The Lord of the Bible?

[The Only Real Estel]

Well, I hate to bring this up but, there could possibly be a (*gasp*) fourth "possible motivation." (*cue the evil conspirator music* )

Perhaps, and I know this might be a stretch here, but perhaps some of these books brought up by davem & others that were written by Christians on some of the parallels in Tolkien's world to Christianity (which can be drawn without trying too hard, whether Tolkien intended them or not) are books written towards (although not expressly for) Christians who enjoy Tolkien and would enjoy the parallels as well?

But then there would be no hidden agendas or other exciting things to talk about it would be...just a book with parallels someone saw in it.

At any rate I think Lal says it quite well:

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

Well after thinking of a lengthy explanation I've abandoned it. There was no need for it.

I think that the objections of some readers to the 'explorations' of others ultimately boil down to resistance towards attaching any kind of 'agenda' to LotR.

Fortunately I don't think that any 'Downers are trying to attach any agenda to it...lets hope it stays that way.