October 3, 2002

I'm Just Getting in Deeper...
Brett C.

This post was actually typed up after my one titled 'Not peace, but a sword', so you should read it first.

Christian Hobbit, I've gone bzck and tried to go over your posts and Peter D's. Apologies in advance if I misinterpret any of your points.

Are you arguing the premise of non-Christian's being wretched sinners. I am a Christian, and I thought all humanity fell into that category? I know I am contantly in need of saving [even without this darn ring of Annatar's]. If God did what he did in the time from Joshua to David...well, that was a pretty big stretch of time, and even then in the region around Israel there were still other religions. The Egyptians continued their polytheistic doctrine long after the ten plagues and the Exodus. For that matter the Isralites turned back to 'idol worship' after only 40 days near Mount Sinai. In the Education system I am a part of in OZ we call this top down change, mandated by the powers that be and never really successful or lasting. The really sweeping changes are bottom up changes, starting at the grass roots. I think God understands this and so we have Jesus, sent to be one of us and speak to our hearts, not our fears. Regardless of how some people may interpret the writings of Paul, you cannot really speak to someones heart if you appear to be trying to rip it out.

Christ figures in LOTR. I can't see any, except in as much as anyone who does something nice is revealing Christ in themselves. Gandalf is a steward, not a saviour. And Aragorn, compared with Gandalf in TTT is described as tall and proud, but outshone by the White Rider who posseses a power beyond the strength of kings. Frodo is just a very nice guy in the end, who wants to save his friends. In that he is like Jesus, but then so is anyone who shows self sacrifice.

[Now to slip on that nifty little ring and disappear back to my own little happy world, where the Extended DVD already on my shelf and everyone agrees Balrogs have no wings...bliss.]