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If you have read Tolkien's classic The Lord of the Rings, you know of its incredible ability to draw us into its story, into the battle between right and wrong, good and evil. And you have likely been inspired by the portrayal of various characters and their heroic actions. Mark Eddy Smith is a reader who has been dramatically impacted by Tolkien and Tolkien's characters. Smith reminds us just how good Tolkien's heroes really were, as he looks at Tolkien's insightful portrayal of 30 biblical virtues.
Though The Lord of the Rings is, indeed, myth, it is a myth truer to life than the reality many people live in. Tolkien's characters are filled with heroic, even godly, virtues like simplicity, generosity, friendship, hospitality, and faith. Smith highlights passages of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion which portray these virtues and many others. More a lesson on applicability than an allegory, Tolkien's portrayals are the best kind of sermon, the kind that tells a story.
Smith has been captivated by Tolkien's ability to tell a true and good story, and he shares that captivation as he looks at memorable characters like Frodo Baggins, Sam Gamgee, Aragorn, and Faramir, explaining why they are so memorable. They are memorable because they are virtuous, living out goodness, simplicity, love, trust, and trustworthiness as they undertake their quest. We have much to learn from the heroes of The Lord of the Rings, and they can point us toward those truths about character and virtue found in the Bible. Smith reminds us that Tolkien was indeed shaped by his Christian faith, and his books are ample evidence of that. Let yourself be swept away by the laudable and virtuous behavior of true heroes.
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 132
Vendor: Inter-varsity Press
Publication Date: 2002
| Dimensions: 8.25 X 5.50 (inches)
ISBN: 0830823123
ISBN-13: 9780830823123
Availability: In Stock
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Smith, a graphic designer at InterVarsity Press, is clearly an avid fan of
J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale The Lord of the Rings. His emotional attachment to
the book is unfortunately not coupled with the skill needed for the kind of
thematic analysis he undertakes. Each chapter explores a different virtue,
such as friendship, sacrifice or humility. However, several of the topics,
such as resurrection or providence, cannot be appropriately categorized as
"virtues." Within each chapter, Smith's thoughts meander and sometimes even
contradict. "Wise generals lead from the rear," he notes, but he counsels on
the very same page that "the proper position of leadership is in front,
partaking fully in the dangers of the lowliest of soldiers." Smith's chapter
about the virtue of justice is actually entirely about mercy. Many Tolkien
fans will disagree with much of Smith's interpretation, particularly the
assertion that Gandalf clearly dies and is resurrected, or that Gollum and
Sam are very similar characters. Christian readers will also be disappointed
at the paucity of theological thought; Scripture references are rare and often
appear to be tacked on as afterthoughts. Also puzzling are the indications
that Smith believes the story to reflect some actual past time somehow
"revealed" to Tolkien. Although it contains some original ideas, especially in
the chapter on community, this book lacks depth and clarity of expression.
(Feb.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Average Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars(3.5 out of 5 stars)
4 of 4 Reviews Showing: 0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Susan Simon (Albion, IN), June 05, 2009 Ordinary virtues is indeed what you get not Biblical. Things like loyalty etc. are explored but I was hoping for more direct Bible references or overall concepts and was disappointed. Many books have goodness, loyalty, honesty etc. as underlying themes. I was hoping to finally answer my questions about the direct corelation that LOTR and the Bible might have. Did not find it here. 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Lynnmarie Couvillon (Hixson, TN), May 14, 2009 I already knew that The Lord of the Rings had many Christian connotations, but I never thought of them in the light that Mark Eddy Smith tells. It was totally awesome. I believe Mr. Smith not only understands The Lord of the Rings, but also the Lord Jesus Christ very well. A must read for all who appreciate Tolkien. 5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mary Mccurdy (Tilton, IL), March 27, 2009 Neat book to help see the underlying themes in The Lord of the Rings. Very helpful if you are doing a unit study on the book. 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Brad Zinnecker (Georgetown, MA), February 10, 2003 Good work for character building based on character development!!!
This book follows along with the storyline of the Lord of the Rings and is helpful in pointing out both + and - virtues within characters and/or their development of those characteristics. It might be esp. helpful to those who want to teach the books in a scholastic setting, including home schooling, so that children can see virtue in action. I would recommend it also for the person who simply wants to enjoy the epic more and see some of the thematic elements he/she might be missing. Write a review of Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues: Exploring the Spiritual Themes of The Lord of the Rings
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