Parallels with Christianity, and their effect on his work - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kaiserin · 08-15-2003, 10:13 PM

In other threads, it has been remarked that Toliken's Christian /Catholic background is reflected in his works, i.e. :

* Eru / Iluvatar - reflects his belief in God, and monotheistic theology.
* Divine intervention or "angelic beings" - as seen in the ainur, the valar, or
the eagles perhaps?
* Evil and corruption as the perversion of the will of Eru.

Im am not asking about symbolism. Tolkien has made it clear that he did not intend any symbolism or analogies. Niether am I asking whether his works are Christian literature or not. I would just like to open a discussion about readers' observed parallels with Christian / Catholic and Biblical themes - where they may be found in the books, most of all their overall effect on the entire work, and of course what you have to say about others' remarks on the topic.

Though Professor Tolkien did not intend any analogies, We know that his world view, his philosophy and theology were very much reflected in his writing. Bible-themes such as faith, hope and perseverance, for example are all over the plot lines.

I'd very much like to read your thoughts on this.

EDIT: I changed the title to streamline the thread a little bit.

[ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Kaiserin ]

08-15-2003, 10:13 PM	#1
Kaiserin Wight Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cair Paravel Posts: 150	Parallels with Christianity, and their effect on his work In other threads, it has been remarked that Toliken's Christian /Catholic background is reflected in his works, i.e. : * Eru / Iluvatar - reflects his belief in God, and monotheistic theology. * Divine intervention or "angelic beings" - as seen in the ainur, the valar, or the eagles perhaps? * Evil and corruption as the perversion of the will of Eru. Im am not asking about symbolism. Tolkien has made it clear that he did not intend any symbolism or analogies. Niether am I asking whether his works are Christian literature or not. I would just like to open a discussion about readers' observed parallels with Christian / Catholic and Biblical themes - where they may be found in the books, most of all their overall effect on the entire work, and of course what you have to say about others' remarks on the topic. Though Professor Tolkien did not intend any analogies, We know that his world view, his philosophy and theology were very much reflected in his writing. Bible-themes such as faith, hope and perseverance, for example are all over the plot lines. I'd very much like to read your thoughts on this. EDIT: I changed the title to streamline the thread a little bit. [ August 18, 2003: Message edited by: Kaiserin ] __________________ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.