"Drawing on firsthand experiences, the author explores the concept of Mormon Zion, an ideal society where strangers can recognize one another's humanity and find common ground with each other"--
In todays deeply divided world, how can people find common ground with each other?
One of the earliest goals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was to build a modern Ziona community where people would share one heart and one mind. That vision raises questions that are profoundly relevant in todays divided society. Is unity of feeling and belief desirable or even possible? If so, what does it look like? Ryan Davis explores these questions by reflecting on personal stories from his life and work in the present-day Latter-day Saints faith community.
The stories that Davis is interested in are ones in which relative strangers or mere acquaintances catch a glimpse of each others humanity. Within that liminal spacewhich Davis calls Mormon Zionthey are able to listen to each other, learn from each other, and find common ground, qualities that are sorely needed in todays public square. Combining gifted storytelling with keen analysis, Davis illuminates peoples lived experiences within the Latter-day Saints community and offers thoughtful reflections on what it might mean to share one heart and one mind in todays polarized world.
