Finding God in the Lord of the Rings - Hardcover

Bruner, Kurt; Ware, Jim

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0842355715 ISBN 13: 9780842355711

Publisher: SaltRiver, 2001

Synopsis

Recently named the number-one piece of twentieth century literature, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is more than a great story. It's a much-needed reminder that, like J. R. R. Tolkien's hobbits, we Christians are all on an epic quest. In examining the Christian themes in the trilogy, authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware find that truth and fiction are not as far apart as they seem. And that although Tolkien never intended for these books to present the gospel, when read in the light of Scripture they offer a rich tapestry of redemption, values, and faith against all odds from which we may learn much.

About this title

Review:

There's more to Middle-earth than meets the eye, argue Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware in Finding God in The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien, a devout Christian, helped bring C.S. Lewis into the faith and met weekly with Lewis and Charles Williams at an Oxford pub for heated religious and literary discussions that informed The Lord of the Rings. Although Bruner and Ware avoid any simplistic claim that Tolkien's saga is "a covert allegory of the Gospel," the authors assert that the books have evangelistic power because they "can open the heart's back door when the front door is locked." Twenty-one short chapters describe various scenes and themes from Tolkien's work in order to illustrate truths of Christian life. For instance, Frodo and Sam's awareness that their adventures are part of a larger story "reflects the Christian understanding of providence, that we are all part of a story being written by the creator of all that is." Finding God successfully clarifies the ways that Tolkien's Christian worldview influenced the creation of his fantasy world, while respecting the artistic integrity of his achievement. --Michael Joseph Gross

From the Back Cover:

Over 200,000 Sold!

Discover Timeless Truths among the Hobbits

It's been named the most popular book of the twentieth century, but J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is more than just a great story of adventure and triumph.

In this book of reflections on Tolkien's trilogy, you'll discover deep connections between Earth and Middle-earth-and inspirational truths pointing to God's work in the world. You'll gain insights into the powerful faith that fueled Tolkien's imagination.

Let yourself be newly inspired by a tale of hope, redemption, and faith against all odds. And feel your own faith grow as you contemplate your role in another story-the greatest story of all.

"God is the lord, of angels, and of men-and of elves."--J. R. R. Tolkien

About this edition

• Publisher: SaltRiver
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0842355715
• ISBN 13: 9780842355711
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144