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We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory. |
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Among them are the laying of cornerstones for a great temple to be built where we believe the city of Zion will be located. |
We believe that the city of Zion will be built in Jackson County, Missouri. The physical cornerstones for the temple were laid there in the 1830s (sorry, can't remember exactly when).
Most of the "temple lot" is still undeveloped in Independence. A very small church, an offshoot from the LDS church, owns it, and feels that they are holding it in stewardship. The Community of Christ, (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) has built a large "temple" in Independence. This is strictly a meeting hall, but is a very interesting architectural achievement.
On side note concerning this. We believe that the Garden of Eden was/is located near Independence, Missouri. It is called Adam Ondi Ahman.
How is it possible that you can believe this? The bible clearing states the boundaries of the garden of eden, and that is decidedly not in missouri. This is something that is difficult for me to comprehend. The river boundaries of the Tigris and Euphrates are clearly in the Iraq area. The cradle of civilization is clearly in the Mesopotamian valley. How did adam and eve and their descendants get to that area in such a short time? And how do you know that the New Jerusalem will be in Missouri?
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"And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal." "¢ Revelation 21:16 |
Remember the story of Noah?
Now, how is it that there is a Boston in the US? How about York (New York)? Very simply, when people moved there, they named things using the same names that they were used to.
So, if the story of Noah is true (as I believe it is), then when Noah and his family landed on Mt. Ararat, they traveled down the eastern side of the mountains, and settled in what is now known as the "Cradle of Civilization".
We know the location of Zion based upon revelation received by Joseph Smith. As you pointed out, scientific logic makes it impossible for the New Jerusalem to be on the earth. However, scientific logic makes it impossible for Adam and Eve to have been the first people, for Noah to have built an ark, for Jesus to have walked on the water, for Elijah to have lived, with the widow, on a small jar of oil and a measure of meal for several months.
All this information comes from revelation from God. I'll leave the logistics to Him to show us when the time comes.