Christianity - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Selmo · 01-15-2004, 04:38 AM

I'm a Christian and I love Tolkien's books.
I probably know more about Lord of the Rings than many parts of the Bible. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img]

When I'm reading LoTR or Silmarilion I don't see any links to my faith. I realy believe in Eru Iluvatar, the Valar, immortal Elves and incarnate evil, through the process of "suspended disbelief". It's only later, when I reflect on what I've read, that I can look for links to anything outside the stories.

I can see very little that is specifically Christian in the books. The Christian virtues that are there are the ones we share with pre-Christian religions. I don't see much evidence for "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" or "turn the other cheek".

If you want to read about the Christian faith, read the Bible, not Tolkien.

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 7:15 AM January 15, 2004: Message edited by: Selmo ]

01-15-2004, 04:38 AM	#23
Selmo Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: The Shire (Staffordshire), United Kingdom Posts: 273	I'm a Christian and I love Tolkien's books. I probably know more about Lord of the Rings than many parts of the Bible. [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img] When I'm reading LoTR or Silmarilion I don't see any links to my faith. I realy believe in Eru Iluvatar, the Valar, immortal Elves and incarnate evil, through the process of "suspended disbelief". It's only later, when I reflect on what I've read, that I can look for links to anything outside the stories. I can see very little that is specifically Christian in the books. The Christian virtues that are there are the ones we share with pre-Christian religions. I don't see much evidence for "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" or "turn the other cheek". If you want to read about the Christian faith, read the Bible, not Tolkien. <font size=1 color=339966>[ 7:15 AM January 15, 2004: Message edited by: Selmo ]