Establishing a Society of Righteousness, Equality, and Social
Justice
The 'Lord called his people Zion, because they were of
one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness, and there were no
poor among them." 1
We as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will
"…seek forth to bring about the cause of Zion".2…
"For many years we have been taught that one important end result
of our labors, hopes, and aspirations in this work is the building of
a Latter-day Zion, a Zion characterized by love, harmony and peace---a
Zion in which the Lord's children are one. This day will come; it is
our destiny to help bring it about! " 3
We recognize that the… "The earth was made for man: and
one man was not made to trample his fellowman under his feet, and enjoy
all his heart desires, while the thousands suffer. We will take a moral
view, a political view, and see the inequality that exists in the human
family, who serve classes that are living on them; the poor, laboring
men and woman are toiling, working their lives and to earn that which
will keep a little life within. Is this equality? No! What is to be
done? The Latter-Day Saints will never accomplish their mission until
this inequality shall cease on the earth." 4
The before mentioned quotes from our prophets and admonishments through
out scriptures compels us to bring about a unity of the faith and purpose
by focusing our efforts to help the poor and oppressed people, and in
essence to help bring about a Zion society. As the above title suggests
the cause of Zion it to establish a society of righteousness, equality
and social justice. Zion will be built by persuasion not force. It is
a libertarian movement that is not divisive ,but will bring about a
unity of the faith and purpose as people freely give their consecrated
lives for the empowerment of the poor.
Saints both ancient and modern have found the quest for Zion was and
always is an imperative. Indeed, at the very beginning of the restoration
of the Jesus Christ's ancient church the cause of Zion was declared
by the Prophet Joseph Smith. (D&C 6: 7.) Through out early church
history its members made Zion their ultimate cause as they settled in
Jackson County, Nauvoo, and the Great Basin Territory and surrounding
areas.
New economic arrangements were instituted that made the pursuit of
commerce for the collective good for God's Kingdom. The saints were
trying to achieve economic equality when the pursuit of wealth was not
to be only for personal enrichment. but that others will be also rich
like them selves. As it is so stated in the Book of Mormon. "But
before ye seek for riches seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after
ye have obtain a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them:
and ye will seek them for the intent to do good….to clothe the
naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer
relief to the sick and the afflicted" (Jacob 2:18-19)
It seems now that us modern Latter-Day Saints have lost this Zion vision;
this ethos that we are to pursue wealth for the intent to do good not
just to build upon earthly treasures of Babylon. Although, there are
many saints who have given up much of the their time and wealth for
the betterment of others. We are now more of a global church and many
of our members are living in oppressive poverty. It seems that working
toward a Zion economy is needed more than ever. What then are we to
do?
The cause of Zion is part of Mormons for Equality and Social Justice
mission which is within the traditions of LDS principles and history.
We invite all LDS members from conservative and progressive social-political
persuasions and economic classes into one cause. When people get involved
for the cause of the poor there is a unity of pure hearts in trying
to help those who suffer. As the quest for Zion becomes paramount all
kinds of opportunities and avenues begins to open up. Consider the following.:
1. It is extremely difficult to advocate progressive causes within
the traditional institutions of the LDS Church. However discussing and
implementing the cause of Zion such as helping the poor achieving economic
liberation, is appropriate within various entities of the Church. One
can use the scriptures and declarations of the Brethren as a guide.
2. We can go on expeditions to the developing countries and try to
understand the economic hardship of our fellow brother and sisters and
then try to be of assistance to their plight.
3. Such assistance should not only be kind of acts of relief charity,
but actually giving part of our selves, such as consecrating our lives
and excess fortunes as we try to assist in on their on going efforts
for self and community economic sustainability.
4. One activity could be that we organize economic support groups and
that our funds will go to micro credit lending and enterprises among
the poor LDS member's business efforts. We can teach the principles
of business, how to set up community based cooperatives or their own
development groups. We can rely upon the BYU Center for Economic Self
Reliance and current LDS church humanitarians programs as resources
in our endeavors.
Note: I am mentioning poor LDS members now since there is a terrific
bond that is developed as we work in solidarity with our fellow brother
and sisters. Although we must not exclude their poor non-members friends.
5. Let various LDS wards and stakes members know about what other LDS
inspired groups are doing working among the poor. Action fairs can be
organized among the wards and stakes where groups can present their
causes and programs.
6. Perhaps MESJ and other LDS members can set up for profit enterprises
for their own sustainability, but excess profits will be directed to
development programs among the poor .
When wealthy and not so wealthy LDS members see needs of the poor that
their compassionate hearts are open to their plight. Indeed there is
a change of heart. No longer the pursuit of more expensive homes, cars,
and other items, which they cannot afford, is their concern. In essence
that have adopted those saints and the communities who are in need.
Church members will seek more wealth not just for them selves but the
intent to do good. Indeed they will take up the cause for equality and
social justice; the moral cause of Zion.
Please give me your feed back of my ideas and concerns. Perhaps there
can be a Zion working committee within MESJ.
Your loving brother in the cause of Jesus Christ,
Barton Tippetts
Cell: 801-859-8150
Email: barttip@msn.com
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