How J.R.R. Tolkien’s Strong Catholic Faith Influenced His Writing
To ask what Tolkien thought of God is rather like asking what Marx thought of socialism or how Samuel Pepys regarded the business of diary-keeping. In each case the subject so completely overwhelms the world to which it is introduced
J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of The Lord of the Rings, was deeply influenced by his strong Catholic faith in his writing. His belief system permeated every aspect of his life, from the details of his daily existence to the landscapes that surrounded him, and even to his relationships. When writing The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien made a conscious effort to ensure that the religious element was "absorbed into the story and the symbolism."
He saw God everywhere, particularly in the art he created. Even as a young boy, Tolkien sensed that there was something more profound and elemental behind the sword and sorcery, and the hobbit drinking songs. This underlying theme of penance, redemption, and goodness, along with the determinism and the feeling that someone had plans for the characters in Middle-earth, all stemmed from his Catholic beliefs.
His faith and its teachings were a source of consolation and gratitude for him, resulting in a sense of spiritual purpose that shone through in his work.
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