Rutledge makes the observation that the Fellowship is an image of the church, especially as they stuggle and work together in the snows of Mount Caradhras. Rutledge cites Ephesians 4:
We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love.
Rutledge makes the connection to the Fellowship:
The Fellowship of the Ring is (among other things) an image of the Church. It is a conglomeration of disparate elements, some of which (Elves and Dwarves) have been historical antagonists, yet each with a common calling, now being "joined and knit together." When each part is "working properly" it is being "upbuilt in love," as will gradually unfold--and this will be true even of Boromir.
The friendship that emerges between Gimli and Legolas is a wonderful illustration how, in the Fellowship as Church, the "wall of hostility" between the different races of Middle Earth is dismantled and replaced with friendship, solidarity, mutual care, sacrifice, and love.
