? Jesus' Virgin Birth

[lattelady]

It is taught and accepted as truth in most Christian denominations that Jesus was born of a virgin (Mary), a miraculous conception through the Spirit of God. What is the LDS view on Jesus birth? Was He born of a virgin, as taught in the Bible? Or was He the product of a physical union with God the Father (Elohim)?

[Dr T]

I go with the former.

[rameumptom]

While some members speculate on how God impregnated Mary, the scriptures are rather clear on her being a virgin that God's seed was planted in her through the Holy Spirit. Sex was not required.

[Tarnished]

Truthfully, if we can now, as a unperfect society impregnate a woman through scientific means (example: invetro fertilization) then what makes you think that a perfect God could not do something likewise? I completely go with the virgin conception.

[beefche]

Luke 1:34-35

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I aknow not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

1 Nephi 11:13-19

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of aNazareth I beheld a bvirgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the aheavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?
15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.
16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the acondescension of God?
17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
18 And he said unto me: Behold, the avirgin whom thou seest is the bmother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.
19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the aSpirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!
20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a achild in her arms.


These are just a couple of scriptures that explains the birth of Christ. I think it's safe to say that we believe He was born of a virgin, Mary, by the power of God. We don't know the actual mechanics of it.

[ryanh]

I am not aware of any LDS doctrinal teachings that would even suggest physical relations. Quite the contrary.

Read for yourself from the Book of Mormon:

1Nephi11:13-20 (note verse 20, where it notes in the vision that post-childbirth, she is called a virgin.)

13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?
15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.
16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.
19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!
20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

Alma7:10

10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

[Loudmouth_Mormon]

You can't swing a dead cat in the "regrettable church leader opinions" room without hitting a dozen speculations on the matter. Some of them are worded quite forcefully as THE TRUTH, although to the best of my knowledge, they are not. Like others have said in this thread, ultimately, the scriptures tell us what we know about it, which is Mary was a Virgin, and the Holy Ghost came upon her, and the power of the Highest overshadowed her. No clue what that means, except for the "I know not a man" part.

LM

[lattelady]

The LDS church today teaches the virgin birth--are there members that still subscribe to the teachings of some of the former prophets that God the Father is the literal father of Jesus?

[Just_A_Guy]

Personally I don't "subscribe" to it; but it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by lattelady

The LDS church today teaches the virgin birth--are there members that still subscribe to the teachings of some of the former prophets that God the Father is the literal father of Jesus?

For someone who doesn't know much about the church you seem to know alot....