The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (frequently called the “Mormon Church” in the media) teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus was called among all women to be the mother of the Son of God. She was righteous and pure. She was loving and had the Spirit of God with her.
Mormons do not believe that Mary was sinless, but that she was “foreordained” to her earthly calling because of her righteousness and noble character during pre-mortal life.
Some critics of The Church of Jesus Christ claim that our doctrine holds a belief that Jesus was conceived through a sexual act between God the Father and Mary. This is false. God has not revealed the method whereby Mary, a virgin, became with child. In the Book of Mormon the prophet Nephi was shown the virgin birth in vision, and the event was explained by an angelic guide. Nephi saw only that Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, which supports the biblical account:
And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
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?
And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.
And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
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.
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!
And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms (1 Nephi 11:13-20).
LDS Bible Films
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ media library is working on a huge project to produce short films documenting the life and teachings of the Savior. These are available, free of cost, to anyone who wishes to view or use them by visiting The Life of Jesus Christ: Bible Videos website.
This video about Mary, composed of clips from the Bible videos series, shows that bearing the Son of God was a situation which brought lifelong trials as well as blessings. It is a strong reminder that motherhood is a great blessing, but involves such great love that there are sufferings and trials as well as great joy.