Tolkien’s Theology of Beauty

Majesty, Splendor, and Transcendence in Middle-earth

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Theology, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Tolkien’s Theology of Beauty by Lisa Coutras, Palgrave Macmillan US
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lisa Coutras ISBN: 9781137553454
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan US Publication: August 3, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Lisa Coutras
ISBN: 9781137553454
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication: August 3, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

 In this book, Lisa Coutras explores the structure and complexity of J.R.R. Tolkien’s narrative theology, synthesizing his Christian worldview with his creative imagination. She illustrates how, within the framework of a theological aesthetics, transcendental beauty is the unifying principle that integrates all aspects of Tolkien’s writing, from pagan despair to Christian joy.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Christianity is often held in an unsteady tension with the pagan despair of his mythic world. Some critics portray these as incompatible, while Christian analysis tends to oversimplify the presence of religious symbolism. This polarity of opinion testifies to the need for a unifying interpretive lens. The fact that Tolkien saw his own writing as “religious” and “Catholic,” yet was preoccupied with pagan mythology, nature, language, and evil, suggests that these areas were wholly integrated with his Christian  worldview. Tolkien’s Theology of Beauty  examines six structural elements, demonstrating that the author’s Christianity is deeply embedded in the narrative framework of his  creative imagination.   

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

 In this book, Lisa Coutras explores the structure and complexity of J.R.R. Tolkien’s narrative theology, synthesizing his Christian worldview with his creative imagination. She illustrates how, within the framework of a theological aesthetics, transcendental beauty is the unifying principle that integrates all aspects of Tolkien’s writing, from pagan despair to Christian joy.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Christianity is often held in an unsteady tension with the pagan despair of his mythic world. Some critics portray these as incompatible, while Christian analysis tends to oversimplify the presence of religious symbolism. This polarity of opinion testifies to the need for a unifying interpretive lens. The fact that Tolkien saw his own writing as “religious” and “Catholic,” yet was preoccupied with pagan mythology, nature, language, and evil, suggests that these areas were wholly integrated with his Christian  worldview. Tolkien’s Theology of Beauty  examines six structural elements, demonstrating that the author’s Christianity is deeply embedded in the narrative framework of his  creative imagination.   

More books from Palgrave Macmillan US

Cover of the book Ageing, Gender, and Labour Migration by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Understanding Geography and War by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Dialogic Pedagogy and Polyphonic Research Art by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Religio-Political Narratives in the United States by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book The Postcolonial and Imperial Experience in American Transcendentalism by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book The Legitimation Crisis of Neoliberalism by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Affirmation, Care Ethics, and LGBT Identity by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Players in the Public Policy Process by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Post-Secondary Education and Technology by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Lusting for London by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Swedish Taxation by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Human Nature and the Limits of Darwinism by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Toward a Framework of Resources for Learning to Teach by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book The Public Debt Problem by Lisa Coutras
Cover of the book Embodying Memory in Contemporary Spain by Lisa Coutras
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy