In Mormon theology Jesus is not the eternal God second Person of a Triune Being but rather He is “a God,” one of the Gods in the Godhead (for this world). Of course, this teaching: more than one true God, is polytheism to be sure, and hence anti-biblical (cf. Duet. 4:35; 6:4; Isa. 43:10; 44:6, 8).
It should be noted that in LDS theology, to become a “God” the worthy male (NOT females) must first live as a “mortal” on earth and pass through the same ordeals and testing of his second estate on earth, the same as all the Gods have done before him (including the God the Father and Jesus). The first estate for humans was in Heaven as “spirit children” of Elohim (God the Father) and one of His wives). Also, to become a God, Mormons tell us that the worthy male must be married (i.e., sealed for eternity). What is problematic for the Mormon to explain though, is that according to LDS doctrine, Jesus was a God before He came to earth.1 How was Jesus able to beat the LDS system?
Was is true, Mormon missionaries know to carefully avoid their churches teaching that Jesus was a polygamous. He was married to Mary, Martha, and the other Mary. Moreover, Mormons say that Jesus had children by them as well. I will quote from only the General Authorities of the LDS Church whereby removing myself from mere opinion and speculation.
LDS Apostle, Orson Hyde:
Jesus was the bridegroom at the marriage of Cana of Galilee…We say it was Jesus Christ who was married, to be brought into relation whereby he could see his seed [children] before he was crucified (Journal of Discourses, 2:82; emphasis added)
There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and on a careful reading of that transaction, it will be discovered that non less a person that Jesus Christ was married on that occasion. If he was never married, his intimacy with Mary and Martha an the other Mary also whom Jesus loved, must have been highly unbecoming and improper to say the best of it (Journal of Discourses, 4:259; emphasis added)
LDS Apostle, (and to become the LDS President) Wilford Woodruff:
In the Church councils, it was spoken of: “Joseph F. Smith. . . . He spoke upon the marriage in Cana of Galilee. He thought Jesus was the bridegroom and Mary and Martha the brides (Journal of Wilford Woodruff, July 22, 1883)
LDS Apostle, Jedediah Grant:
The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based upon polygamy, according to the testimony of the philosophers who rose in that age. A belief in doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and his followers. We might almost think they were Mormons (Journal of Discourses, 1:346; emphasis added)
LDS Apostle, (and prolific writer on LDS doctrine) Orson Pratt:
One thing is certain, that there were several holy women that great loved Jesus, such as Mary and Martha her sister, and Mary Magdalene; and Jesus greatly loved them and associated with the much; and when he arose from the dead, instead of first showing himself to his chosen witnesses, the Apostles, He appeared first to these women, or at least to one of them–namely, Mary Magdalene. Now, it would be very natural for a husband in the resurrection to appear first to his own dear wives, and afterwards show himself to his other friends. If all the acts of Jesus were written, we no doubt should learn that these beloved women were his wives (The Seer, 159).
There are many more quotations that can be cited made by the General Authorities of the LDS Church. Mormons cry out: “We do believe in Jesus.” But is this the Jesus of Scripture?
Biblical Teaching
The twisting of the text is practiced regularly by Mormons. The LDS stands alone in these gratuitous interpretations. The simple fact of the matter is that Scripture as well as Church history provides no support for this absurd teaching; it is the sole product of Mormon mythology. The plain reading of the text can quickly dismantle these Mormon assertions.
If Mormons would take some time to actually read the passages that deals with wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) then they would see clearly that in verse 2: Jesus and His disciples were invited as guest to the wedding, not His own:
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding” (John 1, 2; NIV; emphasis added)
As with other distinctive LDS teachings concerning Jesus, the idea that Jesus was a polygamist is no where to be found in Scripture. Mormons would do well to rely on the Bible rather than the LDS teachers, since the Bible was the oldest revelation?
Notes
1, Cf. Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 392. In LDS theology Jesus was the “Jehovah” (i.e., LORD) of the Old Testament. See the Mormons KJV, sold in the Mormon book stores, under the title Jehovah we read:
Jehovah is the premortal Jesus Christ and came to earth being born of Mary. . . .
Also see, Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:27.