[Scott]

Thanks for the replies so far, but I already knew about most of the stuff you guys mentioned. I knew that the Numenoriens worshipped Iluvatar as well as the men of earlier ages. I'm wondering more about the men of the third age and whether or not with the passing of the last of the Eldar into the Grey Havens ME would also lose the history and theologies of Eru and the Valar.

Thanks Bill, I had forgotten about that part in The Two Towers. I had always interpreted it more as a lament for fallen Numenor. The highlighted bold part does make your point though.

The method to my madness in asking this question was to ponder further the question of whether or not Tolkien intended to insinuate the idea that with time things and ideas such as religion (the original or true religion?) had and would continue to fade away out of the hearts of men. Maybe never to be truly regained after the path goes astray?