Christianity Commons^™

Tolkien's Joyful Sorrow, The "Gift Of Tears" Of Medieval Mysticism, And John Donne's Sermon "Jesus Wept", Giovanni Carmine Costabile

Journal of Tolkien Research

At the field of Cormallen, the emotion of joy felt by the victorious Hobbits is so great that Sam wonders whether everything sad will come untrue. At the same time, their joy is so great that it is described as "poignant as grief". Dimitra Fimi in 2017 pointed out Tolkien's probable indebtedness to Christian Orthodox tradition of "charmolype", or joyful sorrow. Another relevant parallel of the intermingling of joy and sorrow is the eleventh century Norman monk and abbot John of Fécamp's notion of the "Gift of Tears" (Gratia lacrymarum) from God, which brings true happiness. …

“Pride And Despair”: Denethor’S Struggles Against His Self-Woven Death, Ali Mirzabayati

Journal of Tolkien Research

This paper examines Denethor, Steward of Gondor, as a central figure illustrating the interplay of pride, fear, and mortality in The Lord of the Rings. It analyzes how his Númenórean heritage, grief over the loss of his sons, and obsession with control shape his decisions, leading to passivity, mistrust, and self-destruction. Drawing on Northern literary traditions, including the Danes’ prayers to the Gastbona in Beowulf and Boethian reflections on pride and despair, the study situates Denethor’s downfall within a broader cultural and philosophical context. By exploring how his fear of death undermines judgment and heroic potential, the paper highlights …

Beowulf And Théoden: Differing Teaching Methods Of Hrothgar And Gandalf, Ali Mirzabayati

Journal of Tolkien Research

Most studies on the character of Théoden in The Lord of the Rings center on Germanic heroic themes like courage and oath-keeping, often emphasizing his renewal by Gandalf at Meduseld and his death at the Battle of Pelennor Fields. This perspective overlooks Théoden's growth in wisdom and hope between these events. During this period, Théoden learns about the various forces in Middle-earth and contemplates his role in the broader world, leading to a profound sense of humility. Building on Tolkien's inspiration from Beowulf, this paper compares Théoden and Beowulf to explore their learning processes and heroic outcomes. This comparison …

The Only Thriller J.R.R. Tolkien (Never) Wrote: Jungian Shapes Of Evil In “The New Shadow”, Martin Hauberg-Lund Laugesen, Bo Kampmann Walther

Journal of Tolkien Research

J.R.R. Tolkien's The New Shadow, a fragment set in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, offers a rich but often overlooked exploration of the psychological and cultural implications of peace following the defeat of Sauron. Although Tolkien abandoned the project, dismissing it as a mere “thriller”, the text presents significant insights into the dynamics of generational conflict, the origins of Evil, and the moral challenges of a post-heroic world. This paper examines The New Shadow through a dual lens: first, by contextualizing Tolkien’s depiction of good and evil within Christian ethical frameworks, and second, by applying Carl Gustav Jung’s psychological …

Resonances Of Universalism In Tolkien's Legendarium, Nick Polk

Journal of Tolkien Research

Presented at the inaugural Holy Moot, a survey of a collection of passages from Tolkien's writings that demonstrate having the resonances of patristic universalism is conducted. It is then argued that all Tolkien’s writings be investigated separately in their context, comparing the location of each item under investigation with one another, and explore their connections without syncretizing them into a monolithic construct. To do this, it is argued that a hermeneutical theory rooted in the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead is necessary. Concluding is a connecting of Whitehead's understanding of the expression of language with Tolkien’s own understanding of expression …

A Response To Claudio Testi On Tolkien And Aquinas, Seth Kreeger

Journal of Tolkien Research

A response to Claudio Testi on creation and providence in Tolkien and Aquinas.

The Cosmic Catastrophe Of History: Patristic Angelology And Augustinian Theology Of History In Tolkien's "Long Defeat", Edmund M. Lazzari

Journal of Tolkien Research

Much of the poignancy of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary universe comes from its atmosphere of tragedy. The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings take place in a universe where noble and heroic actions are most often small candles lit against the inexorable march of evil. This backdrop of tragedy, which Galadriel names "the long defeat," is certainly influenced by Tolkien's views of Germanic mythologies, but it also draws much from the medieval notions of evil in Patristic Angelology and St. Augustine's theology of human history. These twin understandings of evil ultimately lead to one conclusion in Tolkien: the need for …

"Saint Galadriel?: J.R.R. Tolkien As The Hagiographer Of Middle-Earth", Jane Beal Phd

Journal of Tolkien Research

Abstract: Galadriel is perceived in different, sometimes contradictory ways both within the world of Middle-earth and the world of Tolkien scholarship. In some ways, she is a liminal figure, on the threshold between Middle-earth and Valinor, and between secular and sacred influences from the primary world Tolkien actually lived in. One neglected context that may help readers to understand Tolkien’s characterization of Galadriel is the medieval cult of the saints.

The cult of the saints provides specific practices and beliefs that shaped how Tolkien consciously characterized Galadriel as saint-like, especially in terms of her beauty, holiness, and power. Her saintliness …

Notes: Dedication: Our Unseen Guests, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Lenten Meditation: The Farewell Of The Cross, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Lenten Meditation: The Finality Of The Cross, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Lenten Meditation: The Memory Of The Cross, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Lenten Meditation: The Way Of The Cross, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

In Remembrance Of Me, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Abiding Presence, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Living Presence, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Sermon On Christian Higher Education: Proverbs 8:11, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Shall We Organize?, N.D., O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Luke 23:33, N.D, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Mark 7:33-34, 1921 - 1926, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Acts 4, 13, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Matthew 27:22, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Christ Family: Matthew 12:46-50, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Christian Race: Hebrews 12:1-2a, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Story Of Zacchaeus: Luke 19:1-10, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

The Unsearchable Riches Of Christ: Ephesians 3:8, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Exodus 14:15, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Exodus 14:15 Copy 2, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Haggai 2:6-7, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.

Isaiah 26:1-2, 1927 - 1930, O.P. Kretzmann

O.P. Kretzmann Collection

No abstract provided.