What happens when you read Tolkien through the lens of the Bible — especially the strange parts about angels, gods, demons, and giants? Could reading Tolkien actually make someone a Christian, or a better one?
In this five-part series, Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick guides you on a fascinating journey into the mythic and theological heart of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. Explore how Tolkien blends biblical truth, ancient pagan myth, and creative imagination to tackle deep questions of sin, redemption, mortality, and evil. From giants and demigods to the fall of Númenor and the enigma of Tom Bombadil, you’ll discover how Tolkien’s imagination ignites where scripture and tradition meet — opening a deeper understanding of both Middle-earth and the Christian faith.
Teacher: Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick, host of “Amon Sûl” and “The Lord of Spirits” podcasts; author of the books Arise O God; An Introduction to God; and Orthodox and Heterodoxy
Required reading prior to class:
– The Hobbit
– The Lord of the Rings
– Selected chapters of The Silmarillion will be assigned for certain sessions
Recommended reading:
– Beowulf (any translation is fine, but Tolkien’s is preferred)
– Tolkien’s essay “Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics”
– Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy-stories”