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Title: Finding God in the Lord of the Rings by Jim Ware, Richard Ferrone, Kurt D. Bruner ISBN: 1-58926-301-4 Publisher: Oasis Audio Pub. Date: November, 2003 Format: Audio Cassette Volumes: 2 List Price(USD): $24.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.1 (49 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Only Scratches the Surface
Comment: The authors make a valiant effort here to bring some of their own respect for Tolkien's work into the light of Scriptural themes. What I expected to be an in-depth look at "The Lord of the Rings" turns out to be more like a daily devotional, with short chapters that sum up Biblical ideas as seen in Tolkien's work. The idea is laudable; the execution only scratches the surface.
First, let's make it clear that Tolkien never intended his works to be allegorical--most fans know this already. On the other hand, he said that "In 'The Lord of the Rings' the conflict is not basically about 'freedom', though that is naturally involved. It is about God, and His sole right to divine honour." (The Letters of JRR Tolkien, pg. 243) It is impossible to read Tolkien without taking into account the context of his faith. For that reason, "Finding God in the Lord of the Rings" is a book that many have waited for. While it may satisfy the thirst of some, it will only whet the appetite for others. Overall, I recommend what the authors have done here. They write clearly and with great affection for Tolkien's writing; they speak plainly of Godly characteristics throughout this fantasy epic; they do not, however, plunge headlong into the deeper waters that I hoped to explore.
I'll enjoy this book as a coffee-table piece, one to be thumbed through for daily thoughts and encouragements. For more insight to Tolkien's meanings, I'll turn back to his own letters.
Rating: 4
Summary: Inpiring & no allegory
Comment: This book is inspirational. I, a Christian having reread Tolkien's books many times, have succumbed to the chief temptation: Using allegory, I have tried to harness the reason for The Lord of the Rings' inspirational power. I could tell you at length how Frodo, Aragorn, and Gandalf each fit archetypes found in Christ. Tolkien, having written a large essay on the nature of fairy tales, clearly stated that his books are not allegories. Accordingly, this book does not force allegorical interpretation onto its readers.
However, it does assume Tolkien's statement, "God is the Lord, of angels, and of men - and of elves." Each chapter starts with a quote from Tolkien and ends with a reflection, a principle found both in the Bible and in The Lord of the Rings. I have intuitively held these principles during my life, but this book has helped me to realize them (art imitating life). They are the impetus behind my ongoing desire to reread Tolkien. I also was able to observe differences between archetypes and allegory. The book's chief principle stems from Kurt Bruner's other book The Divine Drama. It seems to me that we have a tendency to get caught up in our own 'smaller' soap-opera stories, but Bruner emphasizes our place as characters in a larger, epic drama on the scale of Paradise Lost or The Silmarillion.
If you, while reading, feel that the authors have imposed their views onto Tolkien's writing, then skip ahead to the Epilogue. It explains why they wrote this particular book. I recommend this book even to those outside the Christian faith because it will help you realize powerful, archetypal aspects of story (and maybe find God too, though that's your personal decision). Besides, you should have no trouble reading this book in two hours.
Rating: 1
Summary: The book is something that was inevitable
Comment: Ideas, such as the ones expressed in this book, inevitably followed great works of art throughout the history of mankind.
It is ridiculous to connect the tale, history, or any of the characters with religion. Numerous people who blindly believe in everything they are told always try to connect such things to their beliefs. It is stupid, shortsighted and narrow-minded to express such thought. J.R.R. Tolkien said himself in foreword of the book: "As for any inner meaning or 'message', it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical. ... I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence."
The least people can do is respect authors wishes.
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Title: Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues : Exploring the Spiritual Themes of the Lord of the Rings by Mark Eddy Smith ISBN: 0830823123 Publisher: Intervarsity Press Pub. Date: February, 2002 List Price(USD): $11.00 |
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Title: The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth by Ralph C. Wood ISBN: 0664226108 Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press Pub. Date: October, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
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Title: Walking With Frodo: A Devotional Journey Through the Lord of the Rings by Sarah Arthur ISBN: 0842385541 Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Pub. Date: November, 2003 List Price(USD): $9.99 |
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Title: J. R. R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-Earth by Bradley J. Birzer, Joseph Pearce ISBN: 1882926846 Publisher: ISI Books Pub. Date: November, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in the Lord of the Rings by Matthew T. Dickerson ISBN: 1587430851 Publisher: Brazos Press Pub. Date: October, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.99 |
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