God has a wife in heaven???

[Guest CedarCityCougar]

Where do you get such teaching from CedarCityCougar? I know of no Christian denomination which teaches that.

Genesis.

1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

This says to me --if God created man in his own image, and the result is male and female, that would leave a clue that God has both attributes.

Once the Lord came in the flesh in the Incarnation, there were no more manifestations of the Angel of Jehovah. Angels are superior to us now during history, but we will be superior to them for all eternity,

Heb 1-2.

Edited May 9, 2010 by CedarCityCougar

[carlimac]

Genesis.

1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

"This says to me --if God created man in his own image, and the result is male and female, that would leave a clue that God has both attributes."

Pretty far out conclusion in my opinion. God created man in HIS image and then created women separately. Women and men are different for good reason (procreation is one good reason). I have a very hard time believing that God is literally both man and woman.

[Guest CedarCityCougar]

Pretty far out conclusion in my opinion. God created man in HIS image and then created women separately. Women and men are different for good reason (procreation is one good reason). I have a very hard time believing that God is literally both man and woman.

You are perceiving--- I am talking about God having both male and female parts. That's not the case.

I am talking about emotions not private parts.. A women was created, we all can agree right?

Where did the woman come from? The Man. Where did the man come from? God. Okay?

Women and Men are completely differen't for a reason and that's a good thing. But the Genesis of their attributes come from their creator-----God.

1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea,

It says, " Let us make man in our image." Who is "our" The Father the Son and The HS. "After our likeness"

Look up the word "likeness"

"And let them have dominion" Who is them? Them=Man and Women........

That was God's original intent for man and women to rule. However, once sin entered the world, things became twisted.

However, everybody reads scripture differently. That is what it says to me.

If it doesn't say that to you, that's cool.

Edited May 9, 2010 by CedarCityCougar

[Guest CedarCityCougar]

Pretty far out conclusion in my opinion. God created man in HIS image and then created women separately. Women and men are different for good reason (procreation is one good reason). I have a very hard time believing that God is literally both man and woman.

Carlimac,

I respect your opinion. This is how I see these verses.

Let me clear up, I am not taking about God have private parts of both genders.

I am referring to th emotional side of God.

God the Father is in the masculine form, however, since man and women are created in the likeness of him, that tells me God does have some female attributes(in a emotional form).

[marts1]

I've always thought emotions were a part of being human.

[carlimac]

I've always thought emotions were a part of being human.

That's what I thought, too. All humans (most anyway,) have flesh and bones, blood, arms, legs, brains, etc. I always thought that was what was meant by those scriptures. I'm sure there are parts of God's image in us that we can't even comprehend at this stage of the game. But I feel pretty safe in saying that being both male and female aren't part of it. My husband has emotions. He relates to and understands womens emotions pretty well. (WE have five daughters so I think God eqipped him that way.) But he is most definitely not part female.

We also have to remember how much symbolism is in the scriptures, temple ceremony, etc. Everything can't be taken literally- within the limits of our human minds. If we try to do that, we'll be badly led astray.

Edited May 10, 2010 by carlimac

[rameumptom]

Ancient Israel believed that God had a consort/wife. There is strong archaeological evidence that both Elohim and Jehovah were both married to a goddess that the Israelites and others named, Asherah.

Some scholars, like Margaret Barker, tend to combine them into God the Father. However, other scholars, like William G. Dever state that anciently there was God and his wife.

LDS teachings on the topic are scant. We do not have hardly any details, except from a couple brief mentionings by early General Authorities, and then from Eliza R. Snow's song.

[Hemidakota]

Genesis.

1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

"This says to me --if God created man in his own image, and the result is male and female, that would leave a clue that God has both attributes."

Pretty far out conclusion in my opinion. God created man in HIS image and then created women separately. Women and men are different for good reason (procreation is one good reason). I have a very hard time believing that God is literally both man and woman.

What would an IT look like the individual is one gender?

[rameumptom]

1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Is God speaking to himself? Or perhaps is he speaking to someone else (a wife, etc) in this? Seems that the easiest read on this, especially when one considers how anthropomorphic ancient Israel and early Christianity were, is to say that God was creating "man" (a generic term for male and female) in "our" (male and female) image.

To attempt to read this as God speaking to himself in the "we" form, as if he were a British queen ("we are not amused!"), is to read it from a modern Christian mindset. While that may work for many, it does not establish what was the original intent.

[Jason_J]

Is God speaking to himself? Or perhaps is he speaking to someone else (a wife, etc) in this? Seems that the easiest read on this, especially when one considers how anthropomorphic ancient Israel and early Christianity were, is to say that God was creating "man" (a generic term for male and female) in "our" (male and female) image.

If I remember correctly, doesn't the Book of Moses state that the Father was speaking to the Son?

[Hemidakota]

I don't know he was referring to my cynical statement of jest or answering a non-member plight in understanding the separation of beings within the Godhead.

[Soninme]

Ancient Israel believed that God had a consort/wife. There is strong archaeological evidence that both Elohim and Jehovah were both married to a goddess that the Israelites and others named, Asherah.

rameumptom,

Do you have a link or source for this???

[rameumptom]

We do believe that God the Father spoke to his Son, but it does not preclude God also speaking with others. The Book of Abraham (ch 3-4) shows that many were involved in the process of the Creation, including Abraham. There obviously were many involved, and God was speaking with many in the creation process.

As for sources for God's wife, I recommend you read my Old Testament lesson on Abraham, where I discuss "Abraham and his Asherah":

http://www.lds.net/forums/old-testament/30550-lesson-9-god-will-provide-himself-lamb.html

Also available at my blog:

Joel's Monastery: LDS Gospel Doctrine Class - Old Testament #9 - God will provide himself a Lamb

I have several links to great articles concerning it, as well there.

Edited May 10, 2010 by rameumptom

[Hemidakota]

Here I thought you were referring to an earlier Canaanite grove, which a form of idol worshipping where even the earlier Israelites were out there in paying homage [see Isaiah writings].

Asherah (other known names - Ashtoreth and Astarte). Canaanites considered her a fertility goddess and made of a tree trunk as an idol.

See King James as a grove, or groves (Deut. 16:21; 1 Kgs. 14:15; Isa. 17:8).

[rameumptom]

Virtually all ancient Middle Eastern societies had God with a consort. The difference is that other nations worshiped her directly, and often developed fertility rites that would be performed in conjunction with Asherah's temples/forests.

Israel originally did not give such level of devotion to her, but did equate her with fertility and wisdom (Sofia). Margaret Barker notes that her symbol was the Tree of Life, and was in the first Temple until the Deuteronomists had it removed under King Josiah's order. Given Jeremiah's concerns over the worship of the "mother in heaven", it is possible that the Israelites were beginning to worship her as did the nations around them. Nephi, meanwhile, understood the vision of the Tree of Life to signify that the mother of God was the Tree of Life, and Jesus was the fruit. Daniel Peterson has a very good article on this (at my previous link).

[Hemidakota]

If you are referring to the 'Tree of Life' mentioned in 1st Nephi;

"And it came to pass I beheld that she was carried away in the spirit; and after that 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. And the angel said unto me, behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying, Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. And after that he had said those words, he said unto me, look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.

And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron which my father had seen, was the word of God, which let to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God. And the angel said unto me again, Look and behold the condescention of God! And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of which my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet, which should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth, and was baptised of him; and after that he was baptised, I beheld the Heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of Heaven and abode upon him in the form of a dove. And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them. And I also beheld twelve others following him."

I will need to read his article on why he was using the tree being refered to Heavenly Mother love when the angel told Nephi, what is bolded. Though, both parents can be representative here if we add a plurality to the word GOD [GODS or GODDESS]. Interesting... Edited May 10, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Hemidakota]

I can see where Peter believes what is being representative in the beginning of verse-dealing with the Virgin Mary and her role with the birth of Christ. Looking for a pattern between what is appearance statement of her and connected it to the tree appearance. Also, understanding why he linked this with the same type of divine Canaanite idol worshipping that was condoned by the earlier prophets. As he pointed out, this same idol worshipping may had still been in use, during the days of Nephi and possible witnessed this form of worship. But what I observed from reading the chapter 11 and follow on chapters, is the key to the answer; the ‘before key’ and the ‘post key’ in answering this tree meaning – “…love of GOD” (see 1 Nephi 11:22). I can relate this to the Son of GOD birth, role with the creation, love for His fellow man, mortal ministry, and later, the atonement for us. We can see where the fruit, is another key on what is the love of GOD.

Nephi who sought the understanding of what Lehi's main focus, being drawn to a tree, "whose fruit was desirable to make one happy," a fruit which was white and sweet beyond anything known to his experience. Lehi’s partaking of the fruit brought unspeakable joy. What joy one may answer?

If Nephi was taught that the Tree of LIfe is a representation the love of GOD, when I add my reading comprehension what is being observed, it was the gift of GOD’s in bringing forth HIS beloved Son (see 1 Nephi 11:7, 20-22) to the world. I cannot see where Heavenly Mother came into the picture but as I stated before with replacing the word GOD with the GODs [meaning Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother].

What is the joy here? If we partake of the fruit of the tree, which is the same representation of one partaking of the powers of Christ and the atonement, there is a forgiveness of sins, as well as feelings of peace, joy, and being filled with gratitude upon receiving such to a Saint. In due course, through partaking of the powers of the gospel, one is qualified to partake of the greatest fruit of the atonement, is the blessings associated with eternal life. I cannot fathom anything that could make any follower of Christ more happier than to receive eternal life from the Godhead.

Take a closer look at Nephi's words to his own brethren:

"Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also from that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable above all other fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of God" (see 1 Nephi 15:36).

Which gift is being given? Eternal life! Who gives the gift? By the FATHER through HIS begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

The greatest of all the gifts of God is, indeed, eternal life (see D&C 6:13 & D&C 14:7). Scholars would at times, found textual claims back to the literal and the symbolic nature of the Tree of Life that was also found in the Garden of Eden [story]. Then, why the birth of Christ or the Son of GOD is the key?

Let me backup here, in showing what I am referring too. Nephi was given a vision of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nephi was shown the Tree of Life in vision by "the Spirit of the Lord" (see 1 Ne. 11:1, 8). Nephi then requested to know "the interpretation thereof" (see 1 Ne. 11:11). In direct response to his request, Nephi was shown a "beautiful and fair" virgin in "the city of Nazareth" (see 1 Ne. 11:13-15). At this juncture, the "Spirit of the Lord," who had taken Nephi up to the mountain top and had introduced him to the vision, disappears, and who comes onto the scene, an angel takes his place as Nephi's escort (see 1 Ne. 11:12-14). Interesting...

In continuing this interpretation of the Tree of Life, the angel now shows Nephi the "condescension of God." The word 'condescend' means "to waive dignity, or superiority voluntarily and assume equality with an inferior." Nephi’s escort proceeds to show him what is being told. Nephi sees the virgin being "carried away in the Spirit" and giving birth to a child who is identified by his escort as "the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!" (see 1 Ne. 11:18-21). What is being described here, the "condescension of God"; that God the Son, the Creator of all things under the direction of his FATHER, would have voluntary, descend from His Celestial throne, sitting next to the FATHER, take upon Himself a mortal body and become equal with us.

Up to this point, the meaning of what Nephi requested to know have been given by his escort. What happens next, is the angel asks Nephi, does he understands the meaning of the Tree of Life (see 1 Ne. 11:21). Nephi replies, "Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men" (see 1 Nephi 11:22).

What came next, are the events of the Savior’s mortal life that helped to clear up some further questions concerning this same vision by Lehi. Looking at the baptism of Jesus Christ, we can use the iron rod and the fountain of waters.

Nephi now beholds the rod of iron which Lehi had seen, "which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the Tree of Life" (see 1 Nephi 11:25). Did anyone note here, the living waters flow from the base of the Tree of Life? The interpretation of the living waters, is a divine drink that goes along with the Tree of Life divine fruit. This is the same baptismal pattern seen in our sacrament today (blood and the body of the Son taken under convenant during Sacrament). Also, this is only given to those who reach the end of the strait and narrow path and not before. Another prophetic interpretation is given here; Nephi’s symbol of the living waters is used to representation of the waters can symbolized the Jordan River in which Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Why? This is exactly what is shown next to Nephi (see 1 Nephi 11:26-27). These further interpretations still leads the person back to the ‘Son of GOD’ has the meaning - "the love of GOD."

As we read from verse 25 to verse 33, Nephi’s vision of Lehi’s dream, the interpretation of the symbols concerning the rod of iron, including an account of Christ's mortal ministry (see 1 Nephi 11:28), His choosing of the Twelve Apostles (see 1 Nephi 11:29), and His healing of the sick (see 1 Nephi 11:31), now culminating with the Savior's being "lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world" (see 1 Ne. 11:33), shows that Christ is still the main focus here and not our actual Heavenly Mother.

I could go on with the last remaining versus but the goal here is to reveal that this term of meaning 'the love of GOD' being manifested, is the Son of GOD.

[rameumptom]

The Spirit asked Nephi to understand the condescension of God/Christ by observing the Tree of Life and its fruit. The next scene was the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus. Mary represented the Tree of Life and Asherah - consort of God and mother of God. Christ was the fruit, or love of God.

Christ IS the main focus. But that is apart from the OP and the portion of Nephi's dream where he sees the Tree and Mary as Asherah. It ties directly to Solomon's Temple, as well as to our endowment today. Neither the Tree nor the Wife/Mother of God is worshiped by us. But it is brought forth in LDS theology the importance of the Goddess in bringing forth the fruit that brings us eternal life, Jesus Christ.

[Origen]

If Jesus is the Father's son then wouldn't it logically follow from this that Jesus' mother, Mary, is the Father's wife?

If this is true then the Catholics could hardly be condemned for their mariolotry. If you worship God, and God has a wife, then you may as well worship her as well since she is just as responsible for your existence as he is. Also, if there were no Mary, there would be no Jesus, and so, no salvation. We owe our heavenly mother quite a debt of gratitude :)