Building Zion
From LDSOSS
One important reason that we support Libre Software and variants on it in other disciplines is because of our desire to build Zion. The scriptures teach us a lot about Zion (perhaps one day someone can give a brief overview here), and during the early days of the LDS Church, there was an attempt to live many of the principles of Zion, as set forth in the Law Of Consecration.
Some scriptures defining the meaning of Zion are:
Moses 7:18 explains the time at which the people of Enoch established Zion amongst themselves. "And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."
(More scriptures explaining Zion could be entered here)
Unfortunately, the people were not ready, and it didn't work. However, we believe that when Christ returns at the Second Coming that Zion will once again be established. It is generally understood (there is a quote that someone should add here) that Zion will not simply be established, but that we will grow into it, building it slowly over time as our understanding and ability to live the Law Of Consecration progress. Many members of LDS OSS feel that Free Software is a step towards Zion, as are other related movements in other disciplines. This is one of the reasons that we seek to support and contribute to these movements.
Recommended Reading
- "Approaching Zion" by Hugh Nibley
- "Working Toward Zion: Principles of the United Order for the Modern World" by James W. Lucas, Warner P. Woodworth