Why Tolkien Credited The Lord of the Rings as Fundamentally Catholic
Tiborvez, dr. Tolkien's claim that The Lord of the Rings is fundamentally Catholic is not purely an academic claim. It stems from an intrinsic similarity between the classical Christian beliefs and the rich, elaborate mythology that Tolkien created. When examining the themes and characters of the Lord of the Rings, it becomes clear that the Ring cycle is profoundly influenced by Catholic theology and its central tenets.
The Janus Face of Tolkien's Catholic Beliefs
Tolkien was acutely aware of his Catholic faith. In a 1958 letter to a fan, he explicitly stated, 'I am a Christian.' His beliefs were not merely symbolic or superficial; for him, the act of creation was a form of artistic submission to a higher divine will. The concept of a journey towards righteousness, guided by divine Providence, is a critical aspect of Catholic theology. This journey is inherently present in the central quest of The Lord of the Rings and is a testament to Tolkien's profound commitment to his faith.
One key aspect of Tolkien's Catholicism is its moral framework, which dictates how individuals should act in the face of conflict. The characters in The Lord of the Rings are embodiments of this moral framework. For instance, Sam Gamgee, a humble Hobbit, personifies Christian virtues such as perseverance, loyalty, and self-sacrifice. He endures countless trials, displaying unwavering faith and loyalty to Frodo. Conversely, characters like Saruman, Denethor, and Boromir are portrayed as individuals who fall from grace due to their misdeeds. These characters, when tempted by pride, covetousness, or other vices, represent the temptations that Tolkien's Catholic education would have taught him to recognize.
Adversaries and Divine Presumption – Evidently, Tolkien infused his world with the concept of evil as a manifestation of divine opposition. According to Christian theology, the Adversaries, who are explicitly depicted in the form of Morgoth and Sauron, symbolize the embodiment of Satanic forces, seeking to usurp the role of God and tempt others into worshipping them. The pursuit of power and dominance resonates deeply with the Christian narrative of humanity's struggle against temptation and sin. This projection of evil as a direct challenge to the divine order is another layer of Catholic influence.
The Place of the Church in The Lord of the Rings
Another crucial aspect is the role of the Church and its symbolisms within The Lord of the Rings. The figure of the Shire can be seen as a hidden and peaceful community that maintains a simple and virtuous lifestyle, akin to the early Christian communities. The motif of the Temple Mount, specifically the Meneltarma, serves as a central sacred space where characters, notably the King and his people, can commune with the divine. This is a subtle yet profound echo of the Christian temple and its rituals.
Despite his Christian upbringing, Tolkien ultimately believed that the religious dimensions of his work were not merely subtle but deeply ingrained. The Church Times’ literary reviewer highlighted this, writing: 'A deeply though never overtly Christian book with a subtle converting power.' This suggests that for a reader familiar with Christian doctrine, the text itself would evoke a profound sense of faith and spiritual connection.
Evolution of the Narrative and Inadvertent Catholic Influence
According to Tolkien's reflective process, initially, the narrative was an unconsciously religious work. However, during the revision and extensive editing process, he aimed to make the Catholic themes more consciously apparent. Yet, an unintentional consequence of this process was the removal of many explicit references to religion, as evidenced by his statement about removing references to 'anything like' death or resurrection in Middle-earth. This indicates that even as he sought to highlight religious themes, he also recognized the need to make them more implicit and nuanced.
Conclusion
Overall, Tolkien's Catholic beliefs permeate the fabric of The Lord of the Rings. Whether through moral virtues, symbolic adversaries, or hidden sacred spaces, Catholic theology is woven into the very essence of Tolkien's narrative. His explicit statement of faith, combined with the countless chapters and verses that reflect Christian doctrine, supports the claim that The Lord of the Rings is distinctly a fundamentally Catholic work.
Thus, it was not a deliberate choice to write a Christian novel, but a natural result of blending his deep religious convictions with his imaginative world-building. Whether readers interpret these themes consciously or unconsciously, the Catholic elements undoubtedly play a significant role in the enduring appeal and spiritual richness of The Lord of the Rings.