I recently went to see The Hobbit with some friends at a local cinema, and thought I would share some first impressions from a Christian perspective.
There’s no question that I found the plot and cinematography to be completely absorbing, the characters portrayed in compelling detail, with the hero undergoing meaningful character transformation during the arc of the story. Peter Jackson does a wonderful job of creating a convincing world that thoroughly pulls you in for the whole two and a half hours. When the credits rolled, however, I couldn’t help pushing myself up from the seat with mixed feelings.
I should point out that this post is not based on any rigorous analysis of the history of J.R.R Tolkein’s series or indeed the man himself. I’m not what you’d call a die-hard enthusiast. This is simply the gut reaction of my conscience stemming from what I know to be true from the Word of God.
More than anything it made me realise just how far Hollywood has come in achieving a subtle seepage of ideas into our everyday lives that are contrary to God’s will in the Bible.
The problem with The Hobbit is one that has become increasingly prevalent in recent times, and that is that it fosters or awakens an unhealthy interest in the occult.
Shows and books based on the occult and magic are rampant today, and I needn’t name names. Some will jump to the defence of the Lord of the Rings series on the basis that Tolkein was a professed Catholic and therefore the books are taken to be laced with allegorical references to Biblical truths and stories. But whichever way you look at it, the film revolves around the occult and portrays magic as the weapon of choice.
What does God think about all of this?
Well Deuteronomy 18:9-14 I think settles it quickly and easily:
9 When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God.
I don’t think these passages could make it any clearer how God feels about spiritism, wizardry, witchcraft, astrology and the like. It’s evil, and opens a dangerous door. God has made available one door, one access point, and that is His Son Jesus.
Therefore, if you come across this looking for a recommendation or review of the film from a Christian perspective – I’d say this is one of those that you could do without.
As Phillipians 4 teaches us, there is greater profit in exposing our eyes and mind to good things, blameless things, things of truly good report, than in choosing to dabble with the occult – however ‘noble’ the narrative may appear on the surface.
Romans 12:2 -Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Connected in Light 
nicely put. this is why i havent seen the movie yet. i dont think people in the world even think about this stuff, nor even base their daily decisions on what Jehovah wants. nicely put blog! i was debating watching this yesterday, so i searched it looking for christian movie reviews that reveal how bad the spiritism in the hobbit is. thanks for your work in posting this.
Thank you for your insight! My wife and I will avoid this movie. We were concerned about spiritism in this film as well as the sequel. Based on this review, we will not be viewing either movie. Evil cannot be fought with spiritistic practices, since as you showed, the Bible clearly states that spiritism itself is evil and unacceptable to God.
Thank you for taking time out write this review. Even though it is from 2013, it still is helpful for parents looking for Christian reviews. It is difficult having to explain to your teen why we never watched it nor why we still are not going to watch it with a church friend whose dad (the leader) has watched it with his kids before. I have to answer to God, and the leader has to do the same someday. For me and my family, we will not watch anything to do with the occult. Thanks again.