The atrocity of the Akallabêth

[Thenamir]

May I be so bold as to suggest that the reason that this thread is generating so much more heat than light is that that there are those, myself included, who consciously or subconsciously see some of the comments being made here as a veiled accusation against the character of the God in which they believe. Conversely, I think it possible, and please forgive me if I am misinterpreting, that those who choose not to believe as I and others here do see the same kind of accusations made against them for not believing.

Now I am not trying to turn this thread away from Tolkien discussion and into theological debate, far from it. But this is the syllogism I see being hashed and rehashed here:

• Major premise: Tolkien intended his portrayal of Eru to be like the Christian God
• Minor Premise: Eru is either cruel or capricious (because of the destruction of Numenor)
• Conclusion: The Christian God is either cruel or capricious (because of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah)

Now any student of logic can see the fallicies in this syllogism, but that's not really the point. The point is that neither side of the debate likes seeing their ox being gored, even if its under the veil of discussing ostensibly Tolkien-related topics. Thus, passions are roused that don't really make for enlightening and good-natured debate.

Anyone who's been around this forum for awhile knows exactly where I stand. And I have counter-arguments on the side I have chosen that I have not seen posted here. But I will not post them, because no matter how passionate I am about my beliefs (and I am, let me assure you), I don't believe that this is the space in which to do so. Whoever wants to carry on with me on this topic can do so in PMs, e-mails, or chat.

the issue that I see as far more interesting is whether, and if so how, those of us who feel uncomfortable with Eru's actions here can reconcile that with our appreciation of the overall work.

I second Saucy's motion here, well said.