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Parker's Pensées
Ep. 212 - What did J.R.R. Tolkien Believe About God? w/Dr. Austin Freeman
Dec 31, 2022
Dr. Austin Freeman, author of *Tolkien Dogmatics* and theology expert at Houston Christian University, dives deep into J.R.R. Tolkien's complex relationship with faith and myth. He discusses how Tolkien's Catholic beliefs shape his narratives, the portrayal of evil, and the concept of sub-creation in storytelling. Discover how mythology reveals deeper realities and the significance of divine intervention in Tolkien's work. Freeman also explores the theological links between Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, enhancing our understanding of the moral dimensions in their stories.
01:03:56
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Quick takeaways
- Tolkien's writings demonstrate a layman's theologian capacity, engaging deeply with spiritual truths despite lacking formal theological training.
- The book 'Tolkien Dogmatics' explores Tolkien's theology by examining his entire scholarly corpus, providing a comprehensive view of his theological insights.
Deep dives
Exploring Tolkien's Role as a Theologian
Tolkien can be regarded as a theologian in a layman's capacity, given his deliberate contemplation of divine matters. His extensive engagement with theological discussions, particularly with contemporaries such as C.S. Lewis, illustrates how deeply invested he was in understanding spiritual truths. Although he had no formal theological training, his writings reflect a profound grasp of Christian doctrine and its intersection with his literary work. Throughout his correspondence, Tolkien often scrutinized theological positions relevant to his faith, indicating a conscious effort to ground his narratives in a theological context.
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