June 20, 2002

Christianity is Full of Myths
Red Horn

First let me say that this article is based on my beliefs. On this issue of Christianity influencing
Tolkiens works, many of us are over looking one fact (my belief of fact). Christianity just like
Greek mythology, Hinduism, Aztec beliefs and most other world religions is full of myths. People
tend to think that just because they practice a certain religion, thateverything their religion says
is fact. However if you research the stories and myths of other cultures from around the world, you
will see that most religions tell a story of a huge flood like in NOAH's ARK. Or they tell how all humans
came from one man and one woman, like in ADAM and EVE.
I think the reason Christianity influenced Tolkien's writings is because he was trying to create a new
mythology for England. We all know that he borrowed from Beowulf (which in some way is a sort of
David and Goliath). So if Tolkien were borrowing from these myths, then why couldn't he borrow from
Christianity? After all he was just trying to convey certain themes and morals, just like the stories of the
Bible do.
So I don't see how anyone could say that LOTR is just a copy of Christianity, when Christianity itself
(when broken down) is just like any other religion. It's stories are just like any other myths. So if you say that
LOTR is modeled after the Christianity, then why not say it was modelled after Islam?
I hope I didn't offend anyone. If you wan't to find out more about world religions and their similarities with
each other, then I recomend reading Joseph Cambell's "Hero With A Thousand Faces".
Oh yeah my real name is Rick Burns and I live in New York City. I love long walks on the beach and... LOL, Bye!