J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Child of the 7th Age · 12-08-2002, 11:43 PM

Several friends have told me that, in the December 6 version of the Wall Street Journal, there was an article discussing religious overtones in Tolkien's writings. I didn't see this article, but plan to try and dig it out of the library on Monday.

This same article discusses the following book: J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth by Bradley J. Birzer, which was apparently recently published.

I looked on a couple of websites and dug up the following description:

Peter Jackson's film version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the accompanying proliferation of Rings-related paraphernalia, has once again brought the work of J. R. R. Tolkien to a popular audience. There are, however, few full and accessible treatments of the religious vision permeating Tolkien's influential works. Bradley Birzer has remedied that with his fresh study, J. R. R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-earth. In it Birzer explicates the religious symbolism and significance of Tolkien's Middle-earth stories. More broadly, Birzer situates Tolkien within the Christian humanist tradition represented by Thomas More and T. S. Eliot, Dante and C. S. Lewis. He argues that through the genre of myth Tolkien is able to provide a sophisticated -- and appealing -- social and ethical worldview. (cited from A libris)

Did anyone see the Wall Street Journal article, or are you familiar with this book? I can't find it in my local bookstores and, before shelling out money, would like to hear if anyone's read this, and their comments.

12-08-2002, 11:43 PM	#1
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth Several friends have told me that, in the December 6 version of the Wall Street Journal, there was an article discussing religious overtones in Tolkien's writings. I didn't see this article, but plan to try and dig it out of the library on Monday. This same article discusses the following book: J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth by Bradley J. Birzer, which was apparently recently published. I looked on a couple of websites and dug up the following description: Peter Jackson's film version of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the accompanying proliferation of Rings-related paraphernalia, has once again brought the work of J. R. R. Tolkien to a popular audience. There are, however, few full and accessible treatments of the religious vision permeating Tolkien's influential works. Bradley Birzer has remedied that with his fresh study, J. R. R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-earth. In it Birzer explicates the religious symbolism and significance of Tolkien's Middle-earth stories. More broadly, Birzer situates Tolkien within the Christian humanist tradition represented by Thomas More and T. S. Eliot, Dante and C. S. Lewis. He argues that through the genre of myth Tolkien is able to provide a sophisticated -- and appealing -- social and ethical worldview. (cited from A libris) Did anyone see the Wall Street Journal article, or are you familiar with this book? I can't find it in my local bookstores and, before shelling out money, would like to hear if anyone's read this, and their comments. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.