Peter Kreeft: Christian Themes in 'Lord of the Rings' - Biola University Chapel

Summary

This video explores the Christian themes embedded in J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings*, highlighting how the presence of God and divine providence shape the narrative. The speaker argues that the most important character in the story is God, although He remains unnamed, and explains how characters like Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn serve as Christ figures. The video emphasizes virtues like faith, hope, and love, which are central to the plot, asserting that love ultimately triumphs over evil. It reflects on how Tolkien’s Christian worldview subtly influences the story's moral and spiritual depth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Lord of the Rings is deeply Christian, with themes of divine providence, sacrifice, and good vs. evil woven throughout the narrative.
• 😀 There is no overt religion in Middle-earth, yet God's presence is subtly felt, much like how a fish is unaware of the ocean around it.
• 😀 Sauron, as the main antagonist, represents the sin of playing God, seeking power through the One Ring, which symbolizes pride and rebellion.
• 😀 Divine providence is a key theme—nothing in the story happens by chance. Everything, including bad events, serves a greater purpose.
• 😀 The story emphasizes the virtues of faith, hope, and love. These are the foundational qualities that connect characters to each other and to God.
• 😀 Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn are Christ-like figures, embodying the roles of prophet, priest, and king respectively.
• 😀 The Fellowship's strength lies in its unity, fellowship, and mutual trust—echoing the Christian call to love and support one another.
• 😀 Hope is a driving force in the story, distinct from mere optimism. It is the belief that, even in dark times, there is a greater purpose at play.
• 😀 Gollum, despite being a corrupted character, unwittingly plays a crucial role in the destruction of the Ring, showcasing divine providence at work.
• 😀 The triumph of good in the story is not through wisdom or power but through the power of love, which transcends evil and is the ultimate victory.
• 😀 Tolkien’s *The Lord of the Rings* is not only a tale of good versus evil but also a profound meditation on the nature of heroism, sacrifice, and divine intervention.

Q & A

What is the primary Christian theme in The Lord of the Rings, and how does it manifest?

The primary Christian theme in The Lord of the Rings is the presence of God and divine providence. This theme is subtle but pervasive, with God being the most important character in the story, even though He is never explicitly mentioned. The narrative reflects the Christian belief that everything happens for a reason, and that divine power is behind the events, guiding them towards a greater good.

Why does the script suggest that Sauron represents the concept of 'playing God'?

Sauron represents 'playing God' because he seeks to wield the Ring's power to control and dominate, essentially trying to become the ultimate authority in Middle-earth. This is considered evil in the Christian worldview because only God has the rightful power to rule, and anyone else attempting to do so is engaging in rebellion and idolatry.

What role does Gollum play in the destruction of the Ring?

Gollum, despite being corrupted and almost beyond redemption, ultimately completes the task of destroying the Ring. His actions are crucial, but the true strategy behind the destruction is attributed to divine providence rather than Gollum's own will. This highlights the Christian belief that God's plan often works through unlikely and imperfect means.

How does Tolkien subtly convey the presence of God in Middle-earth?

Tolkien conveys the presence of God in Middle-earth through the idea of invisible or anonymous magic. Just as a fish doesn't notice the ocean, the pervasive influence of divine power is so natural and ubiquitous in Middle-earth that characters don’t explicitly acknowledge it, yet it shapes everything that happens.

What is the significance of the 'three Christ figures' in the story?

The three Christ figures—Gandalf (the prophet), Frodo (the priest), and Aragorn (the king)—represent different aspects of Christ’s role in Christian theology. Gandalf offers wisdom, Frodo sacrifices himself for the greater good, and Aragorn embodies the role of a leader and savior. Together, they reflect the Christian understanding of Christ’s multifaceted nature.

How does the script contrast the concept of 'chance' in pagan thought versus Christian thought?

In pagan thought, events are often believed to occur by chance or fate, even influencing the gods themselves. Christianity, however, rejects chance as a guiding principle, asserting that everything happens according to God’s will. This idea is reflected in The Lord of the Rings, where seemingly random events, like the Ring coming to Frodo, are actually part of a greater divine plan.

Why is the theme of 'fellowship' so central to the story?

Fellowship, or friendship, is central because it symbolizes trust, loyalty, and mutual support, which are essential in the fight against evil. The script emphasizes that the fellowship among the characters, especially during times of difficulty, is more powerful than wisdom or power alone. This aligns with Christian principles of faith, love, and mutual sacrifice.

What does the script mean by 'love' as the most important virtue in The Lord of the Rings?

Love, according to the script, is not simply a feeling but a conscious choice to give oneself for the greater good. It’s a self-sacrificial love that reflects the Christian understanding of Christ’s love for humanity. In The Lord of the Rings, love is the driving force behind the characters' actions, particularly in their willingness to die for each other and for the salvation of Middle-earth.

What is the relationship between 'faith,' 'hope,' and 'love' in The Lord of the Rings?

Faith, hope, and love are the three foundational virtues in The Lord of the Rings. Faith represents trust and personal relationship, hope is faith directed at the future, and love is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. These virtues are embodied by the characters as they navigate their journey, with love being the most powerful and transformative force in the story.

Why is Frodo’s decision to claim the Ring for himself at Mount Doom significant?

Frodo’s decision to claim the Ring for himself represents a moment of moral failure and a shift towards corruption, echoing the theme of pride and the temptation to 'play God.' This moment is pivotal in the story because it highlights the fragility of human nature and the ultimate need for divine intervention to achieve the greater good.