The fantasy writing of Tolkien was Catholic! Well, not so fast ...

St. Paul wrote to St. Timothy: “Know also this, that, in the last days, shall come dangerous times. […] I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by His coming, and His kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fles. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober” (2Tim 3:1f).

I would like to begin this conference with a little apology. In the first place, I am sorry that what I am presenting today on fantasy literature, myths, and Gnosticism is so late in coming. It seems to me most of this information should have been made known much sooner… and at more authoritative levels.

Second, what I am presenting may not be easy for some to hear. Many, many good and well-intentioned Catholics love the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis… so much so, this subject has become a sort of sacred cow. Sad to say, as a result, many of these well-intentioned Catholics are more prepared to defend these modern literary works than they are the Sacred Scriptures or the dogmas of the Church. Such a reaction is always a sign that something is not quite right.  (more...)

The fantasy writing of Tolkien was Catholic! Well, not so fast ...