As a Christian, I would consider the Valar very powerful angels. Some people could call them gods, but they are not. They are mighty, but not all-powerful. Only God (or Eru, as he is called here) is, and Tolkien clearly did not mean for the Valar to be gods. For further proof...
Quote:
The Great among these spirits the Elves name the Valar, the Powers of Arda, and Men have often called them gods.
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This quote from the Silmarillion states that the Valar are still only "spirits", very powerful, but not gods, although people have (mistakenly) called them gods.
[ August 16, 2003: Message edited by: Meneltarmacil ]