Mithrial/Aspenbridge

welcome to mithrial.net

Tolkien fans may think this domain name is a misspelling of the dwarven metal mithril. Most others will just wonder what mithrial could possibly mean.

Read on for the answer.

Middle Earth's precious metal mithril had near miraculous qualities, combining light weight with great strength. Mithrial could be an adjective form of mithril and would mean "having the characteristics and qualities of mithril." Bilbo Baggins' gift of a mithril vest proved life saving to young Frodo as he made the quest to destroy the ring of power in the fires of Mt. Doom.The Lord of the Rings trilogy was admittedly not written as an allegory. But Tolkien held a deep faith in Christ. Therefore, finding story elements that echo the Christian world view should surprise no one.

We encourage a life style and world view that embodies the most noble of human qualities as pictured in the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. We believe this is made possible in the real world for all those who will receive God's mercy and forgiveness through the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, Jesus says that for those who follow him his yoke is easy and his burden is light¹. He also promises to send his Holy Spirit to believers to be their constant companion, source of strength, and teacher². The breastplate of righteousness is listed as part of the full armor of God to be employed by all Christians in order to achieve their full effectiveness in service to God³. So in a sense the mythical metal mithril and the supernatural presence of God's Spirit can be linked.

As Frodo Baggins, Aragorn, and the other heroes of Tolkien's epic stood for the right in conflict with the forces of evil, every Christian needs to put on the full armor of God, seek wisdom from God's Word, and complete the Great Commission of Christ to take the Good News of God's love to the whole world.

Scripture references:

1 (Mat 11:28-30 NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

2 (John 14:26-27 NIV) But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. {27} Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 15:26-27 NIV) "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. {27} And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning."

3 (Eph 6:13-17 NIV) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. {14} Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, {15} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. {16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. {17} Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.