Here is an excellent discourse on "Tolkien on Magic" by Kaleb Hammond (Saint Tolkien substack): https://sainttolkien.substack.com/p/tolkien-on-magic. Tolkien's works are generally free of magic of the Harry Potter type. Magic, of the black variety, is employed by villains who are demonically empowered (Morgoth, Sauron, the Witch King). The "magic" of his heroes and heroines is either the elevated Art of the Elves (Galadriel even says that she doesn't understand Frodo and Sam's idea of "magic") or angelic powers (Gandalf). It is worth the read if you are interested in the conscious distinction in Tolkien's books.
Here is another comment from Aaron Earls (The Wardrobe Door) on the importance of imagination (fantasy) to belief in the unseeable:
"Many, including Christians, have unknowingly assumed a modernist mindset that rejects anything beyond what our senses can see. With The Chronicles of Narnia and other fictional works, Lewis serves as a bridge to fantasy and the importance of the imagination.
"He spoke about writing stories to “sneak past the watchful dragons” people have in their lives to prevent them from being moved by a rational argument. Being moved by the sacrifice of Aslan can prepare hearts to recognize and embrace the sacrifice of Jesus." (https://wardrobedoor.substack.com/p/cs-lewis-as-a-bridge)
It's an important point because we serve an invisible God and stand and battle against invisible enemies. Both the attitudes and fruits of good and bad behavior are visible only in reactions and effects. If we are keyed only into what we can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, we are not equipped to handle the invisible attributes of belief.
I recently saw this quotation from U2 front man, Bono. While I do not fully support his interpretation of Psalm 40, his comments about Scripture parallel the gist of part of my thoughts in this essay:
“Psalm 40 is interesting in that it suggests a time in which grace will replace karma, and love replace the very strict laws of Moses (i.e. fulfill them). I love that thought. David, who committed some of the most selfish as well as selfless acts, was depending on it. That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers, and mercenaries used to shock me; now it is a source of great comfort.”
Here is an excellent discourse on "Tolkien on Magic" by Kaleb Hammond (Saint Tolkien substack): https://sainttolkien.substack.com/p/tolkien-on-magic. Tolkien's works are generally free of magic of the Harry Potter type. Magic, of the black variety, is employed by villains who are demonically empowered (Morgoth, Sauron, the Witch King). The "magic" of his heroes and heroines is either the elevated Art of the Elves (Galadriel even says that she doesn't understand Frodo and Sam's idea of "magic") or angelic powers (Gandalf). It is worth the read if you are interested in the conscious distinction in Tolkien's books.
Here is another comment from Aaron Earls (The Wardrobe Door) on the importance of imagination (fantasy) to belief in the unseeable:
"Many, including Christians, have unknowingly assumed a modernist mindset that rejects anything beyond what our senses can see. With The Chronicles of Narnia and other fictional works, Lewis serves as a bridge to fantasy and the importance of the imagination.
"He spoke about writing stories to “sneak past the watchful dragons” people have in their lives to prevent them from being moved by a rational argument. Being moved by the sacrifice of Aslan can prepare hearts to recognize and embrace the sacrifice of Jesus." (https://wardrobedoor.substack.com/p/cs-lewis-as-a-bridge)
It's an important point because we serve an invisible God and stand and battle against invisible enemies. Both the attitudes and fruits of good and bad behavior are visible only in reactions and effects. If we are keyed only into what we can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, we are not equipped to handle the invisible attributes of belief.
I recently saw this quotation from U2 front man, Bono. While I do not fully support his interpretation of Psalm 40, his comments about Scripture parallel the gist of part of my thoughts in this essay:
“Psalm 40 is interesting in that it suggests a time in which grace will replace karma, and love replace the very strict laws of Moses (i.e. fulfill them). I love that thought. David, who committed some of the most selfish as well as selfless acts, was depending on it. That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers, and mercenaries used to shock me; now it is a source of great comfort.”
Thanks for sharing this. :)
I hope it explains my thinking. So many Christians think it's anathema, but like many things, it is how its used, not the thing itself.
Agree!