Praise,

You rock! That was a great article you captured. Yet, the thing that I've noticed and ultimately determined is that regardless of the points that are made to emphasize that LotR is not to be associated with Christian Literature, someone will continue to argue the point rather than consider the logical potential that it MIGHT not be.

Seems people are more quick to defend something that they read somewhere before they're willing to step back and consider that the things they read may not be accurate either.

Having started this thread a number of weeks prior to this, I have watched the conversation evolve and yet reach an impass. Eventually people cease to listen to each other because they are convinced of their own agendas with regards to this topic. Rarely does anyone read the opposition and say, "Hmmm. Maybe I was wrong." We are quick to fight back rather than listen.

By reading your most recent quote, I am even more exasperated as to the reasons why mainstream Christianity suddenly embraced LotR AFTER the movie came out in 2001. Why not years and years prior to a worldwide movie deal? Though my logical opinion may be somewhat bias, I can only conclude that someone somewhere in a Christian society realized that Tolkien "associated" with C.S. Lewis and thus his work should be ALL deemed holy and remarkable Christian literature. Hence, we have to have books EXPLAINING why LotR is Christian literature.

Truly, were it to be Christian literature, we would not need a book entitled, "Finding God in the Lord of the Rings." That's like finding out that George Lucas went to church somewhere and associated with Billy Graham during the 70s... then writing a book called, "Finding God in Star Wars." Don't get me wrong, I love both movies, but I cease thus far to say that either of them are Christian. Simply fantasy fiction. Wonderful at that, but not spiritually magnified.

Consider the first response Servant gave me in the "Eminem" thread just a couple of days ago under "What's On Your Mind," and you may wonder to yourself whether or not mainstream Christianity has adopted worldly fables into the training of righteousness. Having accepted LotR as suddenly the most remarkable Christian book since the Chronicles of Narnia, have we not compromised our focus?

I haven't vented about this for a while and figured if its going to kick off again, I may as well put in my cents again. Someone's soon to follow me up with more "proof" that LotR is Christian. Its a tough conversation to swallow for either side, but I truly enjoyed what you shared. Great article!

In Christ Alone,

Mercy

PW - my parents got that article today, too, and my mom started telling me about it. I was surprised to realize it was the same one you'd posted!

I have to admit I'm having a hard time swallowing that article, though. I trust the organization that my folks got it from (Elijahlist.com), but really don't want to give up a favorite - or admit I was wrong. I tend to be an extremist. If LotR is good, than I'm all for it. If that article & others I've read ARE true, however... than I'll have to completely dump the books & movie. I didn't come easily into the fan camp, but I don't allow myself many media/entertainment passions, so turning away from one of my few would be hard.

Mercy - I had to wince when reading your post: Don't know where I'm going with that one, but you hit a point I didn't want hit. Do I have to thank you? :rolleyes:

Oh, yeah - good to have you back, and I like your new signiture.

I'm just glad he chose to use the word "we"

I have flaws too, you know...

The Lord of the Rings is escapist literature. J.R.R. Tolkien was a Christian. Is it unreasonable to believe that he wrote with allegory in mind? If not, is it altogether unreasonable that allegorical content can be found? Praisewarrior, you claim that such an interpretation is false, but your main point of argument is:

"God would NOT in any way inspire someone to write an allegory representing Himself as a sorcerer, nor represent His Kingdom through sorcery."

First, that Tolkien's work is allegorical does not depend on what is inspirations were. Second, only rarely does an allegory relate its message and subject matter. For example, many readers believe that Watership Down is a political allegory that contrasts socialism and totalitarianism. Most of us should know that talking rabbits and social equality have nothing in common.

Whether LotR is a prophetic allegory is debatable. I agree that some Christians may be mislead by the interpretation, but it's validity cannot be dismissed without strong evidence and strong reasoning.

mmk, I gave full credit to the author of the article, it was not me.

Actually, there is a large political movement in Europe fighting for the rights of talking rabbits.

mmk:

Kudos.

praisewarrior:

I don't know any person here or elsewhere who thinks the work was "prophetically inspired" by God, or that it is "annoited." I don't know where the author of that article is getting that, but it ain't from anything I've ever heard, seen, or even thought. That is what often frustrates me about the radical right at times, they play fast and loose with the facts and sometimes just outright make up positions not actually held by anybody.

So in summary--it appears the author has set up a straw man for the purpose of knocking him down. Yet, nobody was behind what the strawman was saying, so it seems rather pointless. But that's just me.

Mercy:

Who said it is "All" holy???????

Wait a minute, let's back the truck up a bit...

Just because Tolkien was a Christian, does not mean that LOTR was an allegorical work about God. If you ask me (but who is, right? ), anyone can take any writing and assert that it is allegorical.

For instance, Dr. Suess's "Green Eggs and Ham." I bet you didn't know that was an allegorical story about God?

Allow me to explain...

See, the green eggs and ham represent joy. Now Sam I Am, well, he represents Jesus Christ. And the furry fella with the hat and no name? Well, that could be anyone (that's why he has no name!).

Now Sam really wants this fella to try the green eggs and ham right? Why? Because he knows if this furry fella tastes it just once, he'll see just how good it is! (Are you starting to see the picture here?)



Like Jesus, Sam I Am is willing to go through alot to get this furry fella to try the green eggs and ham. But this furry fella, well, he's pretty prideful...and with pride comes stubborness. He doesn't even want to give Sam the time of day. (Sound like anyone you know?)

But Sam I Am cares so much for his furry friend and knows for sure that if he can get this fella to try just a little bit, he'll see for himself just how wonderful the taste is and want more. So what does Sam do? He relentlessly pursues his friend. (Jesus knocking on our hearts).

To what lengths is Sam willing to go? Let's take a look:

• here or there
• In a house and with a mouse
• In a box and with a fox
• In a car
• In a tree
• A train, a train!
• In the dark
• In the rain
• With a goat and finally
• on a boat that sinks.

Man, Sam sure went to great lengths to get his furry friend to just try those green eggs and ham!
Just like Jesus goes to great lengths to introduce us to the joy He can give us!
And what finally happens? After being broken and nearly drowned, his furry friend relents and tells Sam he will try the green eggs and ham only if Sam promises to "let him be" afterwards. (How many of us had to be broken before we considered Christ's offer?)Finally, he tastes the green eggs and ham for the first time and...
He likes it! Yes, he likes it alot! He will eat them anywhere and with anyone now! "I do so like green eggs and ham. Thank you, thank you Sam I Am" he declares!



Thank you, thank you Jesus for the joy you bring.

I could go on, but I think you see my point.