Zion: Encyclopedia II - Zion - Modern use

Zion - Modern use

Zion - Anti-Slavery

The longing for Zion of the Babylonian Hebrews was adopted as a metaphor by Christianized Black slaves. Thus, Zion symbolizes a longing, by wandering peoples, for a safe homeland. This could be a literal place such as in Ethiopia for Rastafarians for example. For others, it has taken on a more spiritual meaning—a safe spiritual homeland, like in heaven, or a kind of peace of mind in one's present life.

Zion - Latter Day Saint usage of the term Zion

Zion is a term with broad significance in the Latter Day Saint movement. In addition to its Biblical meaning referring to Jerusalem, Mormons see Zion more broadly as any city in which the people are unified and are "pure at heart". In particular, the term refers to the central physical location or city to which Latter Day Saints have historically gathered, which has included Kirtland, Ohio; Independence, Missouri; and Nauvoo, Illinois. In a more metaphorical sense, Zion represents a unified society of Latter Day Saints, unified as members of the Church of Christ. Under this interpretation one can strive to make even one's own home "Zion". Zion also refers to what Latter Day Saints generally believe will be the New Jerusalem, a physical, Millennial city expected to be established in Jackson County, Missouri.

Zion - Rastafarians

For Rastafarians, Zion is to be found in Africa, and more specifically in Ethiopia, where the term is also in use. Some Rastas believe themselves to represent the Children of Israel in modern times, and their goal is to repatriate to Africa, or to Zion. Rasta reggae music is peppered with references to Zion. One of the best known examples is the Bob Marley song Zion Train; in recent years, such references have also "crossed over" into popular music, thanks to Soul artists like Lauryn Hill (refer to "To Zion" song).

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Modern use", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki