Saint Tolkien?

 

I know there has been discussion of the G. K. Chesterton's canonization - though that seems to have stalled for now.

But now I'm seeing some folks raise the idea of canonizing J. R. R. Tolkien.

I don't see it - in either case.

Now first let me note that all those who reach heaven are saints, so if Chesterton and Tolkien are there - and I strongly suspect they are or will be - then they are indeed saints.  

I won't get into Chesterton's case, though I do view him as a good and holy man.

As for Tolkien, his Catholic faith clearly played a significant role in his life. He talked about his own struggles, particularly after the horrors of World War I, but he became solid and devout in his faith. It influenced how he raised his family - one of his sons, John, later became a priest, through there was a shadow over him later on - in his teaching, and in his writing. Scholars have noted the very Catholic nature of The Lord of the Rings. 

But to be canonized by the Church there has to be evidence of extraordinary sanctity. I've read a few biographies of him, and while I see evidence of his strong Catholic faith, I haven't seen anything that rises to the level of "extraordinary sanctity."

Now it may be there, and if there ever is a cause perhaps wiser minds than mine might find evidence of such sanctity.

As far as I know, there has been no formal cause started.

I do have a copy of this book. 

Maybe it's time to read it!