Are we ready? Are we prepared?
Though there has been, and continues to be, a good deal of 'negativity' directed at the new
RoP, this much is certain...
There WILL be new people attracted to
Tolkien's works because of it - and while possibly specifically to Silmarillion, yet maybe also to ALL the 'older' lore.
While PJ's
Hobbit and LoTR may have attracted some to those works, still, getting into the 'deeper/earlier things' may have been daunting for them.
RoP opens up that world for their viewing just a bit.
If anything, I would suspect all the negativity against it would do more harm to those who are viewing it, than any misunderstandings the work will present.
The misunderstandings are correctable. The harm of the negativity is not.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not suggesting we not say anything negative about RoP. But I do think for the benefit of anyone who may be attracted to "come in" and "go deeper", the 'how we say it' is incredibly important - as is whether we're just issuing a 'complete condemnation', or dealing with some specific points rationally and well - which can be inviting rather than off-putting.
So back to the beginning:
- Are we ready to receive those who come?
- Are we prepared to help them deal with, and ultimately dwell in, the new world being opened?
- Have we our "best behaviors" and "teaching skillset" armament in place, ready to be employed?
RoP Exists. It cannot 'unexist'. And it is what it is. It cannot be otherwise.
Thus, it becomes a
tremendous opportunity for the 'true Tolkienist' who wants Tolkien and his works front and center. May we see and handle it as such.
If our desire is to 'battle against error', that's great. The only question is, what is the best
armor and skillset for us put on to win the war for the truth..!