From the Inside Flap Praise for for Hobbits, You, and the Spiritual World Jill Richardson has done a doubly difficult deed. She has written a book about the Bible and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and she has written a book that both adults and teenagers will enjoy. Her trick is that this is a book that successfully uses Tolkien to understand the Bible instead of a book that unsuccessfully uses the Bible to understand Tolkien. For another thing, it's a book for teenagers that most adults will also enjoy, understand, and profit from instead of a book for adults that most teenagers will enjoy, understand, and profit from (which is much more difficult). And it works. It's both sprightly and profound, funny and serious, full of loving sarcasm and realistic moral truth.Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy, Boston College, Author of The Philosophy of Tolkien. Author Jill Richardson may well have been born in the Shire, so well does she know the inhabitants of Tolkien's Middle Earth. But the truths in this book are anything but fantasy. They strike close to the heart where we all have the God-given desire for valorous deeds and new worlds to explore. Wayne Thomas Batson, Bestselling author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Dark Sea Annals, and GHOST. Jill Richardson's book provides an outstanding avenue for teenagers and adults alike to reflect upon their own Christian character through the lens of both Tolkien's Hobbit and the Bible. Her clear and contemporary writing style, great reflective discussion questions, and alignment between the characters in the Hobbit and people of the Bible, make this an excellent book for families, youth groups, or individuals. I highly recommend it! Laura Barwegen, Ed.D., Wheaton College, Department of Christian Formation and Ministry The author reminds us that the real quest from Tolkien's books took place in the minds and hearts of his characters. Coupled with the revelation of the real-life adventures in Scripture, she has the necessary formula to inspire life change in students. This book offers our awakening to the ongoing spiritual voyage imparted upon equally fragmentary followers of Christ. I can't get over the way that this book draws you into the various plots and personas of Middle-earth. With so much to love from Tolkien's novels, that foundation provides a place for us to see Biblical stories with a new sense of awe and authenticity. What is even greater is the way students are inspired to find their own place in God's epic journey. Jason Boyer, National Director of Youth Ministry, Free Methodist Church USA The characters of Middle-earth in Tolkien's work are loaded with personality, unique and engaging. Jill Richardson spotlights those characteristics in ways that make them very human--ways I can see myself in those characteristics. Her vocabulary and development of the personalities is very engaging. She masterfully incorporates biblical concepts and application for each of Tolkien's characters, followed by skillfully crafted reflective questions. Scottie May, Associate Professor Christian Formation & Ministry, Wheaton College Read more About the Author Jill's love for hobbits and elves comes from her time as a literature teacher and as a lifelong reader of great stories. She also loves an epic challenge and a chance for grace wherever they exist. Jill has degrees in English, Education, and Theology. She is an ordained minister and has served as a worship, preaching, and discipleship pastor. She has published four books previously. Read more
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