In Mormon scripture, the prophet Enoch defines Zion as a community where residents are 1) “of one heart and one mind”, 2) “they dwell in righteousness” and 3) “there [are] no poor among them.” Furthermore, for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormons, Zion refers to a place where God’s people are united and live according to His commandments. The concept of Zion is rooted in the Hebrew Bible. It is often associated with the idea of a promised land or a God-directed utopia. In the Mormon tradition, Zion is seen as a place of peace, prosperity, and righteousness where God’s presence is manifest.
Zion’s Importance
According to Mormon belief, the establishment of Zion is a necessary precursor to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (See Moses 7:62). The Book of Mormon, a religious text which members of the LDS Church revere, gives one great example of a Zion society. And, it shows that the Lord has established a pattern for establishing Zion. He frequently leads the righteous out from among the wicked and invites them to live as He directs. This is done in every dispensation, or period of time in which God reveals His will to humanity. In each dispensation, the Lord calls prophets to lead His people and establish a righteous society based on His teachings.
The Early Usage
In the mid-1800s, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embarked on an ambitious mission. That mission was to create a literal Zion society in Utah. They believed that they were fulfilling ancient prophecies given by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel about a latter-day Zion. They aimed to establish a Zion based on the principles of unity, obedience, and righteousness.
Sadly, their efforts to build a “temporal” Zion society in Utah were ultimately thwarted. The enforcement of the Edmunds Anti-Polygamy act put an end to their efforts to create an economically independent, self-sustaining Zion society. However, their vision for a Zion society lives on. Many Mormons still believe that one day a Zion society will be built in Jackson County, Missouri. That is where the Church’s founder, Joseph Smith, had prophesied that Christ would one day rule from.
Zion’s Use Today
More recently, LDS Church leaders have taught that Zion can be established in various ways. It can be done through personal righteousness, service to others, and obedience to God’s commandments. Some members of the LDS Church believe that Zion will be established on the American continent. Others believe that God can establish Zion anywhere His people come together and follow His will.
In summary, regardless of its specific location, Mormons see Zion as a place where God’s people can live in harmony and find abundant spiritual and temporal blessings.