#54 Unlocking the Treasures of Tolkien: A Journey Into Faith & Mythology | Guest: Michael Jahosky

Jul 12, 2023

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In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of J.R.R. Tolkien and his profound impact on literature, Christianity, and the human imagination with our guestMichael Jahosky, author of "The Good News of the Return of the King."
Here's a sneak peek of the questions answered and topics discussed in this thought-provoking episode:

What makes J.R.R. Tolkien an important author?
What is Tolkien trying to accomplish in his writings? What is the connection of his stories to his worldview?
What is Michael Jahosky's favorite Tolkien work, and why?
What work of Tolkien's should a reader start with?
Music plays a huge role in Tolkien's Middle Earth. Is our world affected by heavenly music in a similar way?
Would Tolkien have understood the elements of the Old Testament such as talking snakes and talking donkeys as literally and historically true, given his understanding of Scripture's message as "True Myth?"
Should the topic of "beauty" be dealt with more in Christian circles? Have we neglected aesthetics? What are good sources on that topic?

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did, filled with intriguing insights, scholarly analysis, and profound reflections on the intersection of faith, literature, and the enduring legacy of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Thank you for your continued support of The Think Institute.

Keep Thinking,
Joel Settecase
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Recommended Resources for you:

• The Good News of the Return of the King, by Michael Jahosky: https://wipfandstock.com/9781725263161/the-good-news-of-the-return-of-the-king/

• An article from evolutionnews.org that explains why truth, goodness and beauty are unlikely to have arisen by evolution: https://evolutionnews.org/2019/01/the-transcendental-treasury-of-truth-beauty-and-goodness/

• Bible verses about beauty and God: https://www.openbible.info/topics/beauty_and_god

• Great episode on beauty: The Theology Pugcast episode from June 10, 2023: “The Glory God Is and the Beauty We Make” https://thetheologypugcast.com/index.php/2023/07/10/episode-242-the-glory-god-is-and-the-beauty-we-make/

• “Beauty and the Best,” an article by R. C. Sproul: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/beauty-and-best

Music Credits: Synthwave Intro 10 by TaigaSoundProd Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8736-synthwave-intro-10 License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license