Yes, Lathriel, in most cases, emblems of religion in books are advocates of free speech and tolerance of other regions. But to me, Tolkiens works don't seem like they favor any regions or other ideas of speech. Take Denethors doomsaying for example. It didn't hold very well with Gandalf and the Hobbits. And it seemed as though no one really liked Mordor, Harad, or Rhun.
"I never associated - even loosely - any of the content with angels or the Virgin Mary" (quote) - alatar
I can understand that, alatar, knowing your stated background. But do you see the implicit inference that Tolkien has made? He has shown such a need for the existence of spirits you must suspend your disbelief for a moment. (Even if I think your belief wrong, it must be temporarily suspended anyway
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The Vala and Maia are, in Tolkien's world, real. And they aren't native to Middle-Earth. I think an analogous statement from the real world would be "Not of this world."
Does anyone here remember seeing Bethberry's sig?
b_b