: In other words, does it work? :-)

: : How far are magic/religion/the supernatural/science redeemable with one another?
[snip?]

: : 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.

: Pardon my American ignorance. What is the White Horse?

: : 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.
[snip?]
: I don't have a clue how to explain how Middle Earth is essentially a Catholic world view. I'm an inductive reasoner: it's something I sense, but it would take me a long time to figure out on a conscious level what my subconscious sees as obvious. But irrational that may sound, I am sure that I am correct in my assertion. It's not in the facts, since obviously Middle Earth is not historically factual. It's at a deeper level... Wasn't it CS Lewis who said that if one wishes to remain an atheist, one would do well to avoid good books?

: Lady G.

This "one" became an atheist (mostly) thru reading good books (Definition of good books- books which makes you think. Or imagine. Same thing , actually).

A bit of background, so you'll know what's my "point of view":
I'm a Jew, and not a religious one. Furthermore- I'm from Israel. I don't know how much any of you know about our political/social situation, but you should know that when I refer to religion it's the real pagan-hardcore staff, the "stone - those - who - not - believe - exactly - what -we - do" type of religion, whereas you seem to refer to a more philosophical/moral type of religion the "it's more important to be a moral person then to believe in God" religion(a side question to Christians out there- does it matter if Jesus was the son of god? think about it before answering).

So, basing on the "religion is worshipping god" definition- my view of religion in ME is pretty clear- it's nonexistent. No one in ME ever goes to battle after praying, and no one battles for "the greater glory of Illuvatar". There are no temples in ME. Well, except for the one in Numenor- but that began as a "true" religion, and the gods where something "alive"- it was a self aware religion, only when Sauron moved in, and began the darkness-worshipping religion, it turned into a "real" religion (not very well put, but that's the most I can do for now...). Moreover- people are rebelling against "gods", and they are NOT getting punished for it (the Noldor were punished for the kin-slaying, not the rebellion).

about magic in ME- this does not exist as well (hate to break it to you...). the only "magic" powers are either:

a. works of craft (even the silmarils are referred to as such)

b. acts of the "powers of the world" - the so-called "gods", which are supposed to have the power the change the world, or else- how could they create it?

or - c. "natural" magic- such as ghosts and wraiths, which come from the nature of the "spirit" in ME.

magic in ME is definitely not what is commonly thought about magic, it's more a thing of reality, then a power of the soul.