The Lord of the Rings and Catholicism: Exploring the Christian Roots of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

by Madeleine Dobrowski

TESTIMONIALS

“Madeleine Dobrowski offers a compelling case for the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Catholic faith on his development of Middle Earth in which his epic masterpiece The Lord of the Rings is set. She demonstrates over the course of her analysis how Tolkien “infuses the presence of Christ into the values and roles of a multitude of characters throughout the story” while using no formal allegory indicating that it was written against a Catholic landscape. In short, Tolkien’s Catholic faith is the source of the hope his characters find in their fellowship with one another in response to the despair imposed upon them by Sauron and his minions. A must read for any serious student of Tolkien’s work!” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

“Madeline Dobrowski has written a gem. Her book paves a delightful path for Catholics interested in discovering the riches of the trilogy. This book will enkindle a hunger to feast on Tolkien’s broader corpus as well. For Tolkien aficionados, Dobrowski’s book convincingly shows just how deeply Tolkien’s imagination was suffused by his faith. In particular, I was impressed at Dobrowski‘s rich analysis of the themes of eucatastrophe, Eucharist, and Our Lady. Rest assured, she does not simply point out the well-worn, obvious connections you’ve heard in other Tolkien scholars. In finishing the book, one can feel a sense of gratitude and awe not merely for Middle Earth but for the world in which you sit.” – 5 star review from Tyler on Goodreads

“Nowhere in JRR Tolkien’s LOTR does he mention Christianity, but every page is infused with the themes of the Catholic faith. The book isn’t just about LOTR. It’s also a study of how a creator’s worldview finds a way to shine through his work. We don’t need to stand on soapboxes cajoling passersby to repent. That works for some, but, in my experience, it’s the people who often don’t need to say a word about Jesus who proclaim the Christian way of life the loudest through their humility, friendship, and mercy. These themes are pondered in Maddie’s book. As a novelist, I was inspired and encouraged because I’m interested in telling stories about life-saving mercy and hard journeys but hate how heavy-handed “Christian” fiction can feel. Reading this book made me realize how without really having to try, your faith (if you are being true to it) seeps into your work. That’s at once comforting and freeing.” – 5 star review from Adrienne Morris on Amazon

Madeleine Dobrowski

Madeleine Dobrowski is originally from the great Midwest but currently resides in Spokane, WA, where she spends her time studying philosophy, reading, writing, teaching literature, and enjoying the Pacific Northwest with her husband. She obtained her BA in Philosophy from Boise State University and is currently pursuing her MA in Philosophy – Christian Wisdom at Holy Apostles College and Seminary.

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS

Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the Truth (Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, Karol Wojtyła)

by Richard A. Spinello

This book unfolds the intersecting life stories of four important Catholic philosophers of the 20th century, namely, Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and Karol Wojtyla, and examines the salient themes of their respective philosophies. Exploring the lives of these four individuals will unlock for the reader the nature of Catholic philosophy, which always aspires to a higher wisdom and the discovery of the hidden harmony of the universe. The spiritual itinerary of these faithful scholars is part of a larger story, therefore, of the intimate relationship between faith and reason that is at the heart of Catholic intellectual life.

Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“This book is an absolute gem – and a must read – for anyone who loves Philosophy. Rejoicing in the Truth is the perfect subtitle for this truly outstanding book that so beautifully and accessibly presents the profound intellectual and moral wisdom of, arguably, the four greatest Catholic philosophers of the 20th century: Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and Karol Wojtyla (best remembered and revered as Saint Pope John Paul II).” – Elizabeth B. Rex, MBA, PhD, ThD (cand.), former Adjunct Professor of Bioethics at Holy Apostles College & Seminary, and former Adjunct Professor of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at Sacred Heart University.

“With Richard Spinello’s book we have the inspiring stories of four philosophers, Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrandt, and Karol Wojtyla, who confronted twentieth century ideologies of tyrannical evil and inhumane abuse with heroic courage and principled reason. Their development as Catholic philosophers is contextualized within the turbulent politics and cultures through which they lived, which poignantly reveals the enduring strength of the unity of faith and reason as the genuine perennial philosophy. This is a timely work. Readers can have their understanding and appreciation of the ongoing relevance of Catholic thought heightened so that the perennial philosophy can be welcomed as a source of fortitude and hope for challenging today’s daunting cultural and political deprivations.” – Thomas A. Michaud, author of After Justice: Catholic Challenges to Progressive Culture, Politics, Economics and Education

“Richard A. Spinello has written on the joyful pursuit of truth of four Catholics known for their contribution to philosophy, and also to theology: Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, and Karol Wojtyła. May a reflective reading of this work inspire others to courageously set on the adventurous path of truth, which ultimately leads us to Jesus Christ. I highly recommend this book.” – Very Rev. Peter S. Kucer, MSA, President-Rector, Holy Apostles College & Seminary, Cromwell, CT, and author of Catholic Church History: Pre-Christian to Modern Times

“In Four Catholic Philosophers, Professor Spinello has provided clear and insightful expositions of four of the most outstanding Catholic philosophers of the twentieth century — two of whom are canonized saints. For those wishing to understand authentic philosophy, illuminated by faith and reason, this book is highly recommended.” – Robert Fastiggi, Ph.D. Professor of Dogmatic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan, and co-editor of with Jane Adolphe of Clerical Sexual Misconduct, Vol 2: A Foundational Conversation

“This engrossing read about four recent Catholic philosophers effectively combines biography with exposition of ideas: along the way it highlights how their shared realistic, personalistic, and metaphysically open vision, one grounded in sapiential faith, interior prayer, and spiritual perfection, is a helpful corrective to the idealistic, functionalistic, and positivistic or postmodern meanderings of contemporary thought.”  – Dr. Alan Vincelette, Wilfred L. and Mary Jane Von der Ahe Chair of Philosophy, St. John’s Seminary, and author of Recent Catholic Philosophy: The Twentieth Century and A Reader in Recent Catholic Philosophy

“What a joy to read a profound and clear book about great Catholic philosophers of the 20th Century!” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Catholic Professor and author of The Way of Love: The Path of Inner Transformation

“Four Catholic Philosophers: Rejoicing in the Truth invites us into the personal, academic, philosophical, and theological life experiences, and subsequent writings, of four Catholic philosophers who emerge from the political and ideological wreckage of the 20th century as perhaps the clearest voices of truth, intertwining faith and reason, in a world often devoid of both.” – Kiki Latimer, co-author with Dr. Stephen Schwarz of Philosophy Begins in Wonder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS

Disputed Catholic Landmarks: From Disinformation to Information

by Gerard Verschuuren

Everyone’s life has landmarks: when you were born, when you graduated from school, when you got your first job, when you got married, and so many more. There must be many landmarks in the history of the Catholic Church, too. Just think of issues such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, the Holocaust, and several more. What all of them also have in common is that they are disputed, challenged, and contested—ripe for discussion and open to various interpretations. Is it possible to dispel misinformation from people’s minds that are filled with prejudiced opinions? Verschuuren endeavors in this book to do just that, separating truths from untruths, facts from fictions, and information from disinformation.

Paperback: $18.99 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“In an age of Facebook factcheckers and politically correct cancelations, of ideological divisions even within the heart of our Church, Gerard Verschuuren has provided just the resource we need to bring clarity to confusion, order to chaos.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author of Catholic Realism

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gerard M. Verschuuren is a human geneticist who also earned a doctorate in the philosophy of science. He studied and worked at universities in Europe and the United States. Currently semi-retired, he spends most of his time as a writer, speaker, and consultant on the interface of science and religion, faith and reason.

Currently, while semi-retired, he writes about issues at the interface of

• science and religion,
• science and creation,
• faith and reason.

All his books can be found at: www.where-do-we-come-from.com

OTHER WHY CATHOLIC BOOKS

Human Nature: Moral Norm

by Francis Etheredge

PART IV

Part IV: A Spirituality of Being Open to Life (Comprising Chapters 5-6

Opening Chapter Five: The Founding Act of the Human Person: Being is a Unity-in-Diversity (I); Conception and the Actus Essendi of the Human Person (II); Confirmation of this View of Conception (III)

Closing Chapter Five: The Attitude-in-Action of Procreation: The Inclination to Procreation (I); the Person-as-Gift is Interior to Spousal Love and Procreation (II); The Bodily-Personal Action of Procreation (III)

Chapter Six: Be Open to Life: The Spiritual Significance of Being Open to Life: The Covenant of the Flesh (I); The Activity of the Holy Spirit (II); A Spirituality of Being Open to Life (III); The Christo-Trinitarian Significance of this ‘Openness’ (IV); and, Finally, the Social and Inseparably Eschatological Dimension of Being Open to Life (V)

Dr. Moira McQueen: A Biography and Complementary Contribution to Part IV: “The McQueen Family: 2XX 5XY”

PART V

Part V: The Word of Truth-in-Love and Conscience (Comprising Chapter 7)

Dr. Mary Shivanandan: A Complimentary Contribution to Part V: A Biography and Personal Journey: “My Experience with Natural Family Planning”

A Postscript and References by Francis Etheredge

A Further, Triptych of Experience: Part I of III: Being Open to Life: Being Open to Being-in-Relationship: Wrongdoing and psychology; Sin, Salvation, Suffering and the Marriage Covenant; The Mystery of the Marriage Covenant; and Natural Family Planning

A Touch of Experience: Part II of III: Where Are You? Contraception and Abortion as the Denial of “Relationship”; Rediscovering the Value of Evidence; Evidence and Sex-Trafficking; Evidence and the Environment; In the Case of an Abortion; Does “not being pregnant” Define a Man?; Hope and Forgiveness: Forgiveness and Hope

Dr. Christine M. W. Ward: Biography and “The Lived Experience of Contraception”: Part III of III: The Lived Experience of Contraception; A Different Act; Love’s watermark: the total self-gift

Chapter Seven: Conscience-as-Relationship Entailing Recovery from Error: The first part of the chapter follows with a specific consideration of principles and experience (I). It will then go on and develop an account of the conscience as integral to the person and as a witness to the truth of our relationships (II). Drawing on saints and scholars it is possible that conscience and the word of God entails a dynamic relationship that could prompt, possibly, the “un-doing” development of an erroneous conscience (III)

“A Pain-Breaking Word” of Encouragement (Prose and Poem)

CONCLUSION

Dr. Richard Spinello: Biography and an “End Word”

“Humanae Vitae, the Magisterium, and Justice to the Creator

REVIEWS

“Being Open to Life: Being Open to Being-in-Relationship,” Catholic Medical Quarterly Volume 72(1) February 2022. Click here.

TESTIMONIALS

“What a wonderful book! What a tour de force!!! I have fallen in love with Etheredge’s Human Nature: Moral Norm: it is a fresh and often poetic new look at deep fundamentals. This is an analysis that transcends such categories as phenomenological/traditional metaphysics with a new and compelling synthesis. I want to pass it on to some professor who is still teaching ethics regularly. Glory!” – Dr. Ronda Chervin, Emerita Professor of Philosophy, Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and author of numerous books about Catholic ethics and spirituality

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Francis Etheredge is married with eight children, plus three in heaven.

Francis is currently a freelance writer and speaker and his “Posts” on LinkedIn can be viewed here. Poetry; short articles; autobiographical blog; excerpts from books; and “Philosophize: A Ten Minute Write.”

For a list of all of Francis’ books published by En Route Books and Media, click here.

See Francis’ other books, too, entitled Scripture: A Unique Word, From Truth and truth: Volume I-Faithful Reason, From Truth and truth: Volume II: Faith and Reason in Dialogue, From Truth and truth: Volume III: Faith is Married Reason.

He has earned a BA Div (Hons), MA in Catholic Theology, PGC in Biblical Studies, PGC in Higher Education, and an MA in Marriage and Family (Distinction).

Enjoy these additional articles by Francis Etheredge:

• Witness “begets” Witnesses
• Love is a Liturgical Act
• The Holy Family, Celibacy, and Marriage: A Reflection on the “Passage” from the Jewish Rite of Marriage to the Sacrament of Marriage
• “Do-it-Yourself” or Vocation: Coincidence or Providence

OTHER ACADEMIC BOOKS

The Divine Mosaic: Piecing Together Catholic and Orthodox Unity

by James Likoudis

This book collects essays, speeches, and presentations given over the course of James Likoudis’ seven decades as a Catholic. As a convert from Eastern Orthodoxy, he has devoted the greater portion of his life to the work of ecumenism, “that they all may be one” (Jn. 17:21). Within these pages, he refutes common objections to Catholicism as well as provides a sound basis for a truly Catholic ecclesiology. It is hoped that this book will be a welcome contribution to ecumenism and will bring the Church of Christ, which subsists fully within the Catholic Church, that much closer to healing its wounds and offering a vision of a united Christianity to the world–a prerequisite of fulfilling the mission entrusted to it by Christ.

Paperback: $29.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“What are the principal obstacles to the prospects of Catholic–Orthodox unity? Dr. James Likoudis, himself a convert from Greek Orthodoxy, offers a unique and challenging answer in this marvelous new collection of essays, articles, and speeches: the chief impediments are not primarily the dogmatic divides between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, but rather the internal divisions—both administrative and magisterial—within and between the Byzantine Orthodox churches themselves. Without descending into triumphalism, Likoudis makes a fraternal, detailed and compelling case that the underlying historical issues inherent in Orthodoxy’s presumptive imperial ecclesiology without an emperor and synodality without the Divine Primacy leads to a divisive power vacuum which can only and ultimately be filled by the diaconal service of the Apostolic See of Rome.” – Fr. Daniel Dozier, MA, Adjunct Professor of Sacred Scripture, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius; Author of 20 Answers on Eastern Catholicism 

“In these essays Dr. Likoudis addresses the stumbling blocks that stand in the way of reconciliation.  He tackles the historical roots of these controversies while dispelling strawman arguments against Catholic ecclesiology.  In doing so, he demonstrates that Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism are not as far apart as some Orthodox apologists would have us believe.” – Rev. Deacon Anthony Dragani, PhD, Professor of Religious Studies, Mount Aloysius College; Author of Adrian Fortescue and the Eastern Christian Churches

“I’m thrilled to learn of the publication of The Divine Mosaic: Piecing together Catholic and Orthodox Unity.  For many years its author, James Likoudis, has been a tireless laborer for fraternal dialogue between Catholic and Orthodox Christians.  Few know these two ecclesial worlds so thoroughly and few can so successfully untie the knots of misunderstanding that have gotten in the way of reconciliation.  My hope is that this important collection of essays will receive a careful reading from those in East and West that care about the unity and catholicity of Christ’s Church.” – Marcellino D’Ambrosio, PhD, Senior Fellow, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology; Author of When the Church Was Young: Voices of the Early Fathers

“In our modern era of mass communication, the Ecumenical work of reunion will not be carried out in full without lay involvement. And there is, perhaps, no member of the laity of either of the “two lungs” of apostolic faith that has done more to further the dialogue than James Likoudis. In his masterpiece: The Divine Mosaic: Piecing Together Catholic and Orthodox Unity, we have laid out for us the intellectual framework that all of us can benefit from. Whether you are a seasoned apologist, theologian, or philosopher, and whether you are clergy or laity, you are going to benefit and learn from this great work. It is my prayer that every Catholic who is serious about his or her faith will place this book at the top of the list of necessary reads. If you are reading this, you may well have already bought the book. My advice is to buy some more copies for friends.” – Tim Staples, Senior Apologist, Catholic Answers; Author of Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines (From the foreword)

“Dr. Likoudis balances between the extreme of pretending that there are no significant differences between Catholics and Orthodox, and the other extreme of consigning one another to the darkest pits of Hades. Dr. Likoudis is a living example of how to dialogue with the Orthodox about important differences without falling into a rigid fundamentalism that refuses to see grace present in the Orthodox church.” – Michael Lofton, Founder, Reason and Theology; Author of Answering Orthodoxy: A Catholic Response to Attacks from the East (From the afterword)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS

Heresy Disguised as Tradition

by Pedro Gabriel

A widespread assertion in Catholic circles today is that one can disregard the teachings of Pope Francis or the Second Vatican Council if they teach something that seems to go against tradition. Is this the case? In this book, Pedro Gabriel proves that tradition is often confused with novelty. He also shows how several heresies of the past have historically claimed to be more traditional than the living magisterium.

Paperback: $24.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Pedro Gabriel displays the same admirable qualities found in his other writings, viz., careful research, clear argumentation, and charitable but cogent refutations of the false claims made by papal critics. Although Dr. Gabriel is very well-versed in theology, he is a medical doctor … by training and profession. In Heresy Disguised as Tradition, his medical training is apparent. He is able to diagnose the cancer of false theology disguised as tradition and expose its pathological qualities.” — Dr. Robert Fastiggi, Professor of Systematic Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan

“Pedro Gabriel has the gift of giving transparent and honest answers to intricate questions. Now in this book he explains what Catholic Tradition is. One of the plagues of the current discussion on the Pontificate of Pope Francis are the traditionalists who do not know the tradition of the Church. To propose the same truth in a different context, in front of a different culture and of different challenges it is not enough to repeat the same words. The words are always interpreted in a context. It seems that there is only the choice between severing ourselves from the culture we live in in order to become men of the culture in which the Tradition ( that encompasses the Scripture) was originally formulated ( but then we lose the capacity of enlightening with the words of the Scripture the dilemmas of the world of today) or to read the Scripture in the light of the Spirit of Our Time ( but then we lose the capacity of affirming those truths that our time is unwilling to accept and instead of transforming ourselves according to the Spirit of Jesus we transform Jesus according to our Mind). The Catholic answer is that God has instituted through the sacrament of order and the Primate of Peter the appropriate context for the interpretation of his Message.This context is at the same time in time and out of time. Without the assistance of the Holy Spirit there can be no Tradition, or at least no Catholic Tradition. This is the reason why it is not possible to oppose the catholic Tradition to the Primate of Peter. Simul stabunt, simul cadent ( together they stay or together they fall). The reader will find clear answers in a language that is easy to understand and in which a fervent love to Tradition and to the body of Christ incarnate shines through.” — Rocco Buttiglione, Member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas.

 

“Pedro Gabriel has succeeded in articulating an impassioned Catholic defense of the true Tradition against its pseudo-traditionalist deformations. Nothing could be more timely to understand – once and for all – that the Holy Spirit has not gone on vacation and constantly assists all successors of Peter in leading and governing the Church.” — Rodrigo Guerra Lopez, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

 

“Pedro Gabriel offers a well-written and deeply researched defense of Catholic teaching in response to the errors of contemporary Catholic traditionalism. Dr. Gabriel engages directly with the arguments of radical traditionalists and offers a thorough response, leaving no stone unturned. The book emphasizes the Church’s doctrines regarding the papacy, especially the crucial role of the pope in maintaining the Church’s unity and as the guarantor of orthodoxy. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Catholic ecclesiology who wants to understand the ongoing debates about authority and tradition in the Church.” — Mike Lewis, Co-Founder and Editor of the website Where Peter Is.

 

“This book is a breath of fresh air. Dr. Gabriel wrote a book that spoke right to me. When he makes his arguments, I think, get out of my head. Finally someone has put together a cohesive book that refutes the ideology behind radical traditionalism. He lays out perfectly how this ideology matches that of heretics in the past. Great work, Dr. Gabriel! Your work is greatly appreciated!” – Josh Anderson, Amazon Reviewer, 5 Stars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS