[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by lmp

Had I intended to imply that only the Few can perceive it, I would have said that more specifically, and I would have been wrong.

OK, I shall rephrase the implication which may be validly drawn from your words:

... namely that only those of us who see and understand that which is called by the "Few" the "Truth" but which may be called other things by other people can properly appreciate LotR.

And what's with the Capitalisation of the "Few"?

Dang! This tangent has the capacity to tie me up for weeks. I knew that I should have let it pass ...

Originally Posted by davem

What we feel is nothing but personal opinion & I don't see what we gain in terms of our knowledge of Tolkien's creation by stating our personal beliefs.

Originally Posted by Roa_Aoife

So, as far as this discussion is concerned, it doesn't really matter what you think about God.

But surely it is valid for readers to discuss amongst themselves the applicability to each of them of Tolkien's portrayal of Eru, if they wish to do so. Seeking to determine authorial intention is all very well and a perfectly laudable pursuit, the validity of which I do not dispute. But, if others prefer to explore the applicability of the story to their own lives, and thereby possibly gain greater understanding of themselves and fellow contributors, is that not equally valid?