September 28, 2003

Right On, Chrissy...
Imlar

Well, I'm ready to get shot down on this, but I want to say that I support was Chrissy was saying, at least in part. Before I explain, I should say that this debate is kind of slowly leading away from LOTR and I think it should really be let down...or continued via email, or on another forum. But, yes, I think Chrissy is right in that being a Christian doesn't necessarily mean being Roman Catholic, and being a RC doesn't mean necessarily being a Christian. A Christian in the true sense of the word is someone who can look back to a time in their experience when they went from being lost in their sins to have put their faith and trust on the work of Christ, and on that completed work alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that it is by GRACE that we are saved, through faith AND THAT NOT OF OURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD. Therefore, what "religion" or "denomination" you associate yourself with will not decide whether you are going to heaven or not, nor you good works on earth, but by simply relying on what Christ has done. The bible is full of examples of this...I think this is what Chrissy was referring to...a time in Tolkien's life when he went from believing ABOUT God to trusting IN him for his soul's salvation. I hadn't read about this time in Tolkien's life before, and I would be interested to find out more about it...like C.S. Lewis wrote a book on this special time in his life, but Tolkien never did...I'd like to find out more about that Chrissy? And if anyone wants to email me on it try imlar@hotmail.com... So that's my 2 cents worth, and I think we should try to get back on topic...can't wait for the trailer to come out on Internet! :D

All peace... and now I must wait for the fiery darts of retribution.