Theology and Tolkien

Reviews / Votes

The depth and subtlety of many of the essays in this book tilt the balance to the influential. * Choice * The two-volume Theology and Tolkien joined the ranks of deeply rigorous, beautifully crafted scholarly collections ... Every essay in these two volumes is meticulously crafted, and together they showcase the depth of Tolkien's legacy as a theological and literary treasure trove-one that continues to inspire new generations of scholars to play in his universe in ways similar to cinematographers and gamers. * Christian Century * By grace and good fortune, I've been reading J.R.R. Tolkien since 1977 (age 10 for me), and I was first introduced to the great man by reading and re-reading incessantly the opening chapter to The Silmarillion, a gift given to my oldest brother in September of that year. To this day, I cannot read the first three chapters of Genesis without thinking of the Ainulindale. Despite decades of meditation on this, I have found a multitude of new and fresh insights on Tolkien's thought in this extraordinary new collection, Theology and Tolkien, expertly edited by Douglas Estes. A variety of brilliant voices here-from Austin Freeman to Lisa Coutras to Donald Williams, among twelve others-speak clearly and persuasively about Tolkien's deep and abiding Catholic faith as well as his inspired and providential admiration for many pagan mythologies. A huge bravo to Tolkien and Estes! -- Bradley J. Birzer, Hillsdale College Douglas Estes has done commendable work in assembling this substantial and useful volume, which takes an appropriately nuanced approach to exploring theological ideas in Tolkien's work. The contributors draw helpfully not just from The Lord of the Rings but also from Tolkien's larger legendarium, and gain insights from placing his writings in dialogue with various theological approaches. -- Holly Ordway, Houston Christian University, author of <i>Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography</i> Each of the fine essays in this collection both reflects and refracts the divine light so many have encountered through Tolkien's mythos. A must for any theologically minded Tolkien reader! -- Joel Scandrett, Trinity Anglican Seminary