Lecture on the Concept of Zion in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Key Points

• Doctrine Overview

  • Zion is a major doctrine in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Belief in the literal gathering of Israel, restoration of the ten tribes, Zion to be built on American continent, Christ's reign, and earth's renewal.

• Scriptural Mentions of Zion

  • Mentioned 42 times in the Book of Mormon, mostly in 2 Nephi.
  • Chapters focused on Zion:
    • 3 Nephi 21: Jesus speaks of the latter-day establishment of Zion.
    • Ether 13: Visionary understanding of Zion on the American continent.

• Joseph Smith’s Vision

  • Early belief that he would establish Zion before Christ's return.
  • Initial perception of Zion as a community of believers living gospel principles.

Historical Development

• Early Church Days (1830)

  • Emerging converts and the dissemination of the Book of Mormon.
  • Controversy with Hiram Page and revelation led to Doctrine and Covenants Section 28.
  • Mission to the Lamanites linked to the location of Zion.

• The Role of the Joseph Smith Translation

  • Expansion of understanding of Enoch's Zion (Moses 6-7).

• Kirtland, Ohio (1831)

  • Joseph Smith and church members relocate.
  • Revelation in Doctrine and Covenants Section 52 directs Missouri as the location of Zion.

• Missouri Journey (1831)

  • July 1831: Revelation in Doctrine and Covenants Section 57.
  • Independence, Missouri, designated as the center of Zion.
  • Land dedication and initial development attempts.

Zion's Structural Planning

• City of Zion Plans (1833)
  • Platted design by Joseph Smith and church leaders.
  • Detailed mile-square design including:
    • 42 blocks, central blocks for places of worship.
    • 15-acre blocks for church purposes.
    • Streets planned for significant width.
  • Revised plat increased the area to house more people.

Challenges and Evolution

• Persecution and Relocation (1833)

  • Forced to leave Jackson County due to persecution.
  • Attempts to reclaim Zion, including Zion's Camp.

• Revelatory Comfort and Nauvoo (1841)

  • Doctrine and Covenants Section 124 provides comfort.
  • Transition to Nauvoo and eventually to Salt Lake as a temporary Zion.

Future Prospects of Zion

• Belief in Future Establishment
  • Despite challenges, belief persists that Zion will be established in Jackson County, Missouri.
  • Continual effort to live a Zion-like life in preparation for eventual establishment.

Conclusion

• The attempt to establish Zion, though unsuccessful, made the community more holy and righteous.
• Efforts continue to create Zion-like communities despite the absence of a permanent establishment.
• Future establishment of Zion anticipated upon Christ's return.