[NyteSky]

I think that the beauty of LoTR is that anyone can enjoy it. Being a Christian (and I am) may emphasize certain aspects of it and even help understand where Tolkien got some of his ideas (not to neglect other cultures etc that he also drew from) but of course it's not required to understand the books. Personally I think one of the reasons the LoTR is such a masterpiece is because it uses many fundamental truths, many from Christianity. These truths appeal to everyone. I doubt even the most rabid fanatic suicide bomber would hope Sauron wins or think Gandalf should have taken up the ring and been consumed by it.
Fascinating topic anyways.