Dr. Thompson To Teach Tolkien Course

Published: May 15, 2008

ATLANTA—Dr. Phil Thompson, executive director of the Aquinas Center of Theology at Emory University, will teach a five-week evening course in October entitled “J.R.R. Tolkien and the Spiritual Journey.” The class will study the sources of Tolkien’s vision of the spiritual journey that were influenced by his experiences of World War I, his Catholic faith and his deep reading of ancient mythologies. Employing short readings from “Lord of the Rings” and clips from the movies of the same name, the class will discuss key themes in the journey, including the affirmation of creation, sacrifice and bliss, friendship, the temptations of power and pride, and the role of the key virtues of faith, hope and charity. The course is co-sponsored by the Aquinas Center of Theology and Emory’s Division of Lifelong Learning. For details, contact (404) 727-6000.