The Surprising Conversion Story of J.R.R. Tolkien: How Did He Become a Christian?

J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, known for his epic fantasy novels such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” While Tolkien’s works have captivated millions of readers around the world, his personal life and beliefs remain shrouded in mystery for many. However, what few people know is that Tolkien underwent a profound spiritual transformation in his early adulthood, which would shape his life and work in unexpected ways. In this article, we will explore the surprising conversion story of J.R.R. Tolkien and answer the question, “How Did He Become a Christian?”

First, we will delve into Tolkien’s early life and the experiences that shaped his worldview. From there, we will examine his academic and professional career, as well as his close friendship with fellow author C.S. Lewis. We will also explore Tolkien’s deep-seated dislike of allegory and how this impacted his writing. But perhaps most importantly, we will investigate the role that Catholicism played in Tolkien’s conversion to Christianity, and how his newfound faith influenced his writing and worldview.

If you have ever been captivated by Tolkien’s stories or simply want to learn more about this enigmatic author, then this article is for you. So, sit back, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into the surprising and inspiring story of J.R.R. Tolkien’s conversion to Christianity.

Early Life of J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. His father, Arthur Tolkien, was a bank manager, and his mother, Mabel Suffield, had artistic talents that she passed on to her son. Unfortunately, Mabel died when Tolkien was only twelve years old, leaving him and his younger brother in the care of their father.

After his mother’s death, Tolkien and his brother moved back to England to live with their Aunt. It was here that Tolkien developed a love for language and literature, studying Latin, Greek, Old Norse, and Finnish.

In 1911, Tolkien began studying at Exeter College, Oxford, where he continued his passion for languages and graduated with a degree in English Language and Literature. It was also during his time at Oxford that he formed a friendship with fellow author and scholar, C.S. Lewis, which would have a significant impact on Tolkien’s later life.

The Influence of Tolkien’s Parents on His Life and Writing

1. Arthur Tolkien: J.R.R. Tolkien’s father was a bank manager and a lover of languages, which inspired Tolkien’s own interest in philology.

2. Mabel Tolkien: J.R.R. Tolkien’s mother was a devout Catholic and a talented pianist who instilled in her children a love of music and a strong faith.

3. Childhood Illness: When J.R.R. Tolkien was only four years old, his mother converted to Catholicism and died shortly thereafter, leaving him and his younger brother in the care of a priest. This experience had a profound effect on his life and writing, and Catholicism would later become an important theme in his work.

Tolkien’s parents were a major influence on his life and writing. His father’s love of languages and his mother’s Catholic faith and love of music would shape his own interests and beliefs. Tolkien’s childhood illness and the loss of his mother also had a profound effect on him, leading him to explore themes of mortality, loss, and redemption in his writing.

Tolkien’s Love of Language and Mythology

From a young age, Tolkien was fascinated by language and the power of words. He learned Latin, French, and German by the age of twelve and later went on to study Anglo-Saxon and Middle English. This love of language would later become a hallmark of his writing, with his creation of entire fictional languages such as Elvish and Dwarvish.

Along with language, Tolkien also had a deep passion for mythology and folklore. He was particularly drawn to Norse mythology, which would heavily influence his later works, including The Lord of the Rings. His belief that myths are a reflection of deeper truths about the human experience can be seen throughout his writing.

Together, Tolkien’s love of language and mythology created a unique blend of storytelling that continues to captivate readers around the world.

Tolkien’s Academic and Professional Career

University Years: J.R.R. Tolkien attended Exeter College at the University of Oxford, where he studied English literature and language. During his time at Oxford, he formed a close friendship with a group of scholars who shared his love of language, literature, and mythology. These friendships would have a profound impact on his future writing.

Early Career: After graduating from Oxford, Tolkien served in the British Army during World War I. Following the war, he worked as a professor of English language and literature at several universities, including Leeds and Oxford. During this time, he continued to work on his own writing, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The Success of The Lord of the Rings: The publication of The Lord of the Rings trilogy in the 1950s cemented Tolkien’s place as one of the greatest fantasy authors of all time. The trilogy was widely acclaimed for its vivid world-building, complex characters, and masterful storytelling. The success of the books led to adaptations in other media, including films and video games.

Tolkien’s Education and Early Career

Tolkien’s academic prowess was evident from a young age. He studied at Exeter College, Oxford, where he excelled in languages and earned a first-class degree in English Language and Literature.

After graduation, Tolkien took up a post as a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Leeds, where he began working on his first major academic work, a critical edition of the Old English poem “Beowulf”. He later returned to Oxford to become a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College.

During his time at Pembroke College, Tolkien published several articles and essays on medieval literature, mythology, and language, including “On Fairy-Stories” and “The Monsters and the Critics”, which are still regarded as seminal works in the field.

Tolkien’s Friendship with C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis: One of the Most Influential Figures in Tolkien’s Life

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are two names that often come together in discussions of the greatest writers of the 20th century. They shared a deep friendship and mutual admiration for each other’s work, with Lewis even encouraging Tolkien to finish The Lord of the Rings. Their friendship spanned several decades, and they often met in the Oxford pub, The Eagle and Child, to discuss their writing and other topics.

The Influence of Christianity on Their Friendship: The Role of Faith in Their Lives and Work

Both Tolkien and Lewis were devout Christians, and their faith played a significant role in their friendship. They often discussed theological ideas and attended church together. It was Lewis who helped Tolkien rediscover his faith after a period of doubt, and this experience influenced Tolkien’s work as well. The Christian themes in The Lord of the Rings are clear, and many readers have found spiritual inspiration in the book.

The End of the Friendship: A Tragic Rift Between Two Great Writers

Despite their close bond, Tolkien and Lewis’s friendship came to an abrupt end in the late 1950s. The reasons for the rift are not entirely clear, but some suggest it had to do with Lewis’s marriage to an American divorcee, which Tolkien disapproved of on religious grounds. Whatever the cause, the end of their friendship was a tragic loss for both men and for the literary world as a whole.

The Meeting of Tolkien and Lewis

In 1926, Tolkien and Lewis met for the first time at a faculty meeting at Oxford University. They quickly discovered a shared interest in literature and mythology, and their friendship began to flourish. They would meet regularly to discuss their work and share ideas.

Through their friendship, Lewis converted to Christianity, and Tolkien played a significant role in his conversion. Tolkien’s deep faith and knowledge of Christian theology influenced Lewis’s own understanding of the faith.

Their friendship continued to grow throughout their lives, and they remained close until Lewis’s death in 196Their mutual influence on each other’s work and faith has had a lasting impact on literature and Christian thought.

The Inklings and Their Influence on Tolkien and Lewis’s Work

The Inklings were a literary discussion group that met regularly in Oxford, England during the 1930s and 1940s. The group included J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and several other notable writers and academics. The Inklings had a significant influence on the work of Tolkien and Lewis, as they would read and critique each other’s manuscripts and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. The group also provided a supportive and stimulating environment for the writers, helping them to hone their craft and develop their ideas.

Tolkien’s time with the Inklings had a profound impact on his writing, particularly on his creation of Middle-earth. The group encouraged him to continue writing The Lord of the Rings, which he had initially abandoned, and provided valuable feedback and advice as he worked on the series. The Inklings also helped to shape the themes and messages of Tolkien’s work, which often dealt with the power of myth, the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of friendship.

Likewise, Lewis’s experiences with the Inklings were instrumental in the development of his writing career. The group provided a supportive community for him to explore his ideas and themes, and his interactions with Tolkien and other members of the group helped him to refine his approach to storytelling. The Inklings also played a key role in the publication of Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series, with members of the group providing feedback on early drafts and encouraging him to continue writing.

Tolkien’s Dislike of Allegory

Tolkien’s distaste for allegory can be traced back to his early days as a reader, when he encountered works he found to be heavy-handed in their use of symbolic representation.

He believed that allegory limits the reader’s ability to interpret a story for themselves, as it dictates a specific interpretation. Tolkien preferred a more open-ended approach, where the reader could draw their own conclusions and interpretations.

He also believed that allegory can be a distraction from the story itself, causing the reader to focus on decoding symbols rather than experiencing the tale. Tolkien believed that a story should be enjoyed for its own sake, rather than as a vessel for a deeper meaning.

Despite this, many have tried to read The Lord of the Rings as an allegory for various real-world events. Tolkien vehemently denied these interpretations, insisting that his work was not meant to be read as an allegory.

Instead, he preferred to create a world with its own mythology, history, and languages, which allowed the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story without any extraneous symbolic meaning.

Tolkien’s Critique of Allegory as a Literary Device

Allegory is a literary device that Tolkien greatly disliked. He believed that it was too simplistic and limited the imagination of the reader.

Tolkien believed that literature should be a way to escape reality, not to represent it directly. He was opposed to using literature as a means of political or social commentary, arguing that it undermined the value of the story itself.

In particular, he rejected the notion that “The Lord of the Rings” was an allegory for World War II. He saw the story as a work of pure fiction, not as a reflection of any specific historical events.

Tolkien believed that allegory was too didactic, forcing the author’s message on the reader. He felt that this limited the reader’s ability to interpret the story in their own way and to fully engage with the characters and setting.

Instead, Tolkien favored the use of mythology and symbolism in his writing. He believed that these devices allowed for a more complex and nuanced exploration of themes, without sacrificing the reader’s ability to interpret the story on their own terms.

Tolkien’s Use of Myth and Archetype in His Writing

Mythology: Tolkien drew heavily on mythology, especially Norse and Celtic, for inspiration in his writing. He believed that myths and legends were a way for people to understand and make sense of the world around them, and he sought to create a mythology for England through his own stories.

Archetypes: Tolkien also incorporated archetypal figures and themes into his writing, such as the hero’s journey, the wise old wizard, and the battle between good and evil. He believed that these archetypes were universal and timeless, and that they spoke to something deep within human nature.

Language: In addition to mythology and archetypes, Tolkien’s use of language also played a crucial role in his writing. He created entire languages, such as Elvish and Dwarvish, and used them to add depth and richness to his world-building. The languages themselves often reflected the cultures and histories of the fictional races that spoke them.

During his time at Oxford, Tolkien became friends with a group of Catholic intellectuals who influenced his conversion to Christianity. Tolkien’s belief in the importance of myth and the idea of a transcendent reality beyond the physical world aligned with Catholic theology and became central to his writing.

Tolkien saw his sub-creation, the act of creating fictional worlds, as a way of reflecting the divine act of creation. His use of religious themes, such as the battle between good and evil, reflected his Catholic faith and emphasized the importance of virtue and morality in his stories.

Tolkien’s conversion to Catholicism in 1929 marked a significant turning point in his life and writing. His faith became deeply integrated into his work, providing a moral foundation and spiritual depth to his stories.

Throughout his life, Tolkien remained a devout Catholic, attending mass regularly and drawing on his faith to guide his writing. His belief in the transcendent and the power of myth continued to shape his work and inspire generations of readers.

The significance of Tolkien’s conversion to Christianity cannot be overstated. It marked a major shift in his worldview and had a profound impact on his writing. His stories continue to resonate with readers today, providing a glimpse into the enduring power of faith and myth.

Tolkien’s Encounter with Christianity

Although J.R.R. Tolkien was raised in a Catholic family, his faith was deeply influenced by his experiences in World War I, during which he witnessed the horrors of war and the fragility of human life. These experiences led him to embrace a more serious and personal faith in Christianity, which informed his writing and his life.

Tolkien’s conversion to Christianity was also influenced by his close friendship with C.S. Lewis, who was himself a devout Christian. The two writers shared a deep interest in the power of myth and the importance of faith, and their conversations about these topics helped to shape Tolkien’s spiritual journey.

Tolkien’s encounters with Christianity can also be seen in his writing. His works are deeply infused with Christian themes and ideas, including the concept of providence, the importance of free will, and the struggle between good and evil. These themes are particularly prominent in his magnum opus, The Lord of the Rings.

For Tolkien, Christianity was not just a set of abstract beliefs, but a lived reality that informed every aspect of his life. His faith inspired his creativity and gave him a sense of purpose and meaning, and his works continue to inspire readers and fans around the world to this day.

Tolkien’s Initial Skepticism Towards Christianity

Despite his later conversion, Tolkien was initially skeptical of Christianity, due in part to his love of Norse mythology and its polytheistic pantheon. He believed that Christianity was a religion of “escape” rather than of “engagement” with the world, and he was drawn more towards the idea of heroic individualism than towards the concept of surrender to a higher power.

However, Tolkien’s views began to shift as he studied the literature of the Middle Ages, which was infused with Christian themes and values. He came to see Christianity as a way of interpreting the world and making sense of human existence.

In addition, Tolkien’s friendships with devout Christians such as C.S. Lewis and Hugo Dyson had a significant impact on his spiritual journey. Through their discussions and debates, Tolkien was challenged to reconsider his preconceptions about Christianity and to explore its deeper meanings.

Ultimately, Tolkien’s encounter with Christianity was a gradual and complex process, shaped by a variety of intellectual, cultural, and personal factors.

The Role of Catholicism in Tolkien’s Conversion

Catholic upbringing: Tolkien was raised in a devout Catholic family, and his faith was an important part of his life from a young age.

Influence of Catholic theology: Tolkien’s exposure to Catholic theology and philosophy through his education and personal study helped shape his worldview and artistic vision.

The impact of Catholicism on his work: Catholic themes and imagery can be found throughout Tolkien’s work, particularly in his portrayal of good and evil and his emphasis on the importance of free will and moral choices.

Tolkien’s Interest in Catholicism

Although Tolkien was not Catholic at the time, he had a deep fascination with the religion. As a child, he attended a Catholic school and was exposed to Catholic theology and ritual. He later became friends with several Catholic scholars and writers, who introduced him to the rich intellectual tradition of the Church. This exposure to Catholicism informed his worldview and influenced his writing, particularly his emphasis on the importance of virtue and the battle between good and evil.

Tolkien’s interest in Catholicism also extended to its aesthetic and cultural expressions. He admired the art and architecture of Catholicism, as well as its liturgical music and hymns. His love for the beauty and grandeur of the Church is evident in his descriptions of the mythical realms he created, such as Rivendell and Lothlórien.

Despite his admiration for Catholicism, Tolkien was initially hesitant to convert. He was wary of the Church’s institutional hierarchy and concerned about the potential loss of his academic freedom. However, his conversations with Catholic colleagues and his own spiritual experiences eventually led him to embrace the faith, which had a profound impact on his life and work.

The Influence of Catholicism on Tolkien’s Writing and Life

Tolkien’s Catholic faith was a fundamental aspect of his life, which is evident in his writing. His belief in the concept of sub-creation, where the author creates a secondary world that reflects God’s creation, is a clear manifestation of his religious convictions.

Moreover, his works often explore Catholic themes such as redemption, grace, and sacrifice. The presence of Catholic symbolism is particularly evident in The Lord of the Rings, where the character of Gandalf embodies Christ-like qualities.

Aside from his writing, Catholicism also played a significant role in Tolkien’s personal life. He was a devout Catholic and even served as an advisor to the Catholic student group at Oxford, the Newman Society.

Frequently Asked Questions