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Images Of Christ Threefold Office In The Lord Of The Rings Hansen Lectureship

Fernando Pessoa

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Published in The Messiah Comes To Middle Earth: Images Of Christ S Threefold Office In The Lord Of The Rings (Hansen Lectureship Series)

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The Hansen Lectureship on Images of Christ's Threefold Office in The Lord of the Rings explores the ways in which J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel reflects the biblical understanding of Christ as prophet, priest, and king.

The Messiah Comes to Middle-Earth: Images of Christ's Threefold Office in The Lord of the Rings (Hansen Lectureship Series)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The lectureship was established in 2003 by the Rev. Dr. Ted A. Hansen, a noted Tolkien scholar and former president of Luther Seminary. The lectureship is held annually at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The 2023 Hansen Lectureship will be given by Dr. Michael W. Smith, professor of English at Baylor University. Dr. Smith is the author of several books on Tolkien, including The Gospel According to Tolkien: Visions of the Kingdom in Middle-earth.

In his lectures, Dr. Smith will explore the ways in which Tolkien's characters and stories reflect the threefold office of Christ. He will show how Gandalf the Grey serves as a prophet, calling the people of Middle-earth to repentance and faith. He will also show how Frodo Baggins serves as a priest, offering himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of others. And he will show how Aragorn serves as a king, ruling justly and compassionately over the people of Gondor.

The Hansen Lectureship is a unique opportunity to explore the Christian themes in The Lord of the Rings. Dr. Smith's lectures will provide new insights into Tolkien's classic novel and will help us to see the ways in which it can enrich our understanding of the Christian faith.

The Prophet

Gandalf the Grey is a powerful wizard, but he is also a humble servant of God. He is sent to Middle-earth to guide and protect the people of Middle-earth in their struggle against Sauron. Gandalf is a prophet in the sense that he speaks the truth of God to the people of Middle-earth. He calls them to repentance and faith, and he warns them of the dangers of following Sauron.

Gandalf is also a prophet in the sense that he foretells the future. He knows that Sauron will eventually be defeated, but he also knows that the victory will come at a great cost. Gandalf is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others, and he does so in the end. He dies on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm, but he is resurrected and returns to help the people of Middle-earth in their final battle against Sauron.

The Priest

Frodo Baggins is a simple hobbit, but he is chosen to bear the One Ring to Mount Doom and destroy it. Frodo's journey is a long and difficult one, but he is sustained by the love and support of his friends. Frodo is a priest in the sense that he offers himself as a sacrifice for the salvation of others. He knows that the journey to Mount Doom will likely cost him his life, but he is willing to make that sacrifice for the sake of Middle-earth.

Frodo's journey is also a journey of faith. He must trust in God's power to save him, even when things seem hopeless. Frodo's faith is tested many times along the way, but he never gives up. In the end, he is able to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from Sauron.

The King

Aragorn is the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, but he does not claim it until the end of the War of the Ring. Aragorn is a king in the sense that he rules justly and compassionately over the people of Gondor. He is also a king in the sense that he is a servant of the people. He is willing to put the needs of his people before his own, and he is always willing to fight for their freedom.

Aragorn is also a king in the sense that he is a symbol of hope. He represents the hope of a better future for Middle-earth. Aragorn's reign is a time of peace and prosperity, and he is able to unite the people of Middle-earth against Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings is a story about the struggle between good and evil. It is also a story about the power of hope. The characters in The Lord of the Rings are all flawed, but they are also capable of great heroism. They are able to overcome their fears and doubts, and they are able to achieve great things. The Lord of the Rings is a story that inspires us to believe that we can overcome our own challenges and achieve our own dreams.

The Hansen Lectureship on Images of Christ's Threefold Office in The Lord of the Rings is a unique opportunity to explore the Christian themes in Tolkien's classic novel. Dr. Smith's lectures will provide new insights into Tolkien's work and will help us to see the ways in which it can enrich our understanding of the Christian faith.

The Messiah Comes to Middle-Earth: Images of Christ's Threefold Office in The Lord of the Rings (Hansen Lectureship Series)

4.5 out of 5