What does it actually mean to build Zion?
In the first episode of Season 2 of Be Faithful, I sit down with Ryan Davis, BYU professor and author of Dispatches from Mormon Zion, to talk about what "Mormon Zion" looks like in the real world—not just as an ideal, but as something we can begin building through the way we treat one another.
We talk about:
- What it means to be “of one heart and one mind”
- Why small acts of kindness can have a profound impact
- How the structure of the Church creates opportunities for community and connection
- Why serving others may actually increase our own well-being
- What research says about religious participation, happiness, and civic engagement
- The social barriers that keep us from reaching out to others
- Why building Zion begins with becoming converted to Jesus Christ
- And whether our wards and congregations are actually living up to the ideal of Zion
One of my favorite themes from this conversation is that Zion isn't necessarily built through grand gestures. It can be built through the small, seemingly insignificant choices we make every day to love, serve, notice, and include other people.
Ryan shares some beautiful examples—including the story of two BYU students who walked around the library on Valentine's Day offering lonely strangers milk and cookies.
If you've ever wondered what it would actually look like to build Zion where you are, you will really enjoy this conversation.
Link to Ryan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Dispatches-Mormon-Zion-Ryan-Davis/dp/0802884695
Mentioned studies: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world/
https://news.gallup.com/poll/152732/religious-higher-wellbeing-across-faiths.aspx
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https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist
To contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com
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