J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of the Lord of the Rings books, was a devout Catholic, who was actually friends with C.S. Lewis and whose religion had much impact on his stories. While I have not read the books (and I know it's never the same), to me the marks of these beliefs are evident even in the movies. Here are five major ones I thought were worth mentioning.
1. Resisting Temptation
On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:40
This is probably the most obvious one. Frodo is tempted by the ring throughout the entire film trilogy, almost falling victim to it several times and in fact, at the very end, almost jeopardizing the entire mission by refusing to throw the ring into Mount Doom. Other characters are also tempted to take the ring from Frodo, some successfully resisting—Aragorn, Gandalf, Galadriel—and others succumbing to it—Boromir, Gollum, and to some extent Bilbo.
2. Purpose
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."Jeremiah 1:5
All of the characters in this film are necessary, and they all have goals, drives, and desires that none of the other characters could perfectly match up. When Frodo receives the ring, he tries to give it away to several people suggesting that they carry it instead. He realizes, however, at one point that this is his purpose and that he is the one responsible for seeing it fulfilled.
3. Overcoming Circumstance
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philipians 4:13
Of all people, the hobbits are the equivalent of David who defeated Goliath. They seem small, meek, incapable. When the elves are arguing in Rivendell over who will take the ring, everyone is surprised when Frodo volunteers because no one had been expecting it. Throughout the film series, many do not recognize his potential, but in the end even though Aragorn is king, the kingdom of Gondor bows to the hobbits for their immense bravery.
4. The Power of Companionship/Friendship
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Frodo would not have been able to overcome his circumstances had it not been for the fellowship, especially had it not been for Sam. Although Frodo bore the ultimate burden of casting the ring into Mount Doom to destroy Sauron, many people helped him along the way. Sam is the closest friend he has the entire movie, who comes back for him even when he accuses Sam of betraying him and then literally carries him up the mountain at the end of his journey.
5. Kindness to Your Enemies
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.
Luke 6:27
Not only is there the theme of showing love to those who plot against you, but it also emphasizes second chances. One of the most clear examples is Frodo's relationship to Gollum. Even though in the end, Gollum chooses his own demise, Frodo knows there was once a person behind all the crazy, and had he not chose to trust and show kindness to Gollum, he might never have discovered the secret path leading to Mordor.
