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I found Jackson's interpretation to be, at times, religious in feeling, particularly with usage of a boys' choir, etc. Frodo's first sight of Arwen, for instance, might have well been a vision of the Virgin Mary.

I'm not particularly religious, though I do find inspiration on the ocean and in the woods. I did, however, enjoy what I considered to be the almost overt religious overtones in the movie (which I had not noticed in the book).

I'm just glad they didn't make it PC! Other than the Arwen thing,what else did you notice that had religious overtones that weren't in the book? I guess I'm not paying attention or I'm just a slowcoach (or maybe I need to see the movie again!) Or is it just the "feel" of the whole movie?

I think it is the reverent "feel" that stirs emotions that are spiritual. There are many moments of quiet solemn contemplation that allow us to fill in the meaning from our own hearts, no matter what our beliefs.

The particularly "religious" scene that comes to mind for me is the scene with Aragorn and the sword at Rivendell. The statue which looks very much like an altar, the painting, Aragorn sitting there quietly studying. The reverence that Aragorn shows for the sword and the altar brings to mind a religious feel for me, especially after the callous disregard that Boromir showed in allowing it to clang to the floor. (Boromir is a clod!)

This one is also clearly spiritual in the film:

Arwen:
Frodo! No! Frodo, don't give in! Not now! (whispers) What grace is given me, let it pass to him. Let him be spared. Save him.
----------------------
Elrond:
(Standing over Frodo, saying things in elvish)
Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan nan galad.
Translation: (Hear my voice, come back to the light)

"is it just the "feel" of the whole movie?"

"I think it is the reverent "feel" that stirs emotions that are spiritual."

I agree that it's mostly just the feel of the whole movie. The characters are involved with utter devotion in a deadly and heroic quest against an implacable evil.

But I did think that the image (of Frodo's first sight) of Arwen (ethereal and bathed in extreme light) as his wound from the Morgul blade (or whatever) deepened, was a very saint like and miraculous appearing image. Also, as he recovered conciousness in Rivendell, they showed some sort of gazebo, it looked ethereal and church-like combined with the singing and lighting. Also the vaulted ceilings and columns in Moria seem to be taken from the gothic archtecture used in the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages.

"There are many moments of quiet solemn contemplation that allow us to fill in the meaning from our own hearts, no matter what our beliefs."

I like the way you put it.

"I'm glad they put all that "quasi religious" stuff in there...it must tick off the Hollywood liberal elites no end! (mischevious Tookish laughter)"

I hope it does.

"I love the use of choral music in the score"

I really love this score, I'm having to force myself not listen to it too much for fear of getting burned out.

My sister in law, a devout Catholic and also a Tolkien fan was strongly affected by all this, she came out of the theatre saying all that talk about it not being allegorical is "bull." I'm inclined to believe Tolkien on that one though, especially as he qualified his remarks on that subject, I think he said it was unavoidable that parts of the story would be relevant to the real world.