Graham McAleer | Tolkien, Philosopher of War | Steve Brown, Etc.

About this sermon

Before he dreamed up Hobbits and the Shire, J.R.R. Tolkien served in WWI. So how did that affect his worldview? That's the fascinating question Steve and the gang explore with professor/author Graham McAleer on this week's episode. Graham's new book is called "Tolkien, Philosopher of War." https://amzn.to/4a2I2pd 🗝️ Have you ever read Tolkien? Have a favorite book or character? Did you like the 'Lord of the Rings' films? Share your thoughts in the Comments. 🗝️ While you're here, please help Key Life by clicking the 'Subscribe' button, then click on the BELL (on mobile devices, also click 'ALL'). That way you'll be the first to know when the newest episode of 'Steve Brown, Etc.' goes live! Get the best of Key Life in your inbox with Key Life Connection, our free weekly email: https://www.KeyLife.org/subscribe – includes FREE access to our behind-the-scenes 'SBE Insider' playlist here on YouTube. And be sure to download the Key Life app, now available for iPhone and Android: https://www.KeyLife.org/app GUEST BIO Graham McAleer is a professor of philosophy at Loyola University (@LoyolaMaryland) where he has taught for 30 years. He is also a member of the Judicial Ethics Committee of the State of Maryland and contributes to the national online magazine, “Law & Liberty”, writing about culture and politics. Graham’s latest book is called "Tolkien, Philosopher of War." https://amzn.to/4a2I2pd 00:00 - Intro 03:15 - Meet Graham McAleer 05:05 - When did Graham's fascination with Tolkien begin? More recently than you might think. 10:30 - The moral ambiguity in Tolkien's stories that get overlooked 14:43 - Most of his life, Tolkien was poor? 16:12 - In WWI, the enemy was gunning for Tolkien - here's why... 19:41 - Would Tolkien be on Twitter today? 23:11 - More from Graham on the Tolkien's morally complicated characters 29:47 - How Tolkien tackled Gnosticism in his stories 35:41 - Are you Aragorn, Frodo, or Gollum? 37:38 - Steve's closing thoughts 39:25 - Next week's guest is... Follow us on Social! ▶ X/TWITTER – /keylifenetwork ▶ FACEBOOK – /keylifenetwork ▶ INSTAGRAM – /keylifenetwork Key Life participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some links may be affiliate links. We may get a small referral fee if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.