Item Detail
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19729
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0
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0
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English
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The Saints Of Zion : An Eschatological Identity For The Saints Church (R.L.D.S.) (RLDS)
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Claremont, California
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School of Theology at Claremont
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D.Min.
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The Saints Church (The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) is in the midst of an identity crisis which is caused by discordant theological views and divergent definitions of church identity. The purpose of this project is to define a theological basis for a unique identity within the Saints Church, which will accommodate diverse theological viewpoints. The project thesis proposes that the Restoration (Mormon) concept of Zion can provide an inclusive theological basis for unique common identity, purpose and motivation within the Saints Church. Zion is a name used by the Restoration (Mormon) churches to refer to their idea of the Kingdom of God on Earth. Traditionally Zion has been a major point of unique identity within the Saints Church, and theologically it falls into the category of Eschatology. A secondary project thesis maintains that it is important for the members of a church to have a clear sense of identity and purpose in order to sustain positive membership motivation and organizational strength. This thesis was supported by the research evidence and the organizational theory of Philip Selznick. Selznick associates homogeneous identity with organizational stability, strength, and membership motivation. The Theology of Zion defined in this project is called Zionology. It attempts to provide a context which allows for the embracing and the unification of diverse and sometimes conflicting images, definitions, and approaches to Zion. The exegetical method of James A. Sanders and the German concept of 'Zeitgeist' provided the theoretical framework for the 'Contextual Time Factor Approach' of this project, which proposes to resolve conflicting Zionic images through contextual and exegetical analysis. Zionology provides the Saints with a unique corporate identity--'The Saints of Zion'. This identity unifies and unites the Saints with their major mission and purpose--Zion. Because Zionology defines a clear sense of identity and purpose for the Saints; it could also provide a basis for positive membership motivation within the Saints Church, if properly implemented. The results could be--a stronger church.