February 24, 2005
By Kathy L. Gilbert

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A new six-week study guide from United Methodist Communications explores the biblical themes running through J.R.R. Tolkien's epic, The Lord of the Rings, and Peter Jackson's award-winning films of the books.

The study guide was developed by UMC.org, the United Methodist Church's official Web site, a ministry of UMCom.

From Frodo's lush beloved Shire to the terrifying land of Mordor, The Lord of the Rings takes the viewer on a spiritual adventure of good versus evil. The study guide examines the themes and characters of the complex trilogy and relates them to the Christian tradition.

"One of the challenges Christians face is how to talk about faith in language that makes it understandable to persons who don't know the words of faith today," says the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive with United Methodist Communications. "When it is possible to use popular culture to point to values that complement the teachings of faith, we should do so. When popular culture conveys values contrary to the values of faith, we should, likewise, point out our different perspective."

The Lord of the Rings: Exploring a Holy Trilogy study includes a printable leader's guide, student guide and participant handouts. The CD is $29.95. In addition, the study can be purchased in a package bundle with public performance licensing for $169.95; the license alone is $150. The license permits groups to view The Lord of the Rings DVDs and use them in public presentations, as long as admission is not charged.

"The Lord of the Rings trilogy is so much more than just another blockbuster movie," says Lynne DeMichele, writer of the guide and a former communicator with the denomination's Indiana Area. "I think it is a masterpiece, and it has so much to teach us." The new resource uses the films to get people thinking about what is important, she says.

"It is such a powerful way to reach people who haven't heard or listened to the message of Christ. It is a wonderful, beautifully made populist tool to use to introduce to someone who might be resistant or didn't think they were interested in Christianity or things some would label as 'churchy.'"

DeMichele notes that Tolkien was a "very public Christian" who made no secret that he purposely infused his stories with spiritual content.

The six-week series explores each of the three movies-"The Fellowship of the Rings," "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King"-in two lessons. DeMichele ties the discussion topics to scenes easily found on the DVDs.

DeMichele watched the films repeatedly as she prepared the guide. "Some things hit you really strongly the first time you see it, something either very familiar or some sort of aspect that resonates with something in your own Christian background. The more I looked at them (the movies), the richer they became."

There are many books written on the Gospel that relate to popular culture, such as The Gospel According to the Peanuts, she says. "While that may seem silly on the one hand, the Gospel message is so powerful it does resonate throughout all sorts of literature and creative expressions. The Lord of the Rings is no exception."

The Bible is a collection of stories and Jesus Christ was a "master raconteur," she says. "I think Jesus would have been delighted and fascinated by these stories.

"In every character, in every being, if there is a spark of humanity, there is always a possibility for redemption, and we see that time and again in The Lord of the Rings trilogy."

The study guide is intended for adults and youth. Matt Carlisle, executive producer of UMC.org, said he hopes the study guide will draw youth, young adults and adults together for meaningful discussions.

"UMC.org is developing resources and study guides that relate real life with faith journeys," he says. "Perhaps groups can get together and watch the movies on Saturday night and then come to church on Sunday to discuss what they have seen." The study guide is intended for ecumenical use as well as for different age groups, he says.

"The Lord of the Rings trilogy captured the imagination of millions around the world," Hollon says. "Through reflection and study, we can provide information that shows how this important cultural expression both complements and differs from the teachings of Christian faith. There is a longstanding tradition in the Christian faith of dialogue between faith and culture. In our day, this dialogue occurs by reflecting on such expressions as The Lord of the Rings."

DeMichele adds, "I hope that people will use the study to provide a new way of getting at timeless Christian truths expressed through a myth in the same way they are expressed through the great stories of the Bible."

The guide is being distributed through EcuFilm, (888) 346-3862. It can be ordered online at http://www.umc.org/.

United Methodist News Service
Kathy Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.