​​​

This sermon touches on J.R.R. Tolkien's Christian beliefs and how they influenced his writing. Moreover, it compares his approach to story telling with that of C.S. Lewis, in particular their thoughts on allegory.  I consider Tolkien's use of fantasy and fairy stories to expound biblical truths and virtues.  Finally I examine two main themes embedded in the narrative:  the dangers of greed as exemplified by dwarvish gold-lust, and the role adventure and adversity play in the personal growth of the main protagonist - Bilbo Baggins.