Episode 311: Paul List on his book Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed (January 7, 2026)

In this episode of The Open Door, Thomas Storck, Andrew Sorokowski, and Christopher Zehnder interview Paul List on his book co-authored with Ali Ghaffari entitled Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed.

J.R.R. Tolkien stated that he wrote his mythology to be enjoyed by readers - and yet, that was only the beginning. But are there more to Tolkien's words beyond the "fairy tale?"

For decades, interpreters have guessed at the underlying messages contained within Tolkien's mythology. Yet until now, no one has pulled together a comprehensive interpretation of the deeper, hidden messages within the greatest mythological tales ever told.

In 'Mount Doom, ' Paul List and Ali Ghaffari show how Tolkien began with the most significant true myth, the Creation story from the book of Genesis, adapted it to the creation of an individual human being, brought in a prophecy about the greatest threat to humanity - idolatry and slavery as a result of over-reliance on digital machinery and artificial intelligence.

Tolkien's mythology is his warning to humanity and his hope for the revival of Western civilization. This complete reinterpretation of the Lord of the Rings mythology will forever change how the world understands J.R.R. Tolkien and his life's work.

https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Doom-Prophecy-Tolkien-Revealed/dp/1956267735