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'Thoughtful and exciting': 'Rings of Power' Season 2

'Lord of the Rings' show expands Tolkien's mythology

Religion Unplugged

Sep 4

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Hi Religion Unplugged readers,

The first season of “Rings of Power” — the “Lord of the Rings” prequel show that takes place millennia before the movies — was panned by many. Movie critic Joseph Holmes called it “wildly uneven,” which is charitable compared to things other Tolkien fans had to say.

Season 2 began with the release of the first three episodes on Aug. 29, and fans are wary about continuing to watch. In fact, in Googling “Rings of Power,” one of the top suggested searches was “is ‘Rings of Power’ season 2 better?”

According to Holmes, it is by a great deal.

In today’s top story, Holmes’ review explores the opening of the show’s second season, highlights some of its familiar pitfalls and praises the parts of the show that have become more clever and complex.

‘Rings of Power’ Season 2 Strongest To Date With Its Expansion Of Tolkien’s Mythology

(REVIEW) “Rings of Power” tries to square the circle between the “The Lord of the Rings” wider Middle Earth treatment of religion, and it often is more confusing than anything. While the second season opener is far from perfect, it’s a giant leap forward toward the kind of show that “Lord of the Rings” fans deserve. It also honors J.R.R. Tolkein’s legacy and the way he imagined the world. by Joseph Holmes

(ANALYSIS) Elizabeth Neumann’s “Kingdom of Rage” shows, as its subtitle states, “The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace.” She said the development of in-groups is natural, but “the problem arises when a group begins constructing narratives about an out-group’s … beliefs, traits and practices, relying on information that may be unreliable, exaggerated or based solely on an in-group member’s negative experience with the out-group.” by Marvin Olasky

Crossroads Podcast: Where Are The Young Women Leaving Churches Going?

Before we get to the issue of modern women fleeing church pews, let’s pause and do something that — as a rule — I try to avoid doing when discussing matters of cultural, morality and faith. Let’s consider some political numbers. In a recent Pew Research Center package of survey data, there is this headline: “Partisanship by gender, sexual orientation, marital and parental status.” by Terry Mattingly

On Religion: Clergy Should Worry About Teens And Smartphones

(ANALYSIS) Preaching to teenagers has always been a challenge. In the smartphone age, clergy need to realize that the odds of making a spiritual connection have changed — radically. Young people who spend as many as 10 or more hours a day focusing on digital screens will find it all but impossible to listen to an adult talk about anything, especially in a religious sanctuary. by Terry Mattingly

Many Say It’s Important That A Nation's Leader Stand Up For Religious People

Many people around the world are more likely to say it is important to have a nation's leader stand up for those who share their religious beliefs. The survey, conducted by Pew Research Center, found that in countries where faith is “perceived as very important” that citizens are overall “more likely to value each of these qualities in a leader.” by Clemente Lisi

Discovering The Jack Kerouac Of Sacred Pilgrimages

(ANALYSIS) When Jack Kerouac penned “On the Road,” he immortalized the American road trip as a quest for meaning, a journey that was almost existential in nature. His words sparked a generation's wanderlust, fueling a search for adventure, self-discovery, and — dare I say — even a higher power. by John Mac Ghlionn

🍿 The Real-Life Faith Story Behind The New Baseball Movie ‘You Gotta Believe’ 🔌

The new movie "You Gotta Believe," about a youth baseball team's improbable journey all the way to the Little League World Series, offers a fleeting glimpse of faith. But in real life, religion played a more crucial role. by Bobby Ross Jr.

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