The Power of Homeschooling: How J.R.R. Tolkien Became a Beloved Christian Author
It’s no secret that J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most beloved authors of all time, and his works—including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit—have permanently solidified their place in our cultural lexicon. But did you know that Tolkien was homeschooled? That's right – this beloved author was an example of what can be achieved through homeschooling. In this blog post, we will explore how Tolkien's homeschooling experience shaped him into the great author he would become and encourage parents who are considering homeschooling their own children.
J.R.R. Tolkien was born in South Africa and raised in England, where his parents—who were devout Catholics – taught him at home. As a student, Tolkien was already showing signs of great promise - he was fluent in several languages and excelled in Latin and Greek, as well as medieval literature. He also studied the works of Christian authors such as Dante and Milton, which may have provided some inspiration for his later works.
Homeschooling during the Victorian era was an arduous task, especially since there were few resources available to students or teachers. Nonetheless, Tolkien had access to a rich source of knowledge due to his parents’ library and tutors who came by to help him during lessons. This gave him an advantage over other students of the time who did not have such luxuries.
As for Tolkien’s works, it's clear that his upbringing had a powerful impact on his writing style and themes. Not only does he display a deep understanding of language (likely from studying Latin and Greek), but many of his stories feature strong Christian messages about redemption and love transcending death – no doubt influenced by his religious upbringing at home.
Today, homeschooling is becoming more common across the U.S., with many families choosing it over traditional schooling for various reasons ranging from religious beliefs to educational goals or simply a desire for more individualized attention for their children. Although homeschooling today looks very different than it did in Tolkien's day, homeschoolers can still learn valuable lessons from the author's life story; namely that homeschooling can be highly beneficial to those willing to put in the work required to excel academically while still allowing them plenty of time to explore their own creativity and interests without being confined by classroom walls or rigid curricula.
In conclusion, J.R.R. Tolkien serves as an inspiring example for students who are exploring alternative forms of education today – whether through public school or homeschooling – reminding us that education is about more than just books and tests; it’s about discovering our passions and developing our unique talents so we can share them with the world!
Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.