Jesus born of Mary; Heavenly Father is the literal physical Father
LDS theology affirms that Jesus was literally born of the Virgin Mary, who was the mortal mother of Christ. However, LDS teaching also affirms that God the Father — a being with a physical body — was the literal, physical father of Jesus, making Jesus the literal Son of God in a more direct physical sense than standard Christian theology understands.
This position has been stated by LDS apostles and presidents in various ways throughout the tradition's history, though it is not always emphasized in contemporary teaching. The LDS teaching distinguishes Jesus's birth from ordinary human birth while maintaining that the Father's role in the conception was literal and physical, not merely spiritual or symbolic.
Key Distinctions
- Affirmed literally:
- yes — Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit without a human father
- Theological significance:
- confirms Christ's divine origin and fulfils Isaiah 7:14; essential Christian doctrine
Scripture References
- 1 Nephi 11:18-21
- Alma 7:10
Sources
- LDS Gospel Topics: Birth of Jesus
- Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
- LDS Articles of Faith