"I think it is the reverent "feel" that stirs emotions that are spiritual."
I agree that it's mostly just the feel of the whole movie. The characters are involved with utter devotion in a deadly and heroic quest against an implacable evil.
But I did think that the image (of Frodo's first sight) of Arwen (ethereal and bathed in extreme light) as his wound from the Morgul blade (or whatever) deepened, was a very saint like and miraculous appearing image. Also, as he recovered conciousness in Rivendell, they showed some sort of gazebo, it looked ethereal and church-like combined with the singing and lighting. Also the vaulted ceilings and columns in Moria seem to be taken from the gothic archtecture used in the great cathedrals of the Middle Ages.
"There are many moments of quiet solemn contemplation that allow us to fill in the meaning from our own hearts, no matter what our beliefs."
I like the way you put it.
"I'm glad they put all that "quasi religious" stuff in there...it must tick off the Hollywood liberal elites no end! (mischevious Tookish laughter)"
I hope it does.
"I love the use of choral music in the score"
I really love this score, I'm having to force myself not listen to it too much for fear of getting burned out.
My sister in law, a devout Catholic and also a Tolkien fan was strongly affected by all this, she came out of the theatre saying all that talk about it not being allegorical is "bull." I'm inclined to believe Tolkien on that one though, especially as he qualified his remarks on that subject, I think he said it was unavoidable that parts of the story would be relevant to the real world.
Maybe someone can provide more info on that, but it seems to me that in terms of Tolkien's religious background, the symbolism is there, since he specifically mentions symbolism in the quote from OT above, it's just a question of how explicit and exact it is.
All that to say, I think your sister and I would tend to see eye-to-eye on this one. ;)