Posted: October 15, 1999 at 12:34:04: by Shadowfax
The magic thread has really generated an interesting discussion.
As has been noted, it has branched into a number of sub-threads and is being squeezed off the bottom of the board.
May I re-launch this particular aspect of the thread:Is magic just a literary device, or is it applicable (oh I hate that word, does anyone have a better one?) to the world? How far are magic/religion/the supernatural/science redeemable with one another? I myself an an engineer with a Catholic background, so I like to see things rationally within the borders defined by Christianity, Ethics and Aesthetics. This does not mean that I scorn all other forms and suggestions of the supernatural. I grew up in Berkshire, UK, within the aura of the White Horse and other prehistoric monuments, and must admit these have always had a fascination and attraction for me. What I like about the religious side of Tolkien's mythology, is that it reconciles Pagan (polytheistic) with Christian (monotheistic) views of the universe. I have always felt both have a validity of their own. I would be especially interested to know how people from different religious or atheist backgrounds feel about this, and with what they can identify. I was fascinated to hear there are Tolkien fan groups in Japan and Korea. None of them will probably read this, but I wonder how thaey identify with Tolkien.
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