Letter 250

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 250
Recipient	Michael Tolkien
Date	1 November 1963
Subject(s)	Michael's depression, Tolkien's faith, health, his grandson, taxes

Letter 250 is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Summary

Writing amid Michael's reported struggles with depression and waning faith, Tolkien shares his observations on these matters and relates them to his own life experiences.

Letter-Writing

Tolkien opens the letter by addressing the challenges he and his son share in writing letters. Although he denies a dislike of letter-writing, Tolkien admits to an "inability to write briefly", which often leads them both to write less frequently. He notes that while they both enjoy writing letters to family ("ad familiares"), they are often preoccupied with business correspondence, consuming time and energy.

Michael's Depression

Tolkien expresses sympathy for Michael's depression, attributing it partially to an illness, but also recognising it as a common occupational and age-related affliction. He reflects on his own similar experiences around 1935 when he was disillusioned with academia, particularly at Oxford. Tolkien recounts his realisation that the university system, which he had once seen as "a place of learning" was more accurately described as a "factory for making fees", a sentiment conveyed to him by his mentor Joseph Wright. This view, although partially cynical, shaped Tolkien’s understanding of the professional motives of university dons.

Despite the challenges and bureaucracy he faced, including a reduced salary, Tolkien found solace in teaching what he loved. He saw devotion to "learning" as a "high and even spiritual vocation", although he acknowledges that this devotion is often undermined by "false brethren", the pursuit of money, or personal pride. He extends this criticism to the church, noting that religion also suffers from degradation due to its institutional nature.

Faith, Temptation, and Scandal

Tolkien addresses Michael's concerns about "sagging faith", asserting that faith ultimately stems from "an act of will inspired by love". He advises Michael that while human errors within the Church are disheartening, they should not deter one from faith. Tolkien himself had experienced disappointment from "bad priests" and others within the Church, but he believed that genuine faith is not weakened by scandals or the faults of clergy. He writes, "if you once had faith, not all the shortcomings... would make you break away."

He further explains that faith, rather than being a one-time act, is a "permanently repeated act". He argues that the temptation to unbelief arises from within, and often manifests as a longing to find justification in external scandals. He suggests that confronting this temptation involves Communion, which he describes as "the only cure for sagging faith". According to Tolkien, the act of Communion should not be conditional on the external beauty of the service or clergy; he advises Michael to "make your Communion in circumstances that affront your taste" to reinforce its spiritual significance.

Allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church

Tolkien articulates his support for the Roman Catholic Church, particularly due to its commitment to the Blessed Sacrament. He argues that the Reformation’s criticism of the Mass ("the blasphemous fable of the Mass") was primarily aimed at the Church's veneration of the Eucharist, a core element of his own faith. He describes the Church as "dying but living, corrupt but holy, self-reforming and re-arising", with the Pope as its earthly head.

He emphasises that while he respects individual faith journeys, for him the Catholic Church is the true Church. He cites his devotion to Communion and asserts that "to love Our Lord is a grace" that may bring others to greater understanding.

Personal Regrets

He recounts his mother's influence in introducing him to the Church and the kindness he received from Father Francis Morgan, yet he regrets a period of diminished practice of his faith. He describes this lapse as a "starving hunger" for faith, deeply regretting the impact it may have had on his family. In his later years, he prays for his children's continued faithfulness and for "the healer to heal my defects".

Health, Aging, and Literary Interests

On his health, Tolkien describes himself as "nearly as unbendable as an Ent", referring to the stiffness that accompanies aging. He mentions that his physician advises against medication except when strictly necessary. Despite his age-related limitations, Tolkien continues to engage intellectually, particularly on topics related to language.

He expresses interest in Michael's son Michael George's study of Anglo-Saxon, noting that while some find it challenging, he considers it simpler than German or modern French. For Tolkien, the study of Anglo-Saxon distinguishes true lovers of language from more pragmatic learners, and he hopes that his grandson falls into the former category.

Financial Matters and Legacy

Tolkien closes with a brief discussion of financial frustrations, particularly regarding income tax, which he felt diminished his ability to provide for his children. Although taxes had impacted his literary earnings before retirement, he was determined to offer "real largesse" to each of them, though the exact amount was not mentioned.