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Cazoz · 02-06-2003, 09:54 PM

Sorry, you're right. I didn't think I was insulting anybody, but if I did inadvertently I apologise.

One thing I might ask is that for the benefit of the non-orthodox Christians among us, the Christian folk include some sort of acknowledgement that their opinion is an opinion. It's petty, but seeing "Jesus died for our sins." offends me. Seeing "In my belief/I believe that Jesus died for our sins." is absolutely fine and dandy.

I can't explain it, but the certainty and assertion behind it implies that others are plain wrong, as opposed to simply having another view. Saying it with such conviction (although conviction is good, it sometimes seems OTT to the point of having a dig at others) sometimes it makes me feel condescended and scorned. Sorry, I know it sounds weird. But if I was all "When Jesus, that mythological character..." I would expect to offend somebody and be chided for it. It's unfair to pretend we truly know when in fact we only will when we die, or possibly never at all. Ok, back to LoTR, I'm rambling!

Whilst allegory is out, there is obvious symbolism within Tolkien's works, and even moreso if you are willing to find it. And the best thing is that because of the breadth of topics and issues to be found within the book, everybody can relate to it! It does have to be said, however, that the man's belief system and worldview will filter through into his work. It's natural and especially the Sil shows this. Whilst not a Bible per se, you can see blatant parallels between the Prof's own faith and the monotheistic ethos he's created in his work. Of course there are more simplistic parallels, like Frodo and Jesus or Gollum dying for mankind and its sins, or whatever. There are hundreds. But it's like looking into an ecosystem within a world. ME was around for many ages before the War of the Ring, and so to gain a more concise view and therefore more complex, interesting symbolisms, it's best to become acquainted with the Sil and look at the worlds from a macro perspective. Southern ME at the end of the TA, whilst very important is an incredibly micro view. Phew, my fingers hurt. [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img]

[ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Cazoz ]

02-06-2003, 09:54 PM	#25
Cazoz Haunting Spirit Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, UK Posts: 71	Sorry, you're right. I didn't think I was insulting anybody, but if I did inadvertently I apologise. One thing I might ask is that for the benefit of the non-orthodox Christians among us, the Christian folk include some sort of acknowledgement that their opinion is an opinion. It's petty, but seeing "Jesus died for our sins." offends me. Seeing "In my belief/I believe that Jesus died for our sins." is absolutely fine and dandy. I can't explain it, but the certainty and assertion behind it implies that others are plain wrong, as opposed to simply having another view. Saying it with such conviction (although conviction is good, it sometimes seems OTT to the point of having a dig at others) sometimes it makes me feel condescended and scorned. Sorry, I know it sounds weird. But if I was all "When Jesus, that mythological character..." I would expect to offend somebody and be chided for it. It's unfair to pretend we truly know when in fact we only will when we die, or possibly never at all. Ok, back to LoTR, I'm rambling! Whilst allegory is out, there is obvious symbolism within Tolkien's works, and even moreso if you are willing to find it. And the best thing is that because of the breadth of topics and issues to be found within the book, everybody can relate to it! It does have to be said, however, that the man's belief system and worldview will filter through into his work. It's natural and especially the Sil shows this. Whilst not a Bible per se, you can see blatant parallels between the Prof's own faith and the monotheistic ethos he's created in his work. Of course there are more simplistic parallels, like Frodo and Jesus or Gollum dying for mankind and its sins, or whatever. There are hundreds. But it's like looking into an ecosystem within a world. ME was around for many ages before the War of the Ring, and so to gain a more concise view and therefore more complex, interesting symbolisms, it's best to become acquainted with the Sil and look at the worlds from a macro perspective. Southern ME at the end of the TA, whilst very important is an incredibly micro view. Phew, my fingers hurt. [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] [ February 06, 2003: Message edited by: Cazoz ]