Comments on Bring the Books: Gandalf on Resisting Sin

I agree with all that you've said in this post Ada...

2008-08-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

I agree with all that you've said in this post Adam. Also, I think it should be pointed out that it is rather narrowminded to limit ourselves merely to the gospel and the parables outlined therein and to act as if it is somehow pointless to allow our Christianity to influence the themes of our writing. (Which by the way, is ALL that Tolkien was doing... he was not trying to rewrite the gospel in middle earth terms). Furthermore, there's nothing wrong with using parables, analogies, example, etc.... that don't come directly from scripture. The reason jesus used parables to begin with was to aid in our understanding by appealing to something familiar and relevant. We should do this in our own lives, and I enjoy hearing your take on this particular part of The Fellowship of the Ring because the book is familiar to me and relevant to my life. Temptation is something we all struggle with, and I identify with Frodo's plight and need to be reminded from time to time that being to be tempted is not a sin, but avoiding temptation when possible is still a good thing.

I don't think that Lord of the Rings is the gospel...

2008-07-08T18:34:00.000-05:00

I don't think that Lord of the Rings is the gospel, and I don't even think it is a Christian allegory. I just think that I like the way Gandalf avoided the temptation to possess the ring, altogether.

As far as your question as to "What is the difference between this and creative ways evangelicals seek to convey the gospel?" I assume you mean what I've written, and not simply the quote from the Book itself. If you don't like what I've written, take it or leave it. I don't care if it pleases you. I tend to enjoy reading books of all types - theology, commentary, fiction, non-fiction - and so, I also don't restrict my writings to things merely theological. I find books like this entertaining, and when I see something which I think applies to things larger, I like to say so.

In this case, Gandalf did not leave room to wrestle with temptation, and so like Joseph, he sought to eliminate the temptation altogether. I think that is admirable and noteworthy.

I appreciate your critical comments, and I'll keep them in mind, but if you want straight theology and gospel, read Edwards' sermons or something. This is a blog, and I like video games, books, and movies in addition to the deeper and bigger stuff.

Oh, is that what it means? Try as I might I just h...

2008-07-08T09:08:00.000-05:00

Oh, is that what it means? Try as I might I just have never understood these forms of Christian allegory (guess the double lit. major failed me). I prefer the simpler conveyance of the gospel. Was the gospel really meant to be put into such nuanced form? I mean, it seems like one thing for God to hide Himself in parable, but when men do it I can't help but think it's not only a bad imitation but, worse, serves to obscure that which needs to be made plain so that the original obscurantist may do His mysterious work.

What is the difference between this and creative ways evangelicals seek to convey the gospel? Is this just better because it appeals to those with pechants for stuff with intellectual linings?

Zrim