and natural course of events,…Christ is the Son of Man, meaning that his Father (the Eternal God!) is a Holy Man." (Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce McConkie, p. 742).

To truly appreciate the vile nature of these teaching, one must consider other crucial Mormon doctrines relating to the marital relations and nature of God The Father, according to Mormonism.   Consider the declaration made within the Mormon canon, The Doctrine and Covenants.  In D&C Section 130:3, "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s." According to Mormon doctrine, God is comprised of a glorified physical body.  This gives a new reality to the previously mentioned teachings of sexual relations between God and Mary.  The next dimension of the topic to consider is the fact that many Mormons, including it’s leadership firmly believes in the existence of Heavenly Mother or Mothers.  Consider the following passage written by McConkie:

“This doctrine that there is a Mother in Heaven was affirmed in plainness by the First Presidency of the Church (Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund) when, in speaking of pre-existence and the origin of man, they said that ‘man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father,’ that man is the ‘offspring of celestial parentage,’ and that ‘all men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity.’ (Man: His Origin and Destiny, pp.348-355.)” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1966, p. 516)

This is further affirmed by teachings featured in the LDS periodicals and Sunday School manuals.  These materials were endorsed and written by LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley. “Logic and reason would certainly suggest that if we have a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. That doctrine rests well with me. However, in light of the instruction we have received from the Lord Himself, I regard it as inappropriate for anyone in the Church to pray to our Mother in Heaven” (Gordon Hinckley, “Daughters of God,”Ensign (Conference Edition), November 1991, p.100. See also The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p.257.   The ramifications of God engaging in relations with Mary, according to the teaching of Mormon doctrine is alarming at best, as it meant, in the very least, that God would have violated his marital covenants with “Heavenly Mother.”  Additionally, consider the consequences of this belief, as it would mean that God, the Spiritual Father of us all, entered into physical relations with Mary…a practice that we refer to today as incest. 

Having discussed these teachings and the Biblical truth relating to the conception and birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I want to close with a call to immerse yourselves in the living Word of God.  The Bible contains the everlasting message from God to his people.  This Christmas season commit your life to following Christ.   Christ boldly declares in John 11:25-26, while comforting Martha, “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou this?”  Do we now believe in this? Will we not trust in Him that he alone has the power to conquer sin and death?   As Christmas approaches let us heed the divine counsel of our God come in flesh (John 1:1, 14).   I will close with the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter the Ephesus, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:18-19).”