[Amarie of the Vanyar]

Being Catholic myself, I do notice some connections between Tolkien characters and some Saints [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Joy posted:

I was comparing the Valar to the Arcangels, the Maias as Principalies, and the Istari or wizards as warring angels

From the angelic hierarchy I relationed Valar to a different order (I agree in relating Maiar to Principalities and Istari to Angels):

Valar to Powers [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] (notice that not only the definition of the Powers fit the Valar, but also that the Valar are known as the Powers in ME):

Powers: Spirits of Form. Holding one of the most dangerous tasks, the powers are responsible for maintaining the border between Heaven and Earth. Acting as a sort of elite guard, they constantly watch for demonic attack, and are the major line of defense and battle during heavenly warfare. They are also tasked with guarding the celestial byways between the two realms and ensuring that souls which leave the mortal world reach heaven safely

And I find also similarities between Eärendil and St. John the Baptist.
Ëarendil is the morning star that announces the rising of the Sun, which for Christians is the simbol of the herald that announces the coming of Christ (the Sun).

EDIT:
In another way Ëarendil is also the herald of Christ. Through Christ the Creation is healed of the evil resulting from the Fall of Men. Thanks to His Death, Heaven is re-opened to Men.
Ëarendil's actions 'heal' the evil done by the Fall of the Elves. Thanks to his actions, Aman is re-opened to Elves.

[ July 19, 2003: Message edited by: Amarie of the Vanyar ]