: : But does it then not follow, that any book written by a catholic, could be portrayed as a catholic book?
: : Jan

: I'm not a Catholic, so I would I would find it hard to comment. I imagine that it would depend on whether a Catholic intended what he wrote to be consistent with his religious beliefs. Clearly Tolkien did intend LOTR to be consistent with his religious beliefs, but it would not follow that every Catholic writer would intend this.

Actually, I would answer absolutely, in so far as that when the book (or whatever art medium we are discussing) is released for public consumption and meaning is sought by whomever, they will harken back to the composer's background to draw connections. Tolkien railed against this at times, as he did not see his work as specifically containing any religious allegory. However, as an example, many people draw comparisons between Gandalf and Frodo to Jesus Christ, and Sauron and Morgoth to Lucifer because of Tolkien's background.

Interesting enough, this is the very reason that J. D. Salinger stated for becoming a recluse. He did not want his own life and background to be used as a comparison tool for readers of his work. He wanted it to stand on its own. Unfortunately, his reclusiveness has backfired and his works are often cited with the reference "reclusive author" attached to them.

-RR