Finding God in 'The Lord of the Rings'

Family.org ^ | Jim Ware

[jrherreid]

Probably the best book I've read on this subject is "Tolkien: Man and Myth" by Joseph Pearce. He explains that, while LOTR is not a direct allegory of any sort, it is informed by the author's deep religious faith.

And you have to read the feminist interpretation of Frodo and Sam's encounter with Shelob--it is as funny as it is sad!

Anyhow, I'm looking forward to the movie. I would like to see what BBC would do with it, given a proper budget. Each book given six hour-and-a-half segment... drool.

[AppyPappy]

Young lady, God is missing. Do you have a explanation? [tapping foot]

[prisoner6]

The map is not the territory. Words and symbols are not the things they denote. Dressing up as a vampire (or even as the devil himself) does not necessarily imply that one believes in the existence (or righfullness) of either. The actor who plays the role of the bad guy is not necessarily an evil person. Celebrating Halloween because it amuses you is not the same thing as doing so because you have any of the same beliefs as did those who originated Samhain.

We are quite in agreement. I never meant to imply that enthusiasm for - or as much the case is with Lewis and Tolkien repect for - a particular work is inherently evil or wrong.

However Tolkien's Great Trilogy is such an amazing accomplishment that it is easy for some to become so imersed they tend to ingore reality. In the case of The Silmarillion the absorbtion can reach the point where it replaces The Scriptures upon which the work is based.

I find that tragic, and certainly not what Tolkien would have ever intended.

I also recall a passage, from perhaps the same letter quoted above, wherin J.R.R.T. responded to the question of why he wrote TLOTR. He replied he wondered whether it would be possible to write a fiction of heroism and mythology that would enrapture and adult reader.

He succeeded, and I salute him for that achievment!

Finally may I as well thank you and everyone else who've contributed, for a very interesting topic and quite a welcome, albiet brief diversion from things more depressing, if not important!

prisoner6

[constitutiongirl]

As long as you're not stripping off all your clothes and running headlong into battle to honor your ancestors. lol

[Paul Atreides]

Ivan, Obubba Been Laiden's only commandment is "Thou shalt not disfigure the penis" and he's already bent that rule!

[sourcery]

Osama Bent Ladle?

[sourcery]

[MadameAxe]

Dec. 19 bttt...

[SauronOfMordor]

I can't wait to see how it comes out

he he ....

[general_re]

I can't wait to see how it comes out

Not to wreck the plot too much, but I have a feeling things aren't going to go well for you ;)

[DebtsPaid]

[Texaggie79]

That's a cool pic. But why did you post it on this thread?

[Texaggie79]

Not that you are not supposed to. I was just wondering.

[GeekDejure]

Thanks 4 the Ping !!!

I keep on trying to pull my sword out, but it always gets stuck in my skivies !!!

[Arthalion]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand how anybody can find Christian allegory in the Middle-Earth creation myth. The legend laid out in the Sillmarilion is blatantly polytheistic and pagan. Furthermore the one "high god", if you will, was totally uninvolved in the creation of mankind, and not even remotely related to their daily lives. The book even specifies that nobody, not even the gods, knew what happens to the human soul after death. Heck, the lead characters even redeem the world and vanquish the "satan" character on their own...WITHOUT Gods help. That's about as un-Christian as you can get.

What the Lord of the Rings is, is a stunningly well told tale of good versus evil. It's a tale where nobility and strength of character are proven to be mightier than even the worst evils. It's a tale about facing darkness, adversity, and your greatest fears to do good. It's a tale about the good one small group of people can do when they are willing to put their lives aside and TRY. And finally, its a tale that explores our own mythologies, and tries to tie them all together. But above all, it's fantasy. As much as I love Tolkiens works, I never let myself forget that they were written for entertainment (though I myself own a $300 leather bound LotR set printed on Bible paper with beautiful gold inlay).

Some aspects of the books may in fact reflect Christian ideals, but claiming that Tolkien intended LotR to be a tool to spread the Christian message ignores the upfront polytheism and legends he wove into them. I've read every work by J.R.R. Tolkien several times, and most of the backround writings released by his son Christopher. I personally feel that Tolkiens Middle-Earth series is probably one of the few pieces of modern literature that genuinely qualifies as "art", but I think that attempts to find religious or spiritual meaning in the stories are rather pathetic and are a definite reach. It's just a story folks.

[JenB]

Of course it's fiction; if that's all you get out of it, well, it's worth the money. However, there are so many little things you see when you read the books, and the Silmarillion. For instance, all the elves you meet in Middle-Earth are "fallen" elves who cannot go home until they redeem themselves. After the destruction of the Ring, they are forgiven and allowed to lave - but those races who remain in Middle-Earth are made poor. Bilbo was able to give up the Ring before it got a hold on his soul; this saved him.

Many images and themes in these books are Christian; and as for the Creation myth in the Silmarillion, you should read the similar story in Lewis' "Magician's Nephew" for the full power to hit you. And reread it - who is in control of the Music? Who can take Melkor's discordant strains and make a far more glorious piece of them? Is it not an allegory of the One who took Satan's deception of mankind and made a far more glorious redemption?

[billbears]

I agree with you that especially with the Simarillion there was not a real tie to Christianity.. But OTOH I will say that the first time I read the original series, several characters really stuck out as allegorical examples within Christianity and the Bible, Gandalf in particular

[Dialup Llama]

Should I read the book first or just see the movie?

[sourcery]

My advice is to read both The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring immediately before seeing the movies, but then to see the remaining movies first before reading the corresponding books (The Two Towers, The Return of the King).

Here's why:

1. There is much introductory and expository information in the books that may not come across as clearly in the movies. Most of the essential information of this nature is in The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring.
2. By reading at least The Hobbit before seeing the movies, you will have a chance to form your own vision/interpretation of Tolkien/Middle Earth, without outside interference.
3. By not reading The Two Towers or The Return of the King before seeing the movies, you will be able to experience that part of the story on film de novo, instead of already knowing the basic plot.

[BradyLS]

Lucius' Balrog is EXACTLY as I imagined it!

AAIIIEEE! A BALROG IS COME!!! --Legolas