[Keneldil the Polka-dot]

While Tolkien denied allegory specifically, I think he would have also denied analogy being any part of his intent. They are nearly the same, using the definitions posted by Anarion, differing only in degree. Any analogous relationships between Tolkien's stories and the Bible exist only in the mind of those of us who read both works of literature. I was also raised Christian, and I can draw all kinds of parallels, but I do not think they were intended by Tolkien. The fact that it is so easy to do only points to Tolkien's Catholic influences. We need to take Tolkien at his word with regard to symbolic meaning in his work.