[Springfield Reformer]

Yep, that bugs me too. A lot. I watch the movie now and instead of seeing Gandalf of the story, I see the actor who hates the God behind all the good in the story. Fatal distraction.

[Mrs. Don-o]

It is certainly alarming that MvKellum has such mordant atheist views. But on the other hand, Galdalf is a monkish or priestly figure (old, wise, celibate as far as we can tell, benevolent toward dwarves and men owad their well-being and redemption); and then there's no doubt Gandalf is also a Christ-figure.

McKellum's Gandalf-fight with the Balrog was (in my mind) the best symbolic portrayal of Christ fighting demons, descending into the pit (of earth, hell), dying, coming back resurrected and transfigured, that I have ever seen. He comes back --- at the turn of the age --- so radiant that Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas bow and kneel in homage.

So our old atheist can appreciate --- in a shadowy way ---- the nobility of priestly and Christly realities.

Let's pray for him.