The conversation sometimes heated about the influence of Christianity on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien has a long history. What has been lacking is a forum for a civilized discussion about the topic as well as a chronological overview of the major arguments and themes that have engaged scholars about the impact of Christianity on Tolkiens oeuvre with particular reference to The Lord of the Rings. The Ring and the Cross addresses these two needs through an articulate and authoritative analyses o