December 18, 2002

Re: Both of Piro Hobbits Posts on 12-8
Danny

The reason in my mind that it took them longer to travel a shorter distance is simple. When the fellowship was traveling as a group, they traveled by night for most of the time. Secrecy was a high priority. Obviously it depends where you are in the world, and what time of year it is, but usually traveling only when it is dark enough to hide your movements cuts your usable time considerably. Also, more people traveling and seeking covert paths and means of travel also slows down the rate one would travel.

A closing thought on a different subject. Can we just let the religious issue drop? I am LDS as well, and there are plenty of scriptures that can be exchanged back and forth, and everything we beleive is obtainable through a reasonable interpetation of the Bible. However, not everyone shares our interpetation of scripture so debating with scripture is really debating personal interpetation which is useless. I know where the truth is not because someone convinced me, but because I have felt it undeniably in my heart. In the end scriptural debates only leave both sides determined to say they are right. Words are not the best path to helping someone understand and accept our beleifs. Most often, the best way to be Christian is to turn the other cheek. Christ said nothing in response the false accusations that led to his crucifixion.

My point is, lets let Tolkien's forum be for Tolkien. So my request to all the LDS posters (I personally know several) and to those who share Christian Hobbit's feelings is that if you are determined to debate these issues, do it elsewhere. Rather than continue the debate anywhere, I feel that what would be better for both sides would be more understanding and fewer harsh words.

If anyone wants to discuss more about this with me, you can email me at danny_staten@hotmail.com. Just put something on your subject about tolkien-movie forums so I know it is not junk mail. I AM NOT INTERESTED IN DEBATING, and will not do so, for the reasons I explained in this post, but I do enjoy sharing and learning what others beleive.