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Question #4: Catholic symbols in The LOTR

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Question #4: Catholic symbols in The LOTR

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One of the symbols of Catholicism is LOTR is the One Ring. The ring is seen as a symbol of original sin and the ring corrupts the characters like original sin has corrupted humanity at times. Next, Frodo is a Christ-like figure in the trilogy and can can be compared to the "priest" of the Divine Office of Jesus Christ. Frodo's Journey to Mt. Doom to destroy the ring is a parallel of Jesus carrying his cross to Golgotha. Because the One Ring represents original sin, Frodo can be seen carrying sin to save everyone else just as Christ carried our sins so he could save us. Another Symbol of Catholicism in LOTR is Gandalf and his transition from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White. This is a symbolism of Jesus' transfiguration. He appears to three of his friends just as Jesus appeared to Peter John and James on top of the mountain. Also, Both Jesus and Gandalf appear looking new and stronger, ready to start a new journey in life.

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Question #3: "Deprived but not depraved."

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Question #3: "Deprived but not depraved."

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I have learned that sin disconnects us and strains our relationship with God. When talking about deprived vs depraved, deprived means to suffer a lack of specified benefit and depraved means to be morally corrupt or wicked. I believe that this statement is saying that through sin, we are deprived of God and we are lacking his grace and spirituality. In the same sense, we are not becoming depraved because God always offers redemption and forgiveness.

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Question #2: "Light from an invisible lamp"

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Question #2: "Light from an invisible lamp"

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I think this means that the religious elements and storyline found in The LOTR is not obvious and is something that is interpreted by everyone differently. Both God and grace are not extremely evident and instead we have to search for them in their deeper meaning. This captures the essence of how the Catholic imagination views the world because each person's faith is unique and personal and not always obvious, just like in The LOTR.

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Question #1: "God became man so that man may become God."

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Question #1: "God became man so that man may become God."

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I think that this means that God sacrificed himself and sent down his only son to save us and grant us salvation. Through this, he wants us to seek him out and live on Earth by doing his will. Father Charles said that "God is united with our humanity" and I think this goes along with this quote from the early Church father because it references God's deep connection with us as humans.