The True Graft and the Servant of the Vineyard trilogy were written to open conversations, not close them. If these books have shaped your understanding, challenged your assumptions, or strengthened your walk, I’d be honored to hear about it. Your words help others decide if this work is for them.
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The True Graft, written by Michael Claridge, analyzes the allegory of the vineyard as dramatically presented by Isaiah, taught by Jacob from the writings of Zenos, and again by Joseph Smith, the prophet of The Restoration. I have always found this allegory troubling. What? No good fruit? Penny-pinching servants who defied The Lord and refused to build the tower He wanted placed for protection? Destruction eminent?
It seems like the allegory is pointing the finger at me and the rest of us who consider themselves to be members of the “only true and living church upon the face of the earth with whom The Lord is well- pleased!” He can’t be pointing the finger at us! Or could He?
To accomplish his analysis, Michael sought to understand what Joseph Smith taught about this allegory and all the subjects that relate to it. This was not an easy task. Many of Joseph’s teachings have been buried, ignored, altered, twisted, and in some cases, flipped 180 degrees from his original work, which has been buried under 180 years of late reminiscences, exaggerated faith-promoting stories, and outright obfuscations to support the agendas of those who took power after he was murdered.
Michael has powered through this heap of rubbish and looked at Joseph’s teachings through the lens of his experience “growing things.” What he has discovered is surprising and exquisitely beautiful.
One striking example is his discovery in Chapter 4, The Two Strands of the Image of God, in the related symbol of the helix. I have read it several times, almost like one goes back repeatedly to good poetry.
I find myself awed at Michael’s inspiration and boldness to go to the teachings of Joseph Smith to make sense of the allegory. The prophet of this dispensation has of late become known mostly for evil. Even the church he founded supports the idea that Joseph spoke with a forked tongue, teaching one thing publicly, but living and teaching something else secretly. Most who look through this dark lens ultimately reject all his work. But it is Joseph’s pure inspiration and revelation that shines through Michael’s analysis.
This is not the book you have read before. Michael’s book is full of unique and startling takes on the gospel subjects you thought were “settled science.” His writing style is simple and direct and very easy to read. If you are unafraid of new ideas, you will enjoy this read.
I have always been a seeker and a reader of books. Some for pleasure and some to learn from, to find answers to questions, discover new ideas, and especially to learn the truth. This book has been a book that I will cherish and hold close to me for the rest of my life. In these pages I have gained confidence in some of the deeper questions that have dwelt in my heart and my brain since I began my journey as a Latter-day Saint. It has strengthened my testimony of the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
This has not been just a book that you sit down and read the words on the pages. This book is like sitting in a room with your best friend talking, discussing, searching for and finding confidence in many things that you may have carried in your heart and your soul for many years. Expanding the things that you felt were right and clearing out the things that you might not have been really sure of. It is a conversation of truth. I will read it more than once. And at the end, it left me with a hunger to get to read the second volume so that I can learn more, hear more truth and wisdom enter into my heart and soul. Hurry up with Book Two!
What I loved most about this book is how easy it was to follow. The doctrines are taught simply and clearly, without being watered down. This book feels like an invitation to learn, not a demand to agree — and that made all the difference for me.
What I loved most about this book is how easy it was to follow. The doctrines are taught simply and clearly, without being watered down. This book took me on a meditative trip down “memory lane.” His amazing grace, his mercy, and his power are seen through this read.
The Servant of the Vineyard trilogy explores the restoration, the vineyard allegory, and the truths taught by Joseph Smith.
Graft of Zion Publishing
Tucson, Arizona