If you read the text, there is nothing that notes that they were not in a vineyard that happend to have a favored and majestic olive tree. Later in the chapeter, good branches are taken to various places in the vineyard to try and get new growth, but that, again, does not mean that they are in an olive orchard. They could be in a grape vineyard with multiple olive trees.

How’s that for literalism!!

I am doing the challenge however. Just about done!

Another interesting question is ‘Do they expect to much of members?’

Specifically in areas where the baptism rates are high (read Mexico, South America, etc.), the membership has problems facing all the needs of the new converts. Sometimes things as simple as a clean shirt on Sunday are taxing on the membership.

I always use this scripture to represent the spreading of the gospel to the gentiles after Christ’s resurrection. Due to persecutions and murders the roots(apostles and prophets) were not strong enough to endure the wild fruit(gentile converts), who took root unto themselves (changed the doctrine to allow for their previously held undertstandings). Thus making this fruit corrupt.

I appreciate your insight Kim, as I have never thought of myself, or other modern converts in this scripture. It seems President Hinckley’s counsel that every convert needs a friend, an opportunity to serve and nurturing through the word of god is indeed inspired. From what I’ve seen it’s the only root system that we can have which will allow us to produce good fruit.

Gave in to peer pressure, Kim?