May. 20, 2008 - Former Witch Looks At Lord of the Rings

My Mom read this article titles "A Former Witch (now a Believer) Looks At The Lord Of The Rings" to me, which I ENCOURAGE you to go read Part I & Part II. If you're not inclined to sit there and read it, ask one of your older siblings or parents to do so, because it needs to be read. This article REALLY struck some chords with me... As you can see by this blog alone I LOVE Lord of the Rings. I collect LOTR stuff, I read all the books, and I've studied Tolkien, Middle Earth history and the Elvish language. Sadly, I have spent more time in my LOTR obsession than I have in the Word of God, and that is wrong. I have put something of the world above my Creator.

When I was 11, my dad brought home LOTR and at first I was kind of leery of the scene where Saruman using the Palantir. I had never heard of any of it and we never watched any Disney classics, especially ones that had witchcraft in them like Beauty & the Beast or the Little Mermaid. It was something that wasn’t necessary or allowed.

I must at admit that I really had felt uncomfortable when we watched LOTR for the first time. I mean the whole story is based is centered around a magical object, filled with spelling-speaking elves and wizards… but when my parents continued to let us watch the films, I led myself to think it was alright.

In doing so LOTR witchcraft became familiar to me and didn’t bother me. How often do we let ourselves slowly get pulled into something? This is Satan way of drawing people, saved or not, away from Christ.

“Did you know that Tolkien has inspired DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS and is considered to be the father of these occultic role playing games? I heard someone mention that the other night on COAST TO COAST so I did searches myself and found out that it is true. Those like a lot of Christians I know are a bit hypocritical (and I guess I was at some point too, but was ignorant) by all out condemning Harry Potter while fully behind Tolkien. He was a catholic. I don’t know if you knew that. To me not just LOTR but also some of their other stories didn’t set right with me. Like NARNIA (C.S.LEWIS). I get it that the lion as Christ’s symbol of the LION OF JUDAH but was filled with all these abominable creatures like CENTAURS (half man, half horse) and SATYRS (half man, half goat), which are the demonic offspring of fallen angels and animals as mentioned in the BOOK OF THE GIANTS or some of those other books.”

After reading this article I was really convicted by the fact that YES LOTR IS WITCHCRAFT. Looking back at LOTR I realize how many things in it aren’t alright for me as a Christian to take part in. I am so deeply confused and hurt because I didn’t see this before and I allowed myself to get to so involved with it. I mean I was 11 and that was 6 years ago…in a way I have grown up with LOTR.

I also thought that because C.S. Lewis was a Christian that all his books were justified even though they contained magic and mythology, but they aren’t. Narnia does have magic and creatures who represent humans having relations with animal, which is an abomination to God. The Bible says that anyone who does it should be put to death (Leviticus 20:15-1).

Now, I’m not saying that Narnia is a display of this, but creatures like fawns and centaurs do represent man and beast joined. Things that are made up such as Hobbits, trolls, centaurs, and Elves are man’s creation. They are not God’s creation and therefore they are not OF God.

Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

“Jesus warned against calling evil good and that is what you are doing if you call a wizard good. This kind of blaspemy is nothing new. I heard that it was Enoch that inspired the so called good wizard Merlin character as well as the pagan god Hermes. I really don’t quite understand what that is all about. But you know they did the same thing with Jesus’ apostles. Like Peter and Paul people thought were the gods Mars and Apollo. But yet they did not compromise by promoting anything occultic.”

Whether the witchcraft/magic in either of these is presented as good or evil it is not of God, and I can no longer allow myself, after been giving this information, to associate myself with it. This is a BIG deal for me.

Can I really sell all my LOTR stuff - posters, books, collectors games, DVDs, figures, etc? Yes, I can. Jesus came down out of His throne of glory to die a sinner’s death. He laid down His everything for me, and I can lay down all my fleshly desires for the furthering of His kingdom. I teach the Bible on this blog and I don’t want to give anyone opportunity to point a finger at me and say I am a hypocrite. What will all this matter anyways when we stand before His throne? It won’t. All the things of this earth shall pass away. I want my treasure to be Jesus and so I must give up all else that would stifle that.

Matthew 6: 18 21

“That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Many things that went into the making of LOTR coincidently have something to do with witchcraft - read the article. Not too mention, and I knew this, that a lot of the lore in LOTR came from heathen sources. Yes, I know that all the days of the week and the names of months are from heathens but we don’t go get all obsessed and start collecting things about the names of the days.

Tolkien spent more time creating another world of witchcraft than he did in this world making an impact for Christ. I am not saying there is no good in LOTR, because I definitely think it has some good morals and lessons as does Harry Potter, but if I want to learn a moral lesson I can open up my Bible.

“LOTR is a clever instructional course in witchcraft disguised as fantasy and entertainment…. and is breaking all records for ticket sales. All three movies were released at the time of the witchcraft sabat of Yule!”

I know that is a bold move, especially since I HAVE defended and endorsed both Lord of the Rings & Chronicles of Narnia, but I must act on my own convictions and encourage others to do the same. If I don’t I can’t be in any role of leadership or set as an example to others? I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I realize now, even though I REALLY don’t want to give up my precious LOTR, that it is no different than Harry Potter. The Bible says we are in the world not OF the world. I want to be as Jesus, and not as the world in ANY regards.

Since Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films many more films, like Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Eragon, and the Golden Compass, have been brought to the big screen, along with all sorts of media and collectors items, to draw more people into this fantasy world. Does anyone wonder why Christians are slowly straying so far from the Word? The Biblical-worldview?

2 Timothy 4:4-5
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

I’m not posting this to look down on anyone. How can I? I had a huge blind-spot in my life and it’s not my place to look at the speck in anyone else’s, but I can present you the information for you to make your own decisions based on what the Holy Spirit convicts you of.

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

I did go see Prince Caspian with my dad and two older sisters because, and after a friend’s comment, I needed to see what they had done with it. Needless to say I will be giving the OneBlog up, leaving only this article there for all who come in search of something that is not truth, and perhaps it will “be a light for you in dark places”. I have removed all LOTR and Chronicles of Narnia links and icons from my site, and I will most likely be selling my collection.

Not to mention I have been far to busy to even keep this blog updated because I've been spending my online time writing for...

A Pondering Heart
Growing In Grace Magazine online
Homeschool Blog Awards
The Backyard
And doing tons of templates, graphics, and designs.
All of which I encourage you to check out and leave a comment on. :)

Many blessings to you and you ponder and grow in the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Miss Jocelyn formally known as Alatariel

Note: Like I said, this was not to look down on anyone and I am not posting this for a debate. This is what I believe and I must take care of my spirit and follow what the Lord convicts me of.  I won’t be answering any comments in dispute.

Jan. 3, 2008 - Happy Eleventy-Sixth Birthday TOLKIEN!

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Tolkien in 1972, in his study at Merton Street, Oxford.

Source: J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography, by Humphrey Carpenter.

Born 3 January 1892 92-01-03) Bloemfontein, Orange Free State

Died 2 September 1973 (aged 81) Bournemouth, England

Occupation Author, Academic, Philologist Nationality British Genres High fantasy, Translation, Criticism

 Debut works The Hobbit, 1937
Signature

20 Northmoor Road, the former home of J.R.R. Tolkien in North Oxford.

The last known photograph of Tolkien, taken 9 August 1973, next to one of his favourite trees (a European Black Pine) in the Botanic Garden, Oxford

Read all about Tolkien at WikiPedia

Dec. 21, 2007 - The Hobbit: The Offical News

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND
NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM
TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,”
EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND
SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:

* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.

* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.

* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.

Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”

“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”

Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with ‘The Hobbit’ movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.”

“Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. “We’re delighted he’s back for ‘The Hobbit’ films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord.”

The two “Hobbit” films – “The Hobbit” and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.

The Oscar-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

For more information about “The Hobbit” films, please visit www.TheHobbitBlog.com.

Nov. 27, 2007 - The Song of Beren and Luthien

'Then tell us some other tale of the old days,' begged Sam; 'a tale about the Elves before the fading time. I would dearly like to hear more about Elves; the dark seems to press round so close.'
    'I will tell you the tale of Tinúviel,' said Strider, 'in brief – for it is a long tale of which the end is not known; and there are none now, except Elrond, that remember it aright as it was told of old. It is a fair tale, though it is sad, as are all the tales of Middle-earth, and yet it may lift up your hearts.' He was silent for some time, and then he began not to speak but to chant softly:

The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinúviel was dancing there
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her raiment glimmering.

There Beren came from mountains cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wander flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.

Enchantment healed his weary feet
That over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened, strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through woven woods in Elvenhome
She tightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening.

He heard there oft the flying sound
Of feet as light as linden-leaves,
Or music welling underground,
In hidden hollows quavering.
Now withered lay the hemlock-sheaves,
And one by one with sighing sound
Whispering fell the beechen leaves
In the wintry woodland wavering.

He sought her ever, wandering far
Where leaves of years were thickly strewn,
By light of moon and ray of star
In frosty heavens shivering.
Her mantle glinted in the moon,
As on a hill-top high and far
She danced, and at her feet was strewn
A mist of silver quivering.

When winter passed, she came again,
And her song released the sudden spring,
Like rising lark, and falling rain,
And melting water bubbling.
He saw the elven-flowers spring
About her feet, and healed again.
He longed by her to dance and sing
Upon the grass untroubling.

Again she fled, but swift he came.
Tinúviel! Tinúviel!
He called her by her elvish name;
And there she halted listening.
One moment stood she, and a spell
His voice laid on her: Beren came,
And doom fell on Tinúviel
That in his arms lay glistening.

As Beren looked into her eyes
Within the shadows of her hair,
The trembling starlight of the skies
He saw there mirrored shimmering.
Tinúviel the elven-fair,
Immortal maiden elven-wise,
About him cast her shadowy hair
And arms like silver glimmering.

Long was the way that fate them bore,
O'er stony mountains cold and grey,
Through halls of iron and darkling door,
And woods of nightshade morrowless.
The Sundering Seas between them lay,
And yet at last they met once more,
And long ago they passed away
In the forest singing sorrowless.

-FotR, Chapter XI

Posted by: Aldawen

Nov. 10, 2007 - We're Still Here

Oct. 18, 2007 - The Lamb Among Stars

The Shadow At Evening


The Power of the Night

Sep. 17, 2007 - Nine Rings