Good post, Evenstar1, and welcome to the Downs. Post lots and enjoy yourself. (Been wanting to do that, thank you for the opportunity) I agree with you, at least in the case of Frodo, I felt his bachelorhood was an early indication of his tendencies to a spiritual path. On the other hand, I just felt Bilbo was a crusty old bachelor, set in his ways. Tolkien had a maiden aunt who went on mountain climbing adventures, even took him on one. She could have been a model for Bilbo. (Letters, #232)
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I always like shrewd sound-heared maiden aunts. Blessed are those who have them or meet them. ... I was fortunate in having an early example: one of the first women to take a science degree. She is now ninety, but only a few years ago went botanizing in Switzerland. It was in her company (with a mixed party of about the same size as the company in the Hobbit) that I journeyed on foot with a heavy pack through much of Switzerland, and over many high passes. .. we were nearly destroyed by boulders loosened in the sun rolling down a snow-slope. ... That and the 'thunder-battle' - a bad night in which we lost our way and slept in a cattle-shed - appear in The Hobbit.
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As to Frodo, however, I don't see him so much as a priest, more of a 'monk,' 'hermit,' ultimately 'pilgrim.' It took me a while to figure this out, because my own heritage is Episcopalian Protestant, so most of my experience of spiritual guides is of pastors, etc. -- similar to priests. There's not that much of a monastic tradition with us now (not that I know of, anyway). However, with other faiths, including but not limited to Tolkien's Catholicism, (Buddhists and Hindus leap to mind, for two big examples) there's more of a strong 'monastic' tradition, involving communal living by a rule, poverty and a lack of investment in personal possessions, contemplative activity, spiritual teaching and seeking, and celibacy. (I'm basing this description on the Medieval Catholic model I learned in History-- corrections welcome)
I find the monastic tradition more applicable to Frodo's type of spiritual seeking, and not just because Tolkien was Catholic. Frodo does not return to the Shire and take up a position as leader and spiritual guide-- he never does anything to which 'guiding a parish' would be applicable.
The monastic seeker ultimately journeys toward the truth alone, or in company with guides, disciples, and friends. He does not, however, take responsibility for a whole community in whatever spiritual state they happen to be as they pursue ordinary life. Any friends, disciples he/she reaches or teaches move on with him/her or leave him/her to pursue an 'ordinary' life. Those who leave may follow later, as Sam follows Frodo.
[ May 11, 2002: Message edited by: Nar ]