Regarding the Enemy

Further delving into the issue: had Sauron recovered the Ring and laid waste to the world of Men, would he--could he--have eventually tried to make war on Aman?

[obloquy]

Originally Posted by Billbeaux

Further delving into the issue: had Sauron recovered the Ring and laid waste to the world of Men, would he--could he--have eventually tried to make war on Aman?

No. Sauron at his mightiest (the Second Age) was still no match for the wrath of the Powers. He and his Ring would still have to be destroyed for his defeat to be complete, but that was certainly not beyond the power of the Valar; in fact, I imagine he would have found himself bested by Eonwe, who was not only mightier by nature, but was also unfallen and unweakened through incarnation.

[Boromir88]

Raynor:

I would notice the use of the quote marks in that phrase. Moreover, Sauron is "far smaller by natural stature" and has "(much more limited) power ". He was never capable of destroying the whole of Arda (as the valar knew Melkor could, if they would have attacked any sooner - according to your own source).

Yes, sorry if it seemed like I was saying Sauron had become more powerful than Morgoth ever was. But, was trying to say that at one point Sauron had surpassed Morgoth in power (though this was when as obloquy says Morgoth began his downfall. To further the point, Sauron had felt as if he had reached Morgoth's height of power, but he had been much weaker than from the 2nd age:

When he found how greatly his knowledge was admired by all other rational creatures and how easy it was to influence them, his pride became boundless. By the end of the Second Age he assumed the position of Morgoth's representative. By the end of the Third Age (though actually much weaker than before) he claimed to be Morgoth returned.~Letter 183

[obloquy]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

Raynor:

Yes, sorry if it seemed like I was saying Sauron had become more powerful than Morgoth ever was. But, was trying to say that at one point Sauron had surpassed Morgoth in power (though this was when as obloquy says Morgoth began his downfall. To further the point, Sauron had felt as if he had reached Morgoth's height of power, but he had been much weaker than from the 2nd age:

No, Morgoth began his downfall long before Sauron peaked. Morgoth was at his mightiest before the Elves even awoke and declined from there.