Of another world

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by davem

Where I have a problem is with your apparent contention that Bilbo's display of compassion in regard to Gollum is a sign of Christian inspired revision

That is why I said that taken by itself, it is not enough.

Originally Posted by davem

or that the new 'depth' in later drafts is either.

You misunderstood me.

Originally Posted by me

it is logical to say that this new deepening is NOT "consciously Christian in the revision", but what Tolkien saw it to be: a more serious and adult story than The Hobbit had been.

Originally Posted by davem

But these seem the most 'blatant' examples.

I intend to bring forth the consciously Christian subtext.

Originally Posted by davem

Focus on self-sacrifice, compassion, humility, mercy, are hardly uniquely 'Christian'. Elbereth could well be an 'image' of the Virgin Mary, but she could also be an 'image' of Isis or Don.

However, Tolkien was not a follower of Isis or Don; he was Christian. I'm basing my research on his contention that his Christian understanding of reality pervades the subtext of LotR.