Is the Lord of the Rings a Christian Story? (With Tolkien Scholar Dr. Steve Fratt)

Get LuLu the Beaver by Bethany Gano at luluthebeaver.com
I'm asking Tolkien scholar, Dr. Steve Fratt about the Christian themes in Tolkien's Middle Earth world.
Thanks to Jeff Foote (jefffoote.band...) for making the music that played in the background and thanks to Dylan Holden (@dylanholdenart on Instagram) for the original Gandalf art used in the thumbnail.

[@3ggshe11s]

Tolkien has said as much about his writings: "Lord of the Rings is a fundamentally religious and Catholic work."

[@davidturner1641]

True Which proves it isnt biblical

[@tryingnottobeasmartass757]

@@davidturner1641, define biblical, please.

[@augustvonmacksen2526]

@@tryingnottobeasmartass757 Get ready for some of the worst arguments you'll ever hear from that clown.

[@planbuildrepeat8264]

@The Sight of Sound he did always say that he "has a cordial distaste for allegory"

[@anthonymaggio1530]

@@planbuildrepeat8264 He did however become a Christian before writing the books. As a result his world view and values as a Christian still shine through his writings. It's because he wrote the story from his heart.

[@TheRedhairshanx]

Honestly one of the most beautiful things I've seen, seeing an older man tear up because he feels like he's achieved what God put him on this earth for, I hope to experience that one day.

[@fuferito]

Shire atmosphere; Shire music; Shire story. It's the _10 minute Shire hour._

[@lilipsalm8656]

THIS xd

[@MrRickkramer]

Shire-like music, Howard Shore can’t be beat.

[@CatholicZola]

WE STAN

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

I'm not crying you're crying.

[@CatholicZola]

I am crying very bigly

[@mariannafanta9413]

Please tell Dr. Steve that his words just made an enormous impact in me. I'll definitely watch this video again and again to process all the treasures he exposed. Moreover, I freaking admire his passion so much. Minutes 14:00-15:00 almost got me crying. Thank you!

[@junelledembroski9183]

Same

[@Farly98]

I have just read your comment to Dr. Steve!

[@mortensimonsen1645]

After my wife left me 2 years ago, after 25 years of good marriage, I felt like Gandalf facing the Balrog and falling into the abyss. No one knows what happens down there - it's just you and the Monster, but life can be just like that some times. A shout-out to all who experience a crisis which shatters your life, don't give up - but seek the Lord, he can give you strength to defeat the Balrog (which is yourself in some sense, but also something demonic). Ultimately Gandalf rose victoriously, only no longer grey, but white. I pray that God will let me be immersed in the mercy and forgiveness of Him, so I too can become white. Is it too optimistic? I think not! A crisis will burn away everything, so things will become clear. I have converted to Catholicism and I have a glimmer of hope. Of unity in the Holy Trinity!

[@ChildofGod98765]

Jesus is my rock he is merciful, love, and compassionate. Us Christians aspire to be like him. Please pray for me. I lost my job over not wanting the vaccine, I have lupus and I struggle with so many aches and pains I’m on a ton of meds already, on top of all of that I have stents in my heart I can not get vaccinated, because of my stents, my job didn’t care and fired me anyway. Feeling so hopeless. I don’t know how I’m going to make it. I’m a single mother I can’t even feed my children! I’m so ashamed. But even though I’m going through all of this, I still have faith in Jesus! ❤️

[@pfontaine23]

You've asked for prayers and I know that many here will gladly include you amongst our prayers. I'll certainly keep you, and the crisis you find yourself in, as part of my prayers. I hope you find some comfort in that even though you have a lot of challenges ahead. Lots of love to you and please keep up hope.

[@RonJohn63]

"my job didn’t care and fired me anyway". That's illegal; you can/should sue. "Feeling so hopeless." If God existed and cared for you, he'd... care for you. But *God does not exist;* you have only yourself and family/friends.

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

I also lost my job and plac in my community over it. And so I'm drawn ever closer to Christ. I'm praying for you sister..

[@papahajek5383]

Praying for God's will in your situation and for your children. He would not desire your heart to be hardened as were the hearts of your employers.

[@bloodspatteredguitar]

You have my prayers for your unjust struggles. God bless.

[@ricksamericana749]

Was "The Lord Of The Rings" based on Christian themes, values, and theology? J.R.R Tolkien and his pal C.S. Lewis sure thought so.

[@raymondmartin318]

Obvious to Brits! CS Lewis was an Anglican and after his chats with his friend the Roman Catholic Tolkien he wrote his Narnia and Tolkien wrote his Ring tales. Christian? Der...I think so ...impossible to appreciate the stories without some knowledge of who wrote the tales and why.

[@ricksamericana749]

@@raymondmartin318 I thought Tolkien was a nonbeliever before his friendship with Lewis.

[@collin6691]

@@ricksamericana749 Other way around

[@saintsm]

@@ricksamericana749 Tolkein was a traditional catholic and resisted liturgical changes brought out by 2nd vatican council

[@pfontaine23]

@@ricksamericana749 Yes, CS Lewis was the non-believer before his friendship with Tolkien and others at Oxford. Tolkien was a devout Catholic and they would discuss matters of faith and God until Lewis saw the value of the belief and embraced it wholeheartedly. Many of his books on Christian apologetics talk about his conversion to some degree.

[@ghost21501]

As an artist, this was beautiful to hear. Art is how I connect with my creator. I can't imagine living a life where one does not create.

[@franciscociddasilva3934]

“The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and CATHOLIC work,” Tolkien

[@tempstep4058]

The Lord of the Rings is not Christian. It is gnostic and filled with freemason imagery. It's full of wizardry, sorcery and magic. Stick to the Bible, people. You'll be safe.

[@joezar33]

You make that sound like a bad thing, the man definitely believed in Christ , that important part .

[@johnmurray5573]

​@@joezar33only in America where they worship the KJV, bibliolatry

[@JessieTrainorLVegas]

@@johnmurray5573 Who told you we worship the KJV? noone in Christian history ever said they worship the KJV.

[@johnmurray5573]

@@JessieTrainorLVegas what does the phrase "not biblical" mean?

[@iankint7079]

No way, this is awesome. I was there when you made this video! I actually go to Trinity now and was taking Dr. Fratt's history of Middle Earth class at this time. This is awesome and I love to see it!

[@Rouverius]

Look, I'm just going to say it: Sam was the hero of LOTR. He was also a ringbearer and knew its power. But still was there at the bitter edge of Mount Doom; encouraging Frodo to do what needed to be done. Personally, I've been blessed to know dear Godly brothers who remind me of Samwise Gamgee. Selfless, courageous, morally strong, with a heart of gold… I pray I could be more like that.

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

Sam was the ring bearer bearer.

[@Janderra]

Totally agree...

[@deejay1040]

@@dimesonhiseyes9134 Thats too much of a stretch dude. I love the idea but your gonna have to extrapolate ,exactly, what you mean by "Sam was the ring bearer bearer." ...please.

[@Qenton]

Sam was a Ring-bearer, all be it only for a little while, and because of that, he would not die but also not gain more life, just like Bilbo, Frodo, and Gollum. It is said he went into the west like Frodo and Bilbo after his wife died.

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

@@deejay1040 he carried the ring bearer. That makes him the ring bearer bearer. He not only bore the ring but also the bearer.

[@lukewatne380]

Wow, thank you for such an interesting interview! Definitely a great follow-up to the most recent NDQ episode. :D I really appreciate what Dr. Fratt had to say about Eowyn. She sought to make an impact on the war; to have a meaningful life. I had never thought of her that way. Great video, Matt!

[@darrendemis7878]

This is incredible Matt. Really appreciate videos like these that connect the pieces between the spiritual and the heart. Keep at it brother!

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks friend! Good to hear from you man.

[@tylergraham7352]

I’m in tears. I remember reading LOTR for the first time as a boy and being overwhelmed. I wanted to be able to fight for something good and something beautiful! It inspired me to start writing and making home movies to tell my own stories. I would spend hours imagining up my own worlds. So it was amazing to hear Tolkien hoped his work would inspire creativity in others. But then when the professor opened up about his anxieties as to if he has lived a life with meaning… that’s when I lost it. I’m 31. I’m a pastor. I wonder that same thing all the time. I’m not taking down an evil empire as I imagined as a boy. Life is complicated and tricky. But I just want to do good and be a light. I relate to Bilbo who desires great adventure… but also is held back by the comfort of home. Yikes this is all over the place and I’m a wreck right now. Matt just hit me dead center in the things that are important to me and move me with this one.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

I sure appreciate and resonate with this comment friend. I'm glad you want to do great and redemptive things - I feel that with you - but no matter how much I do, it never feels like enough. I'm jealous of the clarity of Sam and Frodo's question, and I need to be reminded often that my life has already been declared meaningful because even in my mess, I'm an object of redemption by the power of God and in that my flawed life points to the truest, realest thing of all.

[@M4th3www]

Tolkien was a practicing Catholic, so all of his stories have a Christian background

[@M4th3www]

@@dimitrescucrncevic9746 are you serious?

[@DavidLarson100]

@@dimitrescucrncevic9746 Yeah, Christianity was invented in the 16th century by a German guy with a hammer. Everyone knows that.

[@captaincole4511]

@@dimitrescucrncevic9746 well . . . I wouldn't say that . . . but I do agree that catholics have it all wrong, yet they still do believe in Jesus and they still read most of the bible and understand most core principles of the word. They messed it up a lot tho

[@Mavors1099]

@@captaincole4511 Everything in your cult comes from Catholicism... If they got it wrong, you got it wrong.

[@captaincole4511]

@@Mavors1099 wrong on every level. Have you ever been to an evangelical church?

[@TyroneBeiron]

Dr Fratt was candid and moving especially his question about 'meaningful' lives and that remark of appreciation of being interviewed. I hope he receives the validation that our lives lived in meek virtue (like them hobbits) and heroism like the people of Rohan, are such because of 'perseverance' or the grace of endurance. So in his comment about being faced with difficulties, as a result of the disorder introduced by Melkor into creation, the true grace of Illuvatar which surpassed those of the Ainu and the Valar, is that of 'endurance'. Thanks Mark, for this post, and Dr Fratt. 🥃🥃 May he know that his words did matter, and not just to Mark but the rest of us, too.

[@Snakefish2]

Listened to The Hobbit on audiobook, (Andy Serkis's narration was awesome!) and I really appreciated you and Destin's conversation on NDQ. I am currently listening to the Silmarillion- it's not an easy listen, but I picked up on a lot of Tolkien's symbolism and much of what Dr. Fratt pointed out. While his stories are not overtly Christian (compared to Lewis's Narnia series), you can definitely see the influences of his faith come out in his storytelling. Keep it up Matt!

[@logancarpenter3532]

It's very Roman Catholic in its themes

[@BillWalkerWarren]

Tolkien was a awesome writer. I loved his books . One of the cool things I discovered about him was he had a minor role in translating the Jerusalem Bible isn’t that cool . As for what I want to be in a Tolkien world it’s a hobbit give me a nice cozy hobbit hole with a good book . One word awesome! Blessings

[@IsWhWr]

Great video Matt thanks for taking the time to put it in front of us and let us in on a great conversation.

[@brendaboykin3281]

Thank you, Brothers in Christ. 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@whiteknob7944]

Tolkien kept me in touch with a higher power even when I didn’t know what it was. Now the stories are even better.

[@timsmith9503]

I would love more content like this! Religious themes in LOTR, Narnia, Avatar TLA, Star Wars, Ect.

[@marmeemarch7080]

And Harry Potter. And works by some of the other Inklings. And Jane Austen. And . . .

[@tempstep4058]

The Lord of the Rings is not Christian. It is gnostic and filled with freemason imagery. It's full of wizardry, sorcery and magic. Stick to the Bible, people. You'll be safe.

[@joezar33]

Well Tolkien & Lewis both believed in Christ . Avatar ? And the others may not have a christain theme ..? Star Wars has more of a Gnostic theme with the Jedi Vs Sith .. Harry Potter not going too lie I no zero about those books, when the movies came out , I thought HP movies were trying too compete with Peter Jackson LOTR .

[@davidcheater4239]

I got LOTR for my 13th birthday and reread it each year until I turned 50. A wonderful story of hope against corruption.

[@aquapointbeshoy2736]

I thought the title was going to say “with Tolkien scholar Dr. Matt Fradd” 😆

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

No, but my next video is with him.

[@aquapointbeshoy2736]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH cool! Looking forward for it

[@pfontaine23]

@@MattWhitmanTMBH Ooohhh....you should talk to Professor Peter Kreeft! He's written many books on Christian apologetics and is a well known Tolkien/Lewis scholar as well! I've seen a few recent interviews where his personal politics enter the conversation but he's definitely an interesting Tolkien scholar.

[@codyfrohmader3741]

I have long had similar thoughts, but could have never said it so well. Fantasy stories are not normally my type, but I constantly muse at how Tolkien's works have impacted my life and faith so deeply. Dr. Fratt really knows his Tolkien. Keep up the awesome videos.

[@SueHerr]

I didn't expect to cry when I clicked this! Haha. Alot of what Dr. Fratt said about how the characters struggle throughout the trilogy and how they persist with hope and faith affirmed what I also gleaned from LOTR. Beautiful words towards the end about having a meaningful life. Thank you for this interview. God bless!

[@ninpodarren]

"Some believe that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I've found. I found it is the small things. Everyday deeds by ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay" I've always liked this quote from Gandalf/Tolkien

[@PrinceofArfon]

It’s nice, but it’s from the Hobbit movies, not Tolkien.

[@ninpodarren]

@@PrinceofArfon Haven't read the books for a few years now. Guess it's hard to remember what's movie and what's book lol

[@Laurelin70]

@@ninpodarren Actually, the movie's is a paraphrase of a quote from Elrond about Frodo:"Such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." mixed with excerpts from Tolkien's letter n. 131, where he tried to explain the themes of his works and their different "tones": " as the earliest Tales are seen through Elvish eyes, as it were, this last great Tale, coming down from myth and legend to the earth, is seen mainly though the eyes of Hobbits: it thus becomes in fact anthropocentric. But through Hobbits, not Men so-called, because the last Tale is to exemplify most clearly a recurrent theme: the place in 'world polities' of the unforeseen and unforeseeable acts of will, and deeds of virtue of the apparently small, ungreat, forgotten in the places of the Wise and Great (good as well as evil)."

[@ninpodarren]

@@Laurelin70 Thank you for your reply, I really enjoyed that.

[@useyournous]

Wonderful conversation gentlemen, thank you for sharing.

[@davidalves1745]

I wish this video was 18 hours long instead of 18 min. I would watch this for days no problem. Astonishingly beautiful.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

I had the pleasure of sitting through hours and hours of class time with Dr Fratt, and it was indeed well worth it.

[@daveconrad6562]

This was just so beautiful, everything and everyone leading up to this moment, its just so beautiful, thank you for lightening my time

[@djswint]

One thing that LOTR helped me with, was understanding that there was more to the word fellowship than a chicken casserole (although I wouldn't put it past the Hobbits to bring one of those to the fellowship). :)

[@doublethebenjamin8185]

I almost started crying when Dr. Fratt was near tears. I rewatched the Return of the KInf a couple of weeks ago and bawled intensely at least 3 times. My wife and I are separated right now. When Theoden dies and he says that he is going to the hall of his father's, in whose presence the knows no shame, I lost it. I couldn't hold anything back. Stories are the medium of life-giving words.

[@ripper12322]

This actually hit quite hard and especially in today's time where there is so much unsurety it gives hope to keep fighting the good fight! Let Christ abide in you! Amen!

[@mickyfrazer786]

The true life and love that appears apart from the discussion at 14.44 was amazing, unexpected and beautiful. That we may all be so lucky to witness similar confirmation of our purpose in this life. BTW my favourite carachter has always been Samwise. Not the wisest, strongest or fairest. But undoubtedly the truest.

[@benjaminlquinlan8702]

I didn't expect to cry to much at this but... Yeah... Im this man but at 28... If I could be like him and teach Christianity through Tolkien then.. That would be a life worth living. Godbless that man and this channel.

[@yokobono3324]

I could listen to this man speak for hours.

[@johnallen6254]

I will point everyone to “Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth”,a short story about a elven lord and a human woman discussing the fate of mortal men. After discussing the broken, mortal, sinful nature of humanity, the woman mentions an Old Hope amongst men of old that Eru, God, would come down into the world Himself and heal the brokenness Himself. The Incarnation in Middle earth, just saying!

[@j.g.4942]

To be more precise, the eastern Mediterranean (middle earth in Latin)

[@JainaSoloB312]

Loved this! Especially the part about Galadriel, she had to have done a lot of introspection and soul-searching to temper her desire for the Ring over the 3 Ages. I didn't know that the Witch King's death was part of what gave Sam hope, that's wonderful. Éowyn is so underrated! I loved his take on Éowyn wanting to be significant, rather than specifically wanting to be a glorious soldier like Boromir. Personally my favourite characters are Gandalf and Faramir, for their empathy, wisdom, and mercy. We must all strive to exemplify those qualities, for they are also the qualities of Jesus: Love, and Truth. I think perhaps the most important Christian theme in LotR is that of pity for seemingly undeserving beings. It was that pity Bilbo showed Gollum all those years ago that ultimately destroyed Sauron. Gandalf demonstrated pity to Saruman, Théoden to Grima, and Faramir even to the slain Haradrim soldier whom he and his men had just felled. Redemption is rare in Tolkien's world because the wicked rarely choose the better path, but it's so important that the heroes consistently offer that redemption nonetheless.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

That’s why an extra eagle was sent: just in case Gollum converted.

[@joezar33]

Eck , in 2023 poor Galadriel was Butcher by Amazon.. ooh well those series were so bad a true Tolkien fan wouldn't consider them canon to Tolkien lore .

[@JonStallings]

Great video Matt. As I have gotten older I enjoy good stories more. Hope we might get a chance to hear more from Dr. Fratt in the future

[@chrissullivan1673]

Very cool Matt. I really enjoyed it. I'm consuming a fair bit on this topic at the moment. I'm a creative (music and sound design), and have the privilege to work on a storytelling project with a Christian friend who is making a Christian diesel punk, sci-fi fantasy film short. It's about a warrior serving out of duty his whole life, and finally coming to true saving faith on his last big mission. We often bring up and discuss Tolkein, Lewis, and other storytellers like them. My friend hopes to make different kinds of Christian films, and I've been really inspired to be part of it with him. I wrote the music for the teaser trailer, am involved in promotion and marketing, and will work with another composer and sound designer on the film, as well as an end credits song. So it's got me psyched up to really get into this whole thing. New paths of creativity are developing for me! I'm glad to share some info on this if you want to know more about it. Your video was timely, for sure. I think storytelling, metaphor, and other forms of communication in the arts are due for a bit of a renaissance in the Christian world. It's good to see others taking an interest in the works of the past. There's so much richness out there to explore. We can only hope to produce works half as good as some of them!

[@AnnaH-qt9nl]

Keep us updated on your production!

[@mspringer44]

I'm reading the Silmarillion and am blown away by it. So much so that it led me on a journey to find this video. I'm blown away by this interview and so grateful to have spent the time watching it. I'll be digging more deeply into the Christian symbolism in Middle Earth. Thanks for fabulous video!

[@anthonyhulse1248]

It’s a fundamentally Catholic story. There are only a few specific dates in the books. March 25th being one: it’s the Feast of the Annunciation- when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. It’s nine months before Christmas and it’s also the traditional date of the crucifixion.

[@anthonyhulse1248]

And what is the Lembas bread but a foretaste of the Eucharist

[@2555Edu]

that little inner circle of Tolkien/Lewis (inklings) and Chesterton/Belloc before them were a blessing to the literary world

[@marcusking4365]

Awesome Video, I was really caught up in ya'lls discussion of Christian themes in Tolkien. I wish there was more! Thank you for sharing this!

[@jayramsey7424]

A LOTR discussion series from you would be the ultimate mashup

[@beejayca]

That was a lovely interview and hit the right spot at the right time. Thanks to both of you!...😉

[@breannawilliamson9787]

This video is so nerdy and I love it. ❤️ Sam is so precious and wonderful!

[@craigaxle1096]

Very inspiring interview. Thanks

[@sonnybrown4758]

As time moves on, I see how the Hobbits are the ones we should aspire to.

[@Ramius117]

Alllllllmost full blown cry. Definitely a few tears and a runny nose from me. Wasn't expecting that. Thank you friend. What a beautiful life we've been given.

[@CatholicWithaBiblePodcast]

The Silmarillion is my JAM!

[@pkmcnett5649]

Now on my Christmas list. Had not heard if it 'til tonight.

[@happyguy5165]

God bless this man, what a wise and inspirational man of the Lord

[@MrSoundofmusic]

Man! That was an AWESOME interview! His heart and passion for the Lord was so uplifting! I would love to hear more from Dr. Fratt.

[@The_OG_MP]

Would love to see more of Dr. Fratt.

[@tripp9821]

It was so great watching this after hearing Matt and Destin talk about the Hobbit on the No Dumb Questions podcast. The Hobbit was my favorite book growing up and I really enjoyed listening to this discussion with Dr Steve Fratt . Thank you.

[@mauthful]

What a blessing to see and hear how story breaks through and hits deaper than you expect. Thank you for sharing this interview.

[@john_critchley]

This chap was very interesting. I'd love to hear much more what he has to say about Tolkien; and Tolkiens's (changing) disposition to Lewis, and his "bang them over the head with Christianity" of the Narnia books. I'll be looking into the podcast "Amon Sul" recommended by Matthew.

[@Dogheadedchris]

Amon Sul is phenomenal

[@brandonluker3660]

I love Narnia, but I can understand why not everyone can get into it. That said if you think Narnia is too obvious with its Christian themes, check out (another story I love) The Pilgrim's Progress.

[@marmeemarch7080]

Curiously, in Lewis' lifetime, very few readers saw the Christian themes in it. Katherine Lindskoog was one, and she wrote a thesis paper which she turned into a book in 1954. Then she got the chance to correspond with and meet with Lewis.

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

Although the Lord of the Rings is not an allegory, it does contain many Christian themes. "I suppose all my stuff, both this new story and the earlier mythology from which it derives, is mainly concerned with the Fall, with mortality and with the machine. The Fall is an inevitable subject in any story about people, mortality in that the consciousness of it affects anyone who has created desires that are left unsatisfied by plain biological life, any artist must desire great longevity, and by the machine, I mean the use of all external plans or devices instead of the development of inner powers and talents, or even the use of those talents with the corruptive motive of dominating the world and coercing other wills." -J.R.R. Tolkien.

[@grossepointemichigan]

Excellent, although Dr. Fratt misspoke when he said Galadriel gave her passage to the Blessed Realm to Frodo. It was Arwen who did.

[@Minifutzi_o.O]

Also the way Tolkien portrays Aragorn, basically the perfect knight. And the codex from the knights are also based on christian values. Especially protecting the weak, sacrifice (for Frodo at the end), loyalty (to Arwen and his friends), courage and forgiveness (e.g. King of the Dead and towards Boromir when he dies). One could say these values are the opposite of toxic masculinity.

[@jasonpratt5126]

While it messes around quite a bit with canonical lore (primarily in regard to the Ringwraiths), Warner Bros' "Shadow of Middle-Earth" game duology does do a decent job exploring Tolkien's themes of the corrosive danger of using the Enemy's power to fight him. What happens when someone takes the power of the One Ring to try to use it for good?... well...... (the short version is that the story fills in the gap between the Hobbit and LotR in why Sauron didn't launch his war out of Mordor earlier.)

[@benstapleton5319]

14:36 had me tearing up, just like most of the Lord of the Rings!

[@LzBy1]

I want to take Dr. Steve Fratt out to dinner. This is the conversation/explanation I have been pontificating for years. It's nice to see someone else that appreciates the intersection of Tolkien mythology and Christian beliefs.

[@d_dave7200]

Love everything about this :) The Lord of the Rings has been an extremely important book in my life. It's not the best thing to admit, but it's had as much impact on me as the Bible honestly. My wife and I plan to build our own Hobbit hole one day. I feel the same way about the importance of story; there's a reason certain stories resonate, including the ones in the Bible. There's a reason that Jesus' story (real or not) has power. There's a reason that Jesus taught through parables. Tolkien inspired me to create my own stories, and I believe that it's a moral process in itself. God created us because there was moral value in it. So when we create, we're reflecting what God did for us.

[@sn0t532]

Awesome and very insightful vid, thanks matt

[@michaelreed649]

Great interview! The subject had me because i loved Tolkien long before i knew Christ. But the way the professor opened up was fantastic.

[@bennetterfield5720]

Considering that Tolkien was in many ways not a fan of allegory, it is best argued that his Christian beliefs are infused naturally into the story, yet he had no intention of writing Christian literature

[@tryingnottobeasmartass757]

He had every intention of writing Christian literature, he had no intention of writing Christian allegory.

[@isaiahxp9185]

What a sweet man.

[@DanAbsalonson]

This was excellent. I’ve been listening through The Silmarillion audiobook while also listening to The Prancing Pony podcast which has episodes for each chapter. Great stuff, but to hear it all from a zoomed out perspective like this was awesome. Hearing how it relates to Christian theology is of course awesome too. Thanks for sharing.

[@jererocha23]

Such a great video. inspiring me to read through all the books again (and have a 12 hour extended edition movie marathon)

[@gigib2479]

The Simarillion is by far my favorite J.R.R. Tolkien book because it's so relative to the creation.

[@angelique9527]

This was absolutely beautiful-thank you so much for this gift! I love the Lord of the Rings and hearing Dr. Fratt discuss its Christian virtues and themes just made me appreciate and love both it and Tolkien even more. Might we see more videos like this in the future on Christian stories and the lessons we can learn from them? =D

[@saneerjohn4804]

God bless you Amen ❤️🔥👍

[@AllThingsTheology]

I’m most of the way through the Fellowship of the Ring - the Christian aspects aren’t super obvious so I’m looking forward to watching this!

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

@@jonathansoko1085 sure you just go ahead and do that then.

[@dimesonhiseyes9134]

Tolkien didn't want to write allegory so much of Christian themes only really become apparent as the story progresses and some of it looking back. Kinda like magic in LOTR it's soft and subtle but it's there and as the story flows along you really start to feel it.

[@Laurelin70]

@@jonathansoko1085 It's much evident that you never read this book, right?

[@ScotsThinker]

@@jonathansoko1085 I can understand staying away from the books in part of the magic as Sorcery is strictly forbidden in scripture. However, Tolkien cleverly created subversions in his LORE as he presented Gandalf, Radagast and Saruman as Angels known as 'Maiar'. Yes, their are Pagan themes in there yet Tolkien practised something almost in the same degree of what the Apostle Paul did in Acts 17. Tolkien acknowledged that all myths and legends contain fragments of truth that ultimately point to Christ as the ultimate authority. in his talk with C.S Lewis, he described Christianity as the 'True Myth' in the sense of mythologies being an account of how all things are made and function. Of course, this story may not be perfect but this franchise has managed to speak to nonbelievers in special ways about the Gospel. Stories like Lord of the Rings are a global phenomenon that bring people together. From there, we discuss how Good ultimately overcomes evil and how we ought to abide with Hope instead of Greed.

[@robbinsnest6163]

This was a treat!

[@M1cha3lP]

Great video. Next-level stuff.

[@Tasman_Tea]

Great video! Just couldn't quite catch what Matt said at 2:50: "This is like the Platonic notion of the ....... and the ........ giving form to the ideals. Could anyone help with this?

[@OatPancake]

The good thing about the whole story, is that we’re all flawed. No matter how good we think we are, we all eventually have the possibility of being consumed by evil.

[@lauras6762]

Great video! I’m going to reread Lord of the Rings now.

[@godzilloid]

Tolkien was a Catholic Apologetic. When CS Lewis met him, Lewis was an atheist. Eventually Tolkien brought him into the flock. We would not have Narnia without him. Also, in the Perelanda books, there are both Jesus and Merlin. Interesting read.

[@TheWarriorLP16]

I'm on a pilgrimage in Taizé (France) right now and we literally discussed the question today, if the death of Gandalf is comparable to resurrection😂😂

[@MichaelJahosky]

I’ve written a whole book on this subject in case you’re interested! The Good News of the Return of the King: The Gospel in Middle Earth. I’d enjoy speaking with you about this!

[@awlabrador]

The answer to whether LOTR is a Christian story should be a very obvious Yes, but if that's not enough, then J.R.R. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, said so himself in a letter to Robert Murray, a friend and a Jesuit priest: "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision." (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Middle-earth). Those of us steeped in the Catholic Catechism see the signs obviously enough, but they're easily accessible to any Christian to one degree or another. I think the Christian allegory in Narnia is a lot more obvious, though.

[@jonathonfrazier6622]

It is Christian in many ways and in others not so much. The morality aspect as well as the metaphysics certainly are. Tolkien also loved the old myths of Northern Europe that also make their mark. Like the priestly writer of Beowulf, he illustrates that one can be a Christian without throwing away the beautiful aspects of our old heritage. Dont throw out the baby with the bathwater.

[@hypnaudiostream3574]

I have been leery of power. Especially when not wielded for the Lord. It’s a beautiful feeling. God have mercy on us all. ❤

[@nickobergshow]

Reading lotr for the first time, so amazing! Love the movies of course!

[@fuferito]

As a Canadian, I'm curious to learn about _Lulu the Beaver._

[@kaleb_of_gondor]

Fantastic book named Tolkien’s Ordinary Virtues: Exploring the Spiritual Themes of the Lord of the Rings by Mark Eddy Smith is a fantastic book that touches on this idea.

[@lkulenkamp]

Wow. I wish I could sit and listen to him for a couple of hours. His passion for God and the works of Tolkien blesses me. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@michaeltyniec7010]

Any student who has Dr. Fratt as a professor is lucky indeed! A man who lives and personifies the Christian life and wants it for others - humbling and encouraging!

[@AndrewC4]

Another great resource on this topic is Michael Jahosky’s “The Good News of the Return of the King”...it’s really great. He was interviewed on The Naked Bible podcast (ep.351)

[@ClydeFrog1234]

Wonderful video...I was touched by him saying that you are proof of the meaning in his life. I thank God for him because he helped shape your life, which in turn has shaped mine. God bless!

[@rockandsandapologetics7254]

Years and years ago I created a Bible Study based on the characaters and character groups of the Lord of the Rings. It's especially written for teens. Some times I'll find someone interested in The Lord of the Rings and I'll ask them, "How many death and resurrection sequences can you list?" Most all will mention Frodo at Weathertop and Gandolf in the Mines of Moria, but they usually skip Aragorn going through the paths of the dead so he can reclaim his kingship. The tapestry of this story is rich, and you must pay attention to tie it into Biblical values. If you do you'll be blessed.

[@jake_a_g]

I saw this video and thought, how funny im re reading the hobbit right now! And then I realized I'm doing that because of the podcast he just released... derp

[@sonnybrown4758]

Powerful. I love this. Thank you.

[@florian8599]

I recently found out: The Fellowship leaves Rivendell on the equivalent of December 25, Christmas Day. The One Ring falls into the volcano on the equivalent of March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, and traditionally the date of Jesus' death. If the timeline of the narrative is aligned like that... You betcha the books will be full of Christian themes.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

IMO The Silmarillian has THE BEST analogy(?) of the Creation Story in Genesis.

[@rakess]

It would be great to hear him talk about jk rowlings work as well.