CHRTC 342
Tolkien: The Theology of Middle Earth
Fall 2023
Topics
- To critically appreciate the artistic vision of JRR Tolkien
- To introduce students to a theological analysis of a major work of 20th century literature
- To critically engage Tolkien’s prose & poetic writings as well as cinematographic renditions of his works
- To explore creative avenues of expression connected to Tolkien’s world
- On-Line participation (30%)
Readings
- Birzer, Bradley J. JRR Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-Earth. ISI Books,
- Caldecott, Stratford. The Power of the Ring: The Spiritual Vision Behind The Lord of the Rings. New York: Crossroad Publication Co., 2005
- Carpenter, Humphrey. JRR Tolkien: A Biography. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2000
- Dickerson, Matthew. Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in The Lord of the Rings. Brazos Press, 2003
- Fischer, Jason. 2011. Tolkien and the Study of His Sources: Critical Essays. McFarland Publishing
- Flieger, Verlyn, Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien’s World, Revised Edition. Kent State University Press, 2002
- Kerry, Paul E., ed. The Ring and the Cross: Christianity and the Lord of the Rings. Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2010
- Kreeft, Peter. The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind The Lord of the Rings. Ignatius Press, 2005
- McIntosh, Jonathan. 2017. The Flame Imperishable: Tolkien, St. Thomas, and the Metaphysics of Faerie. OH: Angelico Press
- Milbank, Alison. 2009. Chesterton and Tolkien as Theologians. Bloomsbury T&T Clark
- Pearce, Joseph. Tolkien, Man and Myth: A Literary Life. Ignatius Press, 1998
- Purtill, Richard L. JRR Tolkien: Myth, Morality and Religion. Ignatius Press, 2003
- Rutledge, Fleming. The Battle for Middle Earth: Tolkien's Divine Design in The Lord of the Rings. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2004
- Wood, Ralph C. The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth
Spring 2022
Topics
- To critically appreciate the artistic vision of JRR Tolkien
- To introduce students to a theological analysis of a major work of 20 th century literature
- To critically engage Tolkien’s prose & poetic writings as well as cinematographic renditions of his works
- To explore creative avenues of expression connected to Tolkien’s world
- On-Line participation (30%)
Readings
- Birzer, Bradley J. JRR Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth: Understanding Middle-Earth. ISI Books,
- Caldecott, Stratford. The Power of the Ring: The Spiritual Vision Behind The Lord of the Rings. New York: Crossroad Publication Co., 2005
- Carpenter, Humphrey. JRR Tolkien: A Biography. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2000
- Dickerson, Matthew. Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in The Lord of the Rings. Brazos Press, 2003
- Fischer, Jason. 2011. Tolkien and the Study of His Sources: Critical Essays. McFarland Publishing
- Flieger, Verlyn, Splintered Light: Logos and Language in Tolkien’s World, Revised Edition. Kent State University Press, 2002
- Kerry, Paul E., ed. The Ring and the Cross: Christianity and the Lord of the Rings. Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2010
- Kreeft, Peter. The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind The Lord of the Rings. Ignatius Press, 2005
- McIntosh, Jonathan. 2017. The Flame Imperishable: Tolkien, St. Thomas, and the Metaphysics of Faerie. OH: Angelico Press
- Milbank, Alison. 2009. Chesterton and Tolkien as Theologians. Bloomsbury T&T Clark
- Pearce, Joseph. Tolkien, Man and Myth: A Literary Life. Ignatius Press, 1998
- Purtill, Richard L. JRR Tolkien: Myth, Morality and Religion. Ignatius Press, 2003
- Rutledge, Fleming. The Battle for Middle Earth: Tolkien's Divine Design in The Lord of the Rings. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2004
- Wood, Ralph C. The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-Earth
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026–2027
- 2022-Fall-CHRTC-342-LECTURE-800 ↗2022
- 2023-Spring-CHRTC-342-LECTURE-800 ↗2023
- 2023-Fall-CHRTC-342-LECTURE-800 ↗2023
- Partial automated extraction.
- Document date Spring 2022 differs from archive label Spring 2023. Archive label: 2023-Spring-CHRTC-342-LECTURE-800 Partial automated extraction.