Jesus Christ as Elder Brother

Authors

Corbin Volluz

Keywords

Mormon studies, Jesus Christ, spirit children

Abstract

Mormons believe that their spirits are sons and daughters of Heavenly Father and that Jesus Christ was the firstborn Son in a premortal existence. As such, He is commonly referred to by Mormons as their elder brother. However, the title does not appear in scripture or in the writings of Joseph Smith. The author traces the first documented usages of the term "elder brother" among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and examines its usage throughout the Church's history. He also considers alternative doctrinal and scriptural interpretations that refute the idea of all mortals being literal brothers and sisters to Jesus Christ.

Recommended Citation

Volluz, Corbin (2006) "Jesus Christ as Elder Brother," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 45: Iss. 2, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol45/iss2/14