Ilúvatar and Melkor

[inglorion]

However, in my reading, Iluvatar's statements to Melkor after the end of the Music always seemed to have a tone of rebuke as if Melkor had erred.

It wasn´t rebuke as I see it, rather a comment on the greatness of his own design. By saying 'And thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined.' he clearly points out his untouchability and the untouchability of his designs. So it was not a negative remark to Melkor but rather a positive remark to himself.

Also, Melkor setting himself up as a supreme god in spite of Iluvatar does not strike me as being particularly obedient. I don't think that Iluvatar intended anyone to have pretentions of supplanting him.

Is it illegal to be wishing to be like your father? Is it not completely normal for Melkor to have ambitions? However, the way in which he tried to realize this was conflicting with general interest, that is the well-being of the other children of Illuvatar. Melkor could not create his own children and therefore added some touches to the ones of his father. See it as a course in 'Creative creating for non-creators'.
The other Valar saw this and did not approve. And why not? Was it against the designs of Illuvatar? No, Melkor actually was contributing to that in his own unique way. Then why did the Valar cast him out? To show their subjects, the children, that they are not completely and totally idle, that after a few thousand years of watching the suffering - how far does their moral responsibility reach anyway? - they decided to save the Age?

Lush - Who exactly is Jesus in your view of Middle-Earth?

Greetings, gildor