The Lord of the Bible?

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by TORE

Does that mean that there are millions of different meanings out there?

Yes, although they will overlap to a very significant degree due to our common understanding of the language that he used.

Originally Posted by TORE

But that doesn't make it so.

It makes it the only "true" meaning to me.

Originally Posted by TORE

Because we don't know (or at least there's significant debate) the author's intentions on these matters.

Actually, the author claimed that Frodo failed in his Quest. I disagree with him on that.

Originally Posted by TORE

But what would I use to support my side of the Balrog/wing debate for example? My opinion or my interpretation? Only if it was backed up by quotes from the book(s), possibly quotes from the Letters, etc.

I have always held that Durin's Bane had wings because, when I first read the book, that's how I imagined him. I was influenced, of course, by the words used by the author. But was it his intention that the Balrog be winged? Who can say? Irrespective of his intention, I see the Balrog with wings. That is my interpretation, the "meaning" that I give to that passage. I do not insist that others see it in the same way.

Originally Posted by TORE

But "mark" is right - although this is Tolkien-related and also related to finding Christian elements in the books it really is not as much on topic as it should be I don't think.

Well, she is right that we have been through these arguments before (it's an eternal struggle ). But I disagree that it has no relevance to the ongoing debate (if not the original question). If one is claiming (or denying) that LotR is a Christian work, one must define the basis upon which such claim is made. Individual interpretation? Authorial intention? Or something else? If so, what?