{"product_id":"the-battle-for-middle-earth-tolkiens-divine-design-in-the-lord-of-the-rings-9780802824974","title":"The Battle for Middle-earth: Tolkien's Divine Design in \"The Lord of the Rings\"","description":"J. R. R. Tolkien's \u003ci\u003eLord of the Rings\u003c\/i\u003e has long been acknowledged as the gold standard for fantasy fiction, and the recent Oscar-winning movie trilogy has brought forth a whole new generation of fans. Many Tolkien enthusiasts, however, are not aware of the profoundly religious dimension of the great Ring saga. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e In \u003ci\u003eThe Battle for Middle-earth\u003c\/i\u003e Fleming Rutledge employs a distinctive technique to uncover the theological currents that lie just under the surface of Tolkien's epic tale. Rutledge believes that the best way to understand this powerful \"deep narrative\" is to examine the story as it unfolds, preserving some of its original dramatic tension. This deep narrative has not previously been sufficiently analyzed or celebrated. Writing as an enthusiastic but careful reader, Rutledge draws on Tolkien's extensive correspondence to show how biblical and liturgical motifs shape the action. At the heart of the plot lies a rare glimpse of what human freedom really means within the Divine Plan of God. \u003ci\u003eThe Battle for Middle-earth\u003c\/i\u003e surely will, as Rutledge hopes, \"give pleasure to those who may already have detected the presence of the sub-narrative, and insight to those who may have missed it on first reading.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRutledge, Fleming:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cb\u003eFleming Rutledge\u003c\/b\u003e is an Episcopal priest, a best-selling author, and a widely recognized preacher whose published sermon collections have received acclaim across denominational lines. Her other books include \u003ci\u003eHelp My Unbelief, Three Hours: Sermons for Good Friday, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eThe Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ\u003c\/i\u003e, which won \u003ci\u003eChristianity Today's\u003c\/i\u003e 2017 Book of the Year Award.","brand":"William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50566257705234,"sku":"9780802824974","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e61745fb-6070-4f47-97de-9b72a3a1ea28.jpg?v=1731893914","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-battle-for-middle-earth-tolkiens-divine-design-in-the-lord-of-the-rings-9780802824974","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}