“I am not a reformer nor an embalmer! I am not a ‘reformer’ (by exercise of power) since it seems doomed to Sarumanism. But ‘embalming’ has its own punishments.”

-J.R.R. Tolkien

For this episode we are delighted to be joined by Dr. Holly Ordway, Fellow of Faith and Culture at the Word on Fire Institute. We discuss her recent title, Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography, which traces Tolkien’s experience of the Catholic faith throughout his life, how he integrated it into his daily practices, his personal life and his work. We discuss his early religious experiences, his opinions on changes in the liturgy, and the ways he integrated his work and faith in his translation work especially on the Book of Jonah.

Hosts: Rachel Sherlock, Dr Holly Ordway

Follow Rachel on social media: @seekingwatson

Follow Holly on social media: @HollyOrdway

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @riskingenchantmentpodcast

Find out more at www.rachelsherlock.com

Find out more about Holly at http://www.hollyordway.com/

Music: Ashton Manor by Kevin MacLeod

Works Mentioned

Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography by Dr Holly Orday

Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages by Dr Holly Ordway

The Letters of J.R.R Tolkien

Tolkien and the Great War by John Garth

What We’re Enjoying at the Moment

Holly: The Three Investigators Series by Robert Arthur, Jr.

Rachel: The End of the Affair by Graham Greene