The Hobbit as a Sacred Text

Book club idea, anyone?

Here is The Hobbit Study and Reflection Guide

Guiding Questions for Each Chapter

Reflect on these after each reading session:

• What truth about life or human nature is revealed in this chapter?
• What is Bilbo learning, and how might that parallel my own journey?
• What images, phrases, or symbols stood out? Why?
• Where is courage, humility, or transformation present?
• What role does hospitality, home, or wilderness play here?

2. Weekly Structure (if reading over 8 weeks)

Week 1: An Unexpected Party

• Focus: The call to adventure.
• Reflection: What “adventures” am I resisting? Where am I clinging to comfort?

Week 2: Roast Mutton / A Short Rest

• Focus: Resourcefulness and trust.
• Reflection: What do I do when things don’t go as planned? Who are my wise guides?

Week 3: Over Hill and Under Hill / Riddles in the Dark

• Focus: Identity and fear.
• Reflection: What do my fears reveal about me? What do my answers to life’s riddles say?

Week 4: Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire / Queer Lodgings

• Focus: Divine intervention and strange allies.
• Reflection: Where have I been helped in unexpected ways?

Week 5: Flies and Spiders / Barrels Out of Bond

• Focus: Courage and leadership.
• Reflection: How am I growing into bravery? What role do I play in group dynamics?

Week 6: A Warm Welcome / On the Doorstep

• Focus: Hope and preparation.
• Reflection: What does it mean to be “ready”? What dreams lie at the edge of my reach?

Week 7: Inside Information / Not at Home

• Focus: Temptation and insight.
• Reflection: What is my “dragon”? What do I deeply desire—and fear?

Week 8: The Gathering of the Clouds through The Last Stage

• Focus: Conflict, resolution, and return.
• Reflection: What does it mean to come home changed? What treasure do I carry now?

3. Practices

Lectio Divina-style Reading

• Read: Slowly read a short passage.
• Reflect: Notice a word or phrase that resonates.
• Respond: Write a journal entry or a prayer inspired by the passage.
• Rest: Sit with the message without needing to resolve it.

Journaling Prompts

• What part of Bilbo’s journey feels like mine?
• Where am I being invited to grow or let go?
• What is my “ring”—my burden or secret power?

Sacred Pause After each chapter, light a candle or take a quiet moment of silence to mark the reading. Let it feel ritualistic.

4. Themes to Trace Throughout the Book

• Transformation & Identity – Who is Bilbo at the beginning vs. the end?
• The Hero’s Journey – Note the stages of departure, initiation, and return.
• Greed vs. Generosity – What does Tolkien seem to be saying?
• Wisdom of the Unexpected – Small people, strange creatures, humble helpers.