“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…” Professor J.R.R. Tolkien scribbled these words unexpectedly on a blank page in a term paper he was grading during the early 1930s. He had no idea where the words came from or where they would lead, but he was determined to find out. He spent the next few years drawing…
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A reflective journey through Middle-earth during Lent
It’s Lent, the forty days before Easter when many people fast, give alms, and reflect on who they are in the sight of God and others. Often during Lent, I will watch the extended editions of the three Lord of the Rings films, for they give me another opportunity to visit Middle-earth and to explore the lives and motivations of the main…
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The world is changing, but God’s Word is constant and sure
Changes are everywhere. The New Year approaches. Soon we will change our calendars to 2009. Historic changes are underway in Washington, DC as Barack Obama prepares for his inauguration as the 44th President of the United States. Changes in jobs, retirement funds and consumer confidence levels happen daily across America as unemployment rises. How do we deal with changes in…
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Celluloid characters embody real life values
Based upon the Gospel in Matthew 5:1-12a The journeys continue in the new year, looking for Light in all the right places: the quiet corners of prayer, next Sunday’s readings, and the faces of our children. Yet inspiration is also found onscreen in celluloid characters who embody the values we long for, search for, try to emulate. Fictional or factual,…
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In My Daughter’s Eyes
Strolling into the auditorium after the bell, my daughter’s friends and classmates slowly took their seats. Getting out of regular class for a video presentation was a rare event and they were going to savor every minute. “Your dad is going to talk about The Lord of the Rings films?” they asked Kristin. “Yes” she told them, silently praying that…
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Aragorn’s long, hard journey a lesson for all
Frodo offers the Ring to Aragorn and asks, “Would you destroy it?” As Aragorn considers the gift, the Ring calls out to him. “Aragorn. Elessar.” He kneels down and closes Frodo’s hand around the Ring. It is time to let the Ringbearer go. – Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition) 2:43 Blessed is the man…
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Gollum & Smeagol: The struggle in us all
Sam believes Gollum shouldn’t be trusted. “There’s naught left in him but lies and deceit.” “I want to help him Sam,” says Frodo, “because I have to believe he could come back.” – The Two Towers 1:28 You shall love your neighbor as yourself. – Leviticus 19:18 There are many obvious examples of good and evil in The Lord of…
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Frodo’s choice is a model for Christian life
Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people…they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth. – The Fellowship of the Ring 1:2 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. – Matthew 5:8 There are moments in life when you must take action, even if they are beyond what is comfortable and routine. You may be…
