5 Biblical Lessons From THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (2001)
Quality: *****
Content: -1 Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING is the film adaption of the novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien. It tells the story of Frodo Baggins, a small hobbit who possesses the all-powerful One Ring to rule them all. He sets off with eight companions to destroy the ring by throwing it into the fires of Mount Doom in Mordor, the place of its creation.
The fellowship must save Middle Earth from the evil Lord Sauron and his minions. While it may sound like an epic fantasy (filled with elves, dwarves and wizards), the film contains several Christian allegories and offers valuable Biblical lessons. Let’s explore what we can learn from THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.
Stand Up For What Is Good
“Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?” Psalms 94:16
In the movie, evil forces plague Middle Earth. The Dark Lord Sauron claims dominion over the world. An army of creatures called Orcs march to destroy anything in their path. All who live in Middle Earth must choose to succumb to evil or stand against it. Frodo and his companions don’t sit idly by.
The Bible calls Christians to rise up against the wicked in Psalms 94:16. Much like Frodo, we may face dark forces in our world. We must stand up against evildoers and fight for what we know is right. While we may not be required to travel a perilous journey to destroy a ring, when given the choice, the Lord smiles upon us when we fight for goodness.
God Uses Unlikely People
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” 1 Samuel 16:7
Who would think that the fate of Middle Earth would fall on a meek hobbit and his three friends, Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took and Merry Brandybuck? Others are more powerful than them, like Gandalf the Gray or the brave Ranger of the North, Aragorn. Yet, the smallest hobbits stand up to complete the mission.
The words of 1 Samuel 16:7 teach that God uses unlikely people to carry out His will. While we may feel like we’re not up to the task, the Lord sees our hearts and knows we’re capable. We shouldn’t judge on outward appearances but answer the stirring of God’s call on our lives. There’s no denying His power when an unexpected hero carries out His plan.
Be A Steadfast Friend
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Frodo leans on his friends and companions as he faces the daunting journey to destroy the Ring. Who can forget the image of Samwise Gamgee carrying a weakened Frodo up the firing path to Mount Doom? It’s a testimony to the power of friendship and the importance of loyalty.
We learn in John 15:13 that there is no greater love than someone willing to lay down their life for a friend. Jesus tells his disciples to release their own desires to give of themselves for a friend. Sacrifice is a crucial component of a godly friendship, especially when it’s reciprocated.
Don’t Give In To Greed
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5
The One Ring is so powerful that it intoxicates anyone who possesses it with greed. The creature Gollum, who was once a hobbit, loses himself and becomes dominated by its powers. Even Frodo becomes delusional, convinced that he may one day be the ruler of Middle Earth.
Tolkien uses the One Ring to symbolize the dangers of giving in to greed. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:5 that we are to be content with what we have and not let a love of money and possessions rule our lives. The Lord provides our needs when we seek His guidance and keep our eyes on Him instead of riches.
Have Hope In Dark Times
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:7
It would be easy for Frodo and the Fellowship to lose hope as they face darkness on their journey to destroy the ring. The odds are against them as obstacles and a spreading evil stand between them and the fires of Mordor at Mount Doom. Despite having little optimism, hope is a recurring theme throughout the film.
John 14:7 speaks to Christians in a fallen world, much like the inhabitants of Middle Earth. While we may face a prevailing darkness in our lifetime, the Bible encourages us to accept God’s peace instead of seeking solace in worldliness. Take heart, knowing that we shouldn’t be afraid but find shelter in the arms of a loving God.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING is a treasured film that challenges us to look inward. If a mild-mannered Hobbit can save Middle Earth, imagine the difference we can make if we follow his lead. The Lord can use anyone to carry out His will. Hopefully, he will send trusted friends to help us along the way.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
