[Gasshog]

As the Years go by, you just keep getting better, like a fine Vino, Bob.

Tolkien’s complete Lore is not an easy thing to grasp in it’s entirety and according to the author wasn’t quite complete anyway.

So, um I do recall the issue of the Numenoriain King who set foot in Valinor, not for long mind you. But it was said the lives of mortals who did so would be surely shortened...They would just burnout under all that Valinorian glory on the Mainland. But not so on the islands maybe the Hobbits life’s were extended like the Men of Numenor?

And since Samwise was also invited it would have been a shame if Frodo had died waiting for him, eh. Couldnt have a happy ending then.

[Bob Ireland]

***And since Samwise was also invited...***

I don't remember that either - although he was briefly a ring bearer.. 🤔❓

There wasn't much for Hobbits in Valinor... an eternity of raising pigs doesn't strike me as Paradise. 🤷‍♂️ 😉

[Bob Ireland]

***I do recall the issue of the Numenoriain King who set foot in Valinor, not for long mind you. But it was said the lives of mortals who did so would be surely shortened***

Completely off the topic, but I can't help but think of the Islamic view of 'heaven' in light of the war killings. The first thing that comes to mind is how shocked Khamenei must have been to arrive in paradise and find that his 72 virgins were dead - just like him - and they were cold - just like him.

Everything about heavenly rewards for those serving Allah only indicate, to me, that Islam is a fleshly religion. All followers of the 'Prophet' are allowed all sorts of fleshly satisfactions that Christianity would find abhorrent: murder, rape, killing, ruling over others with force. Worse, Allah can do little on his own; the followers must achieve all gains and hope for success. Tremendous effort and sacrifice is required to prosper the 'faith'; Allah is a casual observer of all... it is all up to the followers. 🤷‍♂️

The Crusaders went to the Middle East to fight Islam on Islam's terms! Unhappily, the result was limited success. Such decisions are difficult for Christians but it is Islam that requires that its disciples do all the work required for victory.

It is true that Jesus conquered the Roman Empire without one sword fight, without one victorious armed battle. True that Emperor Constantine claimed to have seen a 'sign' in the sky to go forth and conquer under the symbol of the cross; his wife had already discovered the peace of salvation and the Emperor undoubtedly hoped to find peace at home. 😉