J.R.R. Tolkien is known by many as a devout Roman Catholic; however, his usage of sub-creation methodology in his writing sparked some debate. Many believe the act of creating a world and imitating God is blasphemous in itself; however, as accredited in the article,  J.R.R. Tolkien’s sub-creation theory: literary creativity as participation in the divine creation, by Maria Del Rincon Yohn, Professor Tolkien opted to use his religious beliefs to influence his writings. As quoted to the left, Professor Tolkien has directly mentioned that he bases works such as The Lord of The Rings in a fundamentally theological manner. Literary critic Colin Gunton is quoted stating, "... Literature borrows elements from the Christian tradition, while Theology finds a metaphorical way of expressing itself to humanity." The critic proceeds to acknowledge the fact that Tolkien had later continued to strengthen his incorporation of heavenly themes in his writings. He does this by directly quoting Tolkien, who states, "This aspect of “mythology” –sub-creation, rather than either representation or symbolic interpretation of the beauties and terrors of the world– is, I think, too little considered. Is that because it is seen rather in Faerie than upon Olympus?" It is made apparent here, that God's creation of the universe is a topic which is mostly left untouched due to the theory of evolution remaining largely controversial during this time. However, by incorporating sub-creation into his works, Tolkien was able to use Middle-Earth and other unique universes as an homage to God and the creation of the universe.

The criticism written by Andrzej Wicher in Some Boethian Themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, showcases the parallels between Boethian philosophy and the formation of characters throughout Tolkien's novels. Mr. Wicher primarily touches on the book The Lord of The Rings, and the relationship between characters such as Frodo Baggins and his battle with Lady Luck. Even in The Hobbit it is mentioned numerous times that the character Bilbo Baggins is "The Luck Bearer" because he is one blessed by Lady Fate. To backtrack, Frodo Baggins is faced with numerous unlucky challenges from the very start of the book including the impending doom faced from the pursuing ringwraiths, and Sarumon's ever-growing army. This is mirrored quite well in the story of the imprisonment of Boethius who faced the many challenges enforced by Lady Luck. Mr. Wicher also notes however that Gandalf acts as a mental consort to the King of Rohan as Lady Luck was to the imprisoned Boethius. Both Gandalf and Lady Luck attempt to aid the mental strife faced by Rohan and Boethius, and their eventual curing through anamnesis, otherwise known as, "recollecting what he once was and through returning to that, temporarily forgotten, old and more genuine self." The entirety of Boethian Philosophy points to redemption through acceptance, and that the presence of good fortune is not something to be celebrated, because arrogance and ignorance follows, as individuals will become too comfortable and forget their strife.

The analysis and criticism of J.R.R. Tolkien's use of horror elements is notably found in 'A Warp of Horror’: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sub-creations of Evil by Richard Angelo Bergen of the University of British Columbia. This criticism fixates on the evocation of evil, and how Tolkien is able to balance both Manichean and Augustinian evils; such as, his implication of orcs and goblins commonly found throughout his many universes (primarily in Middle-Earth). Anne Petty makes the claim "that evil is one of the major themes of Tolkien’s fiction is to state that water is wet. If we were to trace where the theme of evil appears in his three major works, we’d have to cite nearly every page and retell the entire history of Tolkien’s mythology." (Petty, Tolkien in the Land of Heroes 99). Mr. Bergen quotes Tolkien's thesis' about Beowulf, and how it potentially has helped forge Tolkien's idea that a world must have evil, even in the smallest quantities; because, it gives "... this imagined world some verisimilitude.” Bergen notes that this attitude towards the inevitable appearance and conflict with evil is found in other impactful authors in the era such as Tolkien's friend and co-worker C. S. Lewis, author of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The main concept behind introducing these ideas throughout texts such as The Lord of the Rings is to create a frontmost attitude which young children can adopt towards bad situations. To quote C. S. Lewis, "Since it is so likely that [children] will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise, you are making their destiny not brighter but darker." All of the aforementioned conceptions formed and implemented into the writing of Tolkien create ground for Bergen to create a criticism attempting to decode the nature of evil in the numerous works by Prof. J.R.R. Tolkien. 

The thesis , Embracing The Took: Kinship Between Middle Earth and Sixties Youth, written by Shana Watkins (submitted to The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) primarily is formulated to illustrate the relationship that books such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit had on individuals in the 60's, and how it was misconceived to be a counterculture book; even though, the only similarities found in the pieces were strongly present universal themes such as "social awakening and unlikely heroism". These works however, ended up influencing and enamoring an entire generation to stand up for themselves, and to fight social convictions such as the unlikely hero of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins who faced prejudice due to his race, and was under looked due to his meek and reserved nature. People were able to mirror themself in his character, and furthermore in the irresponsible and childish Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings who was forced to grow up quickly to face major world problems. Mrs. Watkins continues, noting the plethora of social rights issues during this time, and even the anti-war movement due to the unofficial war in Vietnam. Once more Mrs. Watkins elaborates on Tolkien's stance on his work being used for counter culture being that of a very critical and distant manner. Tolkien was disgusted at the thought that his literary masterpieces were being used as a "psychedelic manual" (Ratliff & Finn). He did however seem to be content with his books being used to help individuals build confidence to stand up against civil rights issues in the States. The thesis by Shana Watkins, ultimately continues to build up a precedent that Tolkien was uninterested in the social impact his books seemed to have; however, he was exceedingly content that his work was being recognized in other manners than as a counter culture manual.