there are lots of points of comparison and analogies we can draw, and Tolkien's
religious upbringing influences many aspects of his works. His other
statements about allegory aside, there are many characters, situations, and
symbols that have counterparts in the Christian tradition.
I think he ultimately wanted to avoid having to discuss much of the religious
backstory (the role of Eru, the Valar, Maiar, etc.). Part of that wish
might have been motivated by his desire to publish the Silmarillion too, but
that sadly never happened until a few years after his
death.
Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.
