Something to Ponder

If we weren't working for power or gain, what would our motive be? In other words, what motivates us to do what we do? Why do we work 9 to 5 jobs and what are we working for?

Resources on Zion

In Doctrine and Covenants section 98 verse 12 it states: For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept on precept;... In that spirit I thought it would be good to share some web sites with information on Zion. They each have something to contribute to an understanding of the subject. As in all things be sure to discern the truth through the Spirit.

I find this one to be a great starting point in any studies on Zion.

http://www.larrybarkdull.com/category/zion

This one has more in depth studies using the Doctrine and Covenants and words of modern day prophets.

http://www.studiesonzion.com/

This one is a link to some of the scholarly works of Hugh Nibley. I find his works very refreshing but as with all things learn by the Spirit.

http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=75

Anyone know of any other sources on the web or off that would be good to add to this list?

Mind-set

I think one of the most important things to do when studying gospel principles is to step out of our current mind-set so we can have a greater ability to comprehend them. In studying the concept and principles of Zion I think it is just as, if not more, important to do so. The reason being that Zion can only be established on the principles of the Law of The Celestial Kingdom (Doctrine and Covenants 105:5). Whereas we live in a telestial world and spend most of our time thinking on that level. In Isaiah 55: 8-9, God says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
If our thoughts are not His thoughts and our ways not His ways then it is imperative that we work on understanding these principles from the higher point of view. I am sure it will take much effort, study and prayer but we can begin to comprehend the principles and laws we must obey to live in Zion and enter the Celestial Kingdom.

That said, one of the first things I would like to do is ask, what are some of the aspects you would expect to find in a Zion/Celestial society? How many of the things in our current society will we find there? How many will completely disappear from our lives? What things might be there that we have currently never considered? (This one should be fun to try and answer) All of these questions are designed to expand the mind and alter the perception. For certainly in Zion things will not currently be as they are.

Pure In Heart - Poem

I had been wanting to write a poem to launch this blog. Naturally nothing would come to me when I wanted it to. Fortunately I have been writing a poem a day for National Poetry Month. The other day I got the poem I wanted to start this blog. Here it is. I hope you enjoy it.

Pure In Heart

There is a place
Where the pure in heart dwell
It is more like heaven
Than this earthly hell
Yet on this earth
Is where it must be
To give us the key
To eternity

Who are the pure in heart
That dwell
In this peaceful land
They are those that think of God
More than the things of man
Worldly things
Are to them as dross
The life they look for
Beyond a cross

Intelligence is to them
Their greatest earthly treasure
Nothing else in this sphere
Has an equal measure
They are unified
In mind and heart
A people
One in the Gospel art

Among them they hold
All things in common
Yet seek not
The power of mammon
Wanting no more
Than what they need
Truly, loving they neighbor
Is their creed

One can ten thousand
Put to flight
Filled with wisdom
Love and light
From mountain peak
To distant shore
Learning the art
Of war no more
With God's great power
On their side
The blessings of Heaven
On them abide

ZionQuest Group

I have started a google group to go along with this blog. If there is a way to link the two I will. Until then here is the web address:  http://groups.google.com/group/zionquest. I am planning on starting a discussion thread there for each post on the blog. This is most definitely a work in progress. So please be patient until I get everything together.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Jeremy Aldrich.  It is my desire to learn all I can about Zion. Here I plan on sharing the understanding I receive on this subject. It is my hope that others will take something from what I post and also leave something to help add to my understanding. In this way we can learn and grow together in establishing this concept, principle, society in our lives. All comments of a reasonable nature on this topic are welcome.

A little about me. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the perspective I will be coming from though if I find information, quotes, etc. from other sources that are relevant I will also be using those. I do hope that those of other faiths will share their knowledge and understanding as well. I am looking forward to meeting those with the same desires and aspirations to the building up of Zion.

Welcome to ZionQuest

Welcome to ZionQuest. A place to share the principles of Zion. I  hope this effort will help those seeking to know more about Zion, what it is and how to live a Zion life and eventually a Zion society.