Tolkien, Lewis & Theology - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Craban · 09-16-2002, 12:50 PM

Don't worry, InklingElf - I'm not offended! Thanks for your concern, though.

That just goes with what I was saying about layers of interpretation - it makes sense that there would be layers in there that Christians would get and others might not. Honestly, I think it's impossible for a writer to keep his/her beliefs out of the work and it's dumb to try anyhow (it can only cheapen the work to try to keep out what's important to one's soul). I'm just admiring Tolkien's ability to create something that's beautiful and meaningful to Christians and non-Christians alike, that's all....but of course it might not be beautiful and meaningful in the exact same ways.

09-16-2002, 12:50 PM	#11
Craban Pile O'Bones Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dunland, USA Posts: 13	Don't worry, InklingElf - I'm not offended! Thanks for your concern, though. That just goes with what I was saying about layers of interpretation - it makes sense that there would be layers in there that Christians would get and others might not. Honestly, I think it's impossible for a writer to keep his/her beliefs out of the work and it's dumb to try anyhow (it can only cheapen the work to try to keep out what's important to one's soul). I'm just admiring Tolkien's ability to create something that's beautiful and meaningful to Christians and non-Christians alike, that's all....but of course it might not be beautiful and meaningful in the exact same ways.