Are there Hobbits in Christianity?
Despite having so many projects, deadlines to make and our main school lessons to finish for the year, I can’t help but continue to work on my novel. Even if I’m not putting more words on the page, the characters and their stories are growing in my silly brain. Right now, I’m staring the action scenes in the face so I’ve been reading other novels to give that time to develop. Right now I’m over halfway through Tolkien’s Return of the King.
It’s been a while since I’ve read the Lord of the Rings. And as it should be I’ve learned so much since then, but particularly about spiritual warfare. Tolkien loathed direct allegory, but did love to use symbolism creatively in his works. I can’t even tell you how much beauty and truth I’m finding in it and some of it strikes me so hard and so deep. Why am I telling you this? Because I have a couple of thoughts ignited by my recent reading that I wanted to chat with you guys about, even ask you about. But I wanted to assure you that I’m not going to talk about LOTR forever! I’ll do a couple of posts this week and try (my very best) to be done for the time being. But don’t be afraid to shoot me an e-mail (or reach out on social media) and continue the conversation!
So first off, just in case you’re one of those people who don’t read fantasy or at least not the Lord of the Rings, (Hi mom! Love ya!) the books take place in a land called Middle Earth. There are a variety of men and human-like beings (among other nonhuman-like beings) but the ones I want to chat about today are hobbits. You’re probably familiar, but Hobbits are child sized people who live in a hilly country, often in underground, but very civilized, burrows. Their culture is characterized their propensity to eat, drink and be merry. Gardening and pipe-smoking are their favorite past times. Hobbits prefer to remain blissfully unaware of the world beyond their borders. So much so that they tend to shun those who bring tales of fierce battles of good and evil or remembrances of adventures had. Hobbits are a jovial, peaceful albeit oblivious people and they prefer very much to keep it that way.
Okay, stick with me for a minute. Nic and I have long believed that all Christians are called to live out their faith in certain ways. I tend to think there’s more to following Jesus than confession and attendance. In addition to notable changes in our hearts and minds (as evidenced by fruit of the spirit), I also think we’re all called to spread God’s love to others. We’ve spent much time and energy trying to encourage and empower believers to find ways they can serve the body of Christ and reach out to the unsaved. Of course I recognize that this would look different depending on each person’s unique personality, gifts and place. But as I read the Lord of the Rings I began to wonder…
Are there Hobbits in Christianity?
Are there people whose purpose is to live a joyful Christian life, exempt from mission and much service? I’ve walked into whole churches mostly full of Christian “Hobbits” who smile and hug and listen very well to the sermon. Then they go home and mostly just…live. They eat and work and play at their hobbies and return to laugh and listen together next Sunday. It sounds pretty pleasant. But if I’m honest, this has always sent up a read flag to me. Something seemed missing, but I want to hear from you.
What do you think?
Are there Christians who are meant to effect little, but also struggle little?
Are there Christians who are exempt from engaging greatly in the spiritual battle?
Are there believers whom God has not asked to serve other believers and spread the Gospel?
Are there followers of Christ whose purpose is to basically just enjoy life?
Or are these Elves & Men absent from the skirmish, choosing to live a Shire-life that was never meant for them?
I’m completely open to your verses, ideas and discussion! Drop a comment below or get a hold of me privately. The contact form on this site will get you right into my inbox!
*Update: Thank you to everyone who has responded already! We’re having such great discussion! To be absolutely clear, especially for those who haven’t read the books, I’m not saying that “non-hobbits” wouldn’t know how to enjoy life or “drink and be merry”. All believers have the very best reason to celebrate and have joy through all of it. BUT is that supposed to be the long and short of it? Hopefully you catch my drift (read: hopefully you can make sense of my craziness!)
“Are there believers whom God has not asked to serve other believers and spread the Gospel? Are there followers of Christ whose purpose is to basically just enjoy life?”
