Approaching Zion

This is Hugh Nibley at his most personal and most challenging. Here he expresses his faith, insights, and commitment to trusting the Lord and taking his covenants most seriously. He hammers home again and again that we receive everything from the Lord and that we are blind to many of the blessings we have all around us. We refuse to take them because we are after the things of this world and are of no worth, though we have been warned to turn away from them. Dr. Nibley implores us to begin living the Law of Consecration. He gives us no quarter. We know what it means, we know how to do it, and we know the covenants we have made. We also know the promises the Lord has made to us concerning this Law. I don't know about you, but I find this beyond what I can do understand or do in my current circumstances. Yet, I feel the need to ponder what the author is telling me and to move towards this principle of life. These are essays and papers that were written since the 1970s. Many are published here for the first time (unless you read them as papers from FARMS). As I say, these are very challenging writings. Not because they are hard to understand, but because they are challenging in very serious ways. Dr. Nibley takes the gospel very seriously and literally. He points out to us that we have too often inverted values to our detriment. He deplores the way education has changed and that learning and thinking have been replaced by feeling and degree accumulation. The last few essays in the book are among the most directly challenging to our present way of life. His discussion of Aristotle's notion of goods of first and second intent is wide-ranging and quite informative. The last essay on the atonement is quite beautiful and insightful. I think my favorite essay is his funeral address for one of his friends. Nibley's plain speaking about his faith in the atonement and the challenge it presents us for our lives here on earth and in eternity is inspiring. The writings here bear careful reading and re-reading and then meditation. You will have to change your life if you take them seriously. And that is unsettling and that is what we ask teachers to do: to shake up our lives. Dr. Nibley continues his great teaching.

And that title says *alot*, coming from me. Covey's book was life changing for me, but ended up proving to be merely a precursor (albeit an excellent one) to "Approaching Zion."I agree with the above sentiments that this is a trans-denominational text (though it obviously focuses on the LDS--a.k.a "Mormons"), and, quite frankly, this book altered my view of my world as radically as "7 Habits" did; after 27 years, I finally begin to have a much more clear cut idea of what my beliefs entail-- and a real desire to follow through with those beliefs.Over the past year, since reading it, I've felt closer to my God (as I was stimulated to live my religion more fully), and have carried through with the inspiration to seek deeper knowledge and understanding about life and its many facets.I honestly wish I had read--and taken to heart-- "Approaching Zion" before going to college; it would have had a remarkable impact on the way I'd have gone about my education.Top ratings for "Approaching Zion."

Hugh Nibley, one of the greatest scholars of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), offers teachings in Approaching Zion that truly span all religious belief. This book is not exclusively for Latter-day Saints and those who avoid it on that basis are really missing philosophies that are sorely needed in our materialistic, selfish world.Nibley cuts right to heart of things when he discusses the need for people (again, not just Mormons) to be content in the simple things of life, to avoid the grinding process of materialism and to find solace in truly reaching out to the poor in society by literally sharing our vast monetary wealth in ways that will truly change the world.NIbley speaks pointedly to those who somehow believe that the new car, big house, oppulent life mentality is the just rewards to professional diligence, giving lip service to appropriate charity but carefully denying the poor the levels of help that they need. Nibley states very clearly that the materialistic will find his views hard to swallow.Look past the "mormonisms" in this book and find a wealth of ideas that will appeal to anyone who truly wants to take personal steps to implement world-changing philosophies in his or her life.

I have read most of the published writings of Hugh Nibley and this book is my favorite. Drawing lessons from the past, Dr. Nibley shows us exactly how far we really are from the Zion ideal and what we must do to get there. And the changes required do not leave us in our comfort zone. A must read for any person truly wanting to reach a high spiritual plane. I would rate this book as one of the great classics in LDS literature. John Walsh, Editor, All About Mormons web site.

This book is one of the keystones of my "intellectual bibliography." It has changed my thoughts, words, and deeds. I cannot praise it too highly. It deserves six or seven stars!This book is a collection of talks that circulated underground at BYU, and were finally solidified into this terrible tome. Terrible in that you get shaken to the core, and forced to stare at your crass nakedness. The book discusses the distinctions between Zion and Babylon, and why the two will never mix.Chapters include "Zion: a distant view," "Work we must, but the luch is free," and its follow-up"What kind of work." Also, exemplifying Nibley's scintillating humor, there is "How to get rich." And the perennial "Zeal without Knowledge" is worth the price of the book.Non-LDS readers will seee the Latter-day Saints at theri best and worst--the best dreams, ideals, and hoped that come from their religion are elaborated. And their worst shortcomes are also held up to the light in all their uglyness. This book is a gateway into the soul of what Latter-day Saints are trying to do and trying to be.Latter-day Saints will have the perceptions of their religion burnt, melted down, and recast. You will never hold Family Home Evening again in the same way. Your sights will be lifted and your hearty renewed and set like flint back to heaven.!!READ THIS BOOK!!