Christ's return affirmed; building Zion as preparatory mission
Community of Christ affirms the return of Christ as a core Christian hope. The denomination retains the Restoration movement's vision of building Zion — a community of peace, justice, and equality — as the church's mission and as preparation for the Kingdom of God. The church's Temple in Independence, Missouri, is understood as a symbol of this Zion vision and a place of prayer for peace among nations.
The specific dispensationalist timeline of LDS eschatology — including the gathering of Israel to Missouri, the two Jerusalems, and the sequence of events before Christ's return — is not emphasized in contemporary Community of Christ teaching, which focuses on present mission rather than prophetic speculation.
Key Distinctions
- Return expectation:
- literal return; preceded by signs; moving away from LDS-specific geography
- Tribulation view:
- preceded by tribulation; no secret rapture
- Parousia nature:
- bodily, visible return
Scripture References
- Doctrine and Covenants 161 (Community of Christ version)
Sources
- Community of Christ Basic Beliefs
- Community of Christ Temple vision documents