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Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography

Name: Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography
Price: 34.95 USD
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Rating: 4.6 (21 reviews)

4.6 of 5 Stars: Catholicism - Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography

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Book Synopsis: Tolkien described The Lord of the Rings as “a fundamentally religious and Catholic work” and declared, “I am a Christian (which can be deduced from my stories).” Yet he insisted his writings were not allegories, and Middle-earth is loved by millions who do not share his religious beliefs. How were his faith and his fiction related? Holly Ordway answers that question biographically, focusing on Tolkien’s spiritual development, a dramatic story that previous accounts of his life have left largely unexplored.

Here we find Tolkien’s faith was hard-won. His Anglican upbringing was overturned when his mother converted to Catholicism. Soon afterwards, she died, leaving Tolkien under the guardianship of a Catholic priest, who forbade him for three years to see his Protestant sweetheart; he eventually married her nonetheless. The Great War, in which most of his close friends were killed, deepened Tolkien’s reliance on his faith, but then, for nearly a decade, he “almost ceased to practise” his religion. Friendship with C.S. Lewis and success with The Hobbit were followed by another war and by turmoil in the Church that sternly tested Tolkien’s commitments.

The challenges and triumphs in his religious life are reflected in his masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, that epic tale of endurance against the odds. As Ordway shows in her expertly researched and richly illustrated study, Tolkien’s faith and Tolkien’s fiction are intimately related, though in subtle and complex ways. This long-overdue spiritual biography gives new insight into his works by shedding fresh light on their author’s deepest-held convictions.

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Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography is a captivating exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's relationship between his faith and his beloved works. From his own words, it is clear that he considered The Lord of the Rings to be a religious and Catholic work, yet his writings were not mere allegories. This book, expertly researched and richly illustrated by Holly Ordway, delves into the spiritual development of Tolkien, revealing the profound connection between his faith and his fiction.

Get ready to uncover the hidden depths of Tolkien's faith journey. Raised in an Anglican household, his world was forever changed when his mother converted to Catholicism. Tragically, she passed away soon after, leaving Tolkien in the care of a Catholic priest who prohibited him from seeing his Protestant sweetheart. Despite the obstacles, Tolkien's love triumphed, and he eventually married her. The Great War, in which he lost many friends, deepened his reliance on his faith. However, there came a time when he almost abandoned his religion, only to have his convictions tested again during another war and a turbulent period in the Church.

It is through these challenges and triumphs that Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, was born. The epic tale of endurance against the odds is a reflection of his spiritual journey. The profound influence of his faith on his writing cannot be understated. In Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography, Ordway skillfully explores the intricate relationship between Tolkien's deeply-held beliefs and the captivating world of Middle-earth.

If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's works or simply curious about the man behind the words, this long-overdue spiritual biography is a must-read. Gain new insights into Tolkien's works by uncovering the driving force behind his storytelling. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on this enlightening journey alongside Tolkien's faith. Experience the magic and meaning of Middle-earth like never before!

Click here to embark on this enlightening journey alongside Tolkien's faith.

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