Devin Brown

If, as Devin Brown, channeling Professor Tolkien, reminds us, "all that is gold does not glitter," then readers might be forgiven for overlooking Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life's Unexpected Journeys. Brown's book is much like the titular hobbits from which it draws inspiration: short and unassuming, at barely 140 pages. Billed loosely as "self-help," Hobbit Lessons is really a meditation on the themes of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, and a gentle nudge to set forth on the show more adventurous possibilities life presents us.

Brown discusses Tolkien's themes across several chapters, touching on such subjects as the importance of friendship, giving and accepting help, the power of greed, and the "sacramental" quality of ordinary life. Readers will not be surprised by Brown's conclusions, although they will sometimes find nuggets hearty enough to tide them over to second breakfast. It might have spared Bilbo and friends no end of trouble, for instance, if the hobbit had slain Gollum upon meeting him. But by staying his hand, whether out of compassion or pity, Bilbo saved Middle Earth: It was Gollum, of course, who showed Frodo and Sam the way to Mordor, and Gollum's treachery that ultimately delivered the Ring into the fires of Mount Doom.

Hobbit Lessons is written in a style that both readers and non-readers will find accessible. Although Brown is a professor of English, he hews closely to the purpose of his book and avoids literary jargon and analysis that some readers would find off-putting. Readers of Hobbit Lessons needn't be hardcore Lord of the Rings aficionados. I've seen the movies, read the books multiple times, and read books about the books, but my sense is that anyone who has seen the movies will be comfortable with Brown's subject matter.

I will note one caveat in regards to Hobbit Lessons. Abingdon Press is a Christian publisher, and Asbury University, where Brown teaches, is a Christian college. Brown is writing from a Christian perspective, as becomes clear with his references to biblical parables and his assertion that there is a "Plan" (my term, not Brown's) to Middle Earth's destiny, that is, it follows, the result of a behind-the-scenes "Planner." That said, Tolkien wrote from a Christian perspective, too, and Brown in no way misrepresents the professor's intentions (at least according to my understanding). Brown's references to religion are subtle and will be noted only by the very alert (some might say "sensitive") reader. This non-Christian reader was alarmed by the first veiled religious references, but those concerns were quickly put to rest. Hobbit Lessons may be enjoyed by any reader who appreciates the stories, regardless of religious or philosophical persuasion.

What you need to know: As a flannel-clad, bearded manly-man, I rarely use the term "cute," but it seems appropriate here: Hobbit Lessons is a cute little exposition on the wisdom Tolkien packed into the little people who dwell in the Shire. Brown hints that Tolkien's stories are so popular because they are "true"; readers will appreciate the mythic power Brown describes. A short and fun little book that can be quickly read and appreciated by any LotR fan.

(Special thanks to NetGalley and Abingdon Press for providing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.) show less

I remember the first time I entered the world of Middle-earth. I was twelve or thirteen and noticed an interesting little yellow book on my mother’s shelf. I’m not entirely sure if she ever read it or not — as that kind of book was not what I remember her reading. But I asked if I could read it and eagerly dove in. At that age I don’t believe I was even aware there was a sequel to the book. But from the first few moments I was hooked.

Fantasy literature isn’t everyone’s cup of show more tea, and all books in the genre of fantasy are not created equal. Few rise to the level of art achieved by J.R.R. Tolkien. His books, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", are among the most widely read in the English language. And like countless readers of Tolkien before me, I found the world he crafted to be enchanting and alluring.

Tolkien’s world, the land of Middle-earth, is a place readers long to return to. Yet spending time in Middle-earth is not an exercise in futility or a way to check out of the here and now. In an ironic fashion, Tolkien’s world inspires noble efforts in the real world, and calls us all to live better and nobler lives.

Tolkien scholar Devon Brown, elaborates on this quality of Tolkien’s works:

…it might also be argued that the biggest reason his works have been so deeply loved, both in the previous century and the present one, is because they not only entertain readers — they also enrich their readers’ lives and make them more meaningful. (p. 11)

Brown explores the world Tolkien made in a new book "The Christian World of the Hobbit" (Abingdon Press, 2012). In this work, he demonstrates how Tolkien’s Christian worldview bleeds through his written works and permeates the world he made. This aspect of Tolkien’s work is puzzling to many. His books have almost no references to God or anything remotely similar to church or religion, and yet they are hailed by many as Christian novels advocating a Christian worldview. Sure there is a fight between right and wrong, and right wins — but is that enough to classify the book as Christian?

Brown’s analysis uncovers abundant clues from the author himself, both inside the covers of his books, as well as from his own reflections and letters about them, which put this question to rest. Tolkien’s use of the term “luck” and “good fortune” is an ironic way to point the reader toward the conclusion that it wasn’t just luck or fortune, but Someone behind it all. Gandalf’s statement to Bilbo on the final page of The Hobbit makes this clear: “You don’t really suppose, do you, that all your adventure and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit?” Brown points out that Tolkien as much as acknowledges this in one of his letters:

In a letter, Tolkien offers this additional statement about the veiled power at work in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: “The story and its sequel are… about the achievements of specially graced and gifted individuals. I would say… ‘by ordained individuals, inspired and guided by an Emissary to ends beyond their individual education and enlargement.’ This is clear in The Lord of the Rings; but it is present, if veiled, in The Hobbit from the beginning, and is alluded to in Gandalf’s last words. (Letters 365)” (pp. 49-50)

Additional evidence is found in Tolkien’s statements about his work being “fundamentally Christian” in nature:

“The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision” (Letters 172). [p. 24]

“I am a Christian” and then adds in parentheses “which can be deduced from my stories” (Letters 288). [p. 26]

Tolkien’s work is Christian at its core, but not in a superficial manner. Tolkien despised allegory, and would frown on much of what passes as Christian fantasy today. Brown considers works of this type as merely “Christianized.” In contrast, Tolkien’s thoroughly Christian worldview shapes the very fabric of his stories in a subtle yet profound way. And Tolkien did desire his readers to entertain that worldview for themselves after encountering it in his stories.

Brown also explores the morality inherent in Tolkien’s view of Middle-earth. The struggle to better one’s self plays a prominent role throughout the story. Bilbo Baggins is no ordinary hero, conquering by his skill with the sword and enduring thanks to his bravado and courage. Instead Bilbo takes on himself and wins. He faces the darker parts of his heart head on: he steps out of his cottage to begin the adventure, he resists the greed and selfishness that entice him to abandon his companions, and ultimately he finds a life spent in service of others is the only truly satisfying way to live.

This book is well-written, lucid and clear. And the artistic touches throughout make it a pleasure to interact with – even in the Kindle version. It abounds with quotations from Tolkien’s work and letters, and includes pertinent quotes from other Tolkien scholars. The life of Tolkien, and his own Christian journey are recounted, as well as his famous literary society and its influence on his career. C.S. Lewis features prominently in the book – as he both knew Tolkien as a friend and appreciated his literary output (Brown is also a Lewis scholar). Throughout the book, Brown’s first-rate grasp of Tolkien scholarship is apparent and yet he manages to keep the book very accessible.

For those who have read "The Hobbit" more than once, Brown’s work will be a joy to read. Even if you are familiar with Tolkien’s work only through the films by Peter Jackson, reading "The Christian World of the Hobbit" may spur you on to read the books that have endeared themselves to generations of readers. J.R.R. Tolkien was a Catholic Christian, but his view of morality and Divine providence as conveyed through his stories, is something evangelical Christians will appreciate. Brown allows us to enter Tolkien’s universe with a well trained eye, ready to see the glimmers of the Christian worldview that permeates it all. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Abingdon Press. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review. show less

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I rate this book four stars. I requested it because - aside from being both a religion and fantasy nerd - I am fascinated by the way people use storytelling as a method of understanding faith and the world around us. I studied religion in fantasy literature in college and spent a lot of time on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and I was excited to see something along the lines of the academic papers I read, but show more aimed at and written for everyday life and use.

Hobbit Lessons is a big huge geek out. It is the best kind of fangirling (or, in Professor Brown's case, I suppose, fanboying) - investigating the meanings, both obvious and subtle, behind Tolkien's words. It's written in a conversational, easy-to-read style and yet explores the theological concepts Tolkien so deeply inscribed in his work - theological concepts many people have spent their whole lives trying to comprehend.

Each chapter touches on a different theme, referring to supporting materials from Tolkien and those who wrote about him as well as to Bible verses and the text of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Brown also references the movies, which was a little confusing for me as I've only seen the first one and that just recently, but for people just joining the Tolkien fandom with the release of theHobbit films, I am glad he does. Although there are many references to religion in the book, it is written in such a way that I feel it would be relatable to any reader of faith, not solely Christian readers.

At the end of each chapter, Brown recaps the lesson and includes questions for reflection. The structure of the book makes it perfect for book groups, study groups, and church groups.

I would recommend it to anyone who loves Tolkien's work, who is curious about it, or who just needs a little wisdom. show less

That JRR Tolkien is the author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is probably the most known fact about him. That he was Christian is probably the second.

And yet, in his essay/lecture-turned-book, The Christian World of The Hobbit, Devin Brown belabors this point. Much time is spent giving example after example from The Hobbit, long after his point has been proven. In fact, this book should have been called The Christian World of Tolkien, or some thing similar, because Brown gives just show more as many examples and justifications of his thesis from The Lord of the Rings as Tolkien’s first novel.

One particular thing I found lacking is acknowledgement of a God-character in Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. Brown continually references the fact that the wisest characters like Gandalf and Elrond reference some greater plan or being who they will ultimately answer to. This is his proof of God. But for a professor that teaches on Tolkien, there is absolutely no reference to The Silmarillion, Tolkien’s third-most famous work. The Silmarillion opens with God, or Eru Ilúvatar, creating divine spirits and then creating the world. This is Tolkien’s clear parallel to the Catholic God, and for Brown to omit it seems disingenuous. So why omit it? Does Brown see the creation of other divine spirits to be outside of the parallels he wants to give? Or does he simply want to stick to The Hobbit? (Because of the myriad references to The Lord of the Rings, I doubt this to be the case.)

Was Tokien a Christian? Of course. Did his world view come out in his fantasy novels? Of course. Where I’d like to have seen this expanded is in parallels to Christian apologists or contrasted with secular fiction authors. Brown often handwaving statements like (paraphrased) “Many Christians believe God acts like this” or “Tolkiens’ contemporaries didn’t agree with this”. As it stands, much of this essay reads as if it were written by a ninth grader rather than a college professor. show less