C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are considered to be two of the greatest authors of the last century. Ralph C. Wood in his article “Conflict and Convergence on Fundamental Matters in C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien” analyzes the stylistic and philosophical differences between these two authors. His article focuses on the correlation between an author’s philosophy and writings. Although Wood makes valid arguments he is clearly biased towards Tolkien, therefore affecting his credibility. Wood compares Lewis’ and Tolkien’s personalities and how it reflects into their writings. Tolkien is portrayed as a reserved individual and a perspicacious thinker. Tolkien spent many long days and even years perfecting his writings and creating multiple
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In his writings, Tolkien, “sought to build up what might be called a Christian culture” (Wood, 2003, 318). He was more concerned about glorifying God through his writings than converting his readers to Christianity. Lewis, however, sought to bring people to God through his writings. He hoped that his readers could learn about God through his works and that he could glorify God through this. Lewis even went so far as to say, “The church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs” (Wood, 2003, 318). He continues by saying that if the church does not create “little Christs” then they are wasting their time and effort. Lewis displays his Christian symbolism in a straightforward manner, while Tolkien buries his messages in the text. Although Tolkien and Lewis may have their differences, they do share a few common viewpoints.
Lewis and Tolkien both hold the idea that Christianity and pagan things are related. They believe that pagan beliefs are a cry out for the Lord. Cultures with multiple gods believed that these gods would come to earth periodically. Lewis and Tolkien associate this with a longing for Jesus Christ. They also hold the belief that pagan myth paved the way for the Gospel (Wood, 2003, 333). In other words, pagan myth created a stepping stone to the Gospel through the belief that gods could come down to Earth. This similarity might have made converting to Christianity easier in ancient
In his writings, Tolkien, “sought to build up what might be called a Christian culture” (Wood, 2003, 318). He was more concerned about glorifying God through his writings than converting his readers to Christianity. Lewis, however, sought to bring people to God through his writings. He hoped that his readers could learn about God through his works and that he could glorify God through this. Lewis even went so far as to say, “The church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs” (Wood, 2003, 318). He continues by saying that if the church does not create “little Christs” then they are wasting their time and effort. Lewis displays his Christian symbolism in a straightforward manner, while Tolkien buries his messages in the text. Although Tolkien and Lewis may have their differences, they do share a few common viewpoints.
Lewis and Tolkien both hold the idea that Christianity and pagan things are related. They believe that pagan beliefs are a cry out for the Lord. Cultures with multiple gods believed that these gods would come to earth periodically. Lewis and Tolkien associate this with a longing for Jesus Christ. They also hold the belief that pagan myth paved the way for the Gospel (Wood, 2003, 333). In other words, pagan myth created a stepping stone to the Gospel through the belief that gods could come down to Earth. This similarity might have made converting to Christianity easier in ancient