I’m not saying that he was trying to teach Christianity in a fantasy garb, but the themes are there.
Too abstract, too subtle, easy to miss now, when most people are unfamiliar with the metaphorical allusions that people in the early 20th century took for granted. Ultimately, he could not stem the post-Christian rot that has infected the West for the past 150 years.
I believe you, Sir. I am little read in Tolkien because like much fantasy, I had no patience for his work. And I failed to see a strong theology. C. S. Lewis, on the other hand. Thank you for your observation. Hats off :)