The Screwtape Letters by c.s. lewis

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

The Screwtape Letters is truly an outstanding piece of literature. In 2023, I was thoroughly impressed by its engaging writing style, which was easier to read than anticipated. It was not only highly entertaining but also incredibly educational. I gained a wealth of knowledge about the common tactics employed by the devil and valuable insights into the life of a Christian.

One of the major themes explored was the connection between faith and politics. It's quite alarming to consider how much more relevant and perhaps even scarier some of the descriptions of the world would be if the book had been written in today's cultural climate compared to the 1940s.

Another topic that was emphasized was humans' relationship with "The Enemy." CSL's perspective was extremely enlightening and encouraging. Reading this book made me less afraid of experiencing times of spiritual desolation (chapter 8), more willing to accept the abandonment of self-will (chapter 13), and provided me with useful advice on approaching prayer (chapter 27).

Surprisingly, the book also contains a significant amount of relationship advice. It delves into falling in love and the right and wrong types of relationships, and then takes a turn to address how good relationships can be perverted by the devil and how the differences between men and women can be exploited. I found these parts to be the most interesting and eye-opening.

In 2024, upon re-reading, I noticed many different aspects of the book that struck me. This year, I was particularly focused on how the patient's relationship with "The Enemy" was influenced compared to his relationships with other humans. I found it to be highly applicable to some of the struggles I face in my spiritual life. It was both entertaining and enlightening to view things from Screwtape's POV.

My favorite parts of the book were the discussions about what we perceive as "reality" or "the real world" and how it affects the things we consider merely "subjective" when they actually offer us a better glimpse of the Truth.

Thanks to Gillian, Reeve, and Ben for reading it with me! Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. It's the kind of book that will have different parts stand out depending on an individual's unique perspective, which I truly appreciate.

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Toy135

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

The Screwtape Letters is a captivating story that delves into a man's life, presented in a unique way.

The man, whose name remains unknown throughout, has a demon tempter assigned to him, namely Wormwood. Wormwood's task is to ensure that the man's soul ends up in Hell after his death.

However, we don't directly hear from Wormwood. Instead, we are privy to a series of letters of advice from his mentor, Screwtape, a higher-ranking demon.

This literary device, when it functions effectively, manages to make an otherwise ordinary man's life fascinating. Admittedly, it doesn't always work. Some of the letters can seem as artificial as an "as you know, Bob" moment in a story.

But for the most part, Lewis is successful in pulling it off. There are moments when we become somewhat invested in Wormwood and Screwtape themselves.

For instance, when Wormwood tries to get Screwtape in trouble with his superiors or when Screwtape has to dictate part of his letter to a lesser demon due to his rage transforming him.

Mostly, though, we are reading about the young man in England during World War 2, grappling with matters such as considering or reconsidering his faith, courting a young lady, dealing with the minor irritations of living with his mother, and other seemingly ordinary things.

These are the kind of issues that would be challenging to turn into an engaging tale if presented in a straightforward narrative.

But perhaps that is part of Lewis' point. Even in an ordinary life, there is a battle of Good and Evil being fought, with angels and demons engaged in skirmishes both big and small.

Lewis often emphasizes that it is how one copes with ordinary and even tiresome problems that determines the outcome, rather than the more obvious grand issues like an enemy army bombing one's city.

It should be confessed that the book didn't convert me into a Christian, but I don't think that was Lewis' main intention. I believe his book is written for the reader who is already a Christian but perhaps lacks enthusiasm.

He explores many familiar aspects of maintaining a faith, not in the initial flush of conversion but in the long and arduous process of sustaining it over a lifetime. This makes the book a much more accessible read about that struggle than if he had tackled the topic head-on.

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shinokage

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Besides Anne of Green Gables, this is the best school book I've read. It has truly captured my attention and imagination from the very first page. The story is filled with interesting characters and exciting adventures that make it impossible to put down.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, which makes it perfect for students of all ages. The book also contains valuable life lessons that can help us become better people.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading and wants to have a great time. It is a must-read for all school students and will surely become a classic in the world of literature.

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KnifeManofMD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

”There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”

This statement is from one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve ever read. The author, Lewis, presents this from the unique perspective of a senior demon. The senior demon, Screwtape, composes letters to his nephew, Wormwood, detailing the ins and outs of corrupting a human soul. Reading about all the ways humans are tempted and deceived is both eerie and hard-hitting. It delves deep into the perpetual struggle between good and evil. Despite being written in the 1940s, this book remains extremely relevant today. It truly is a timeless read that can make us reflect on our own actions and the forces that may be influencing us.

It forces us to consider whether we are falling into either of the two errors regarding the devils that Lewis mentions. Are we naively disbelieving in their existence, or perhaps overly fixating on them in an unhealthy way? This book challenges our perspectives and makes us think about the nature of good and evil in our modern world.

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Amewolfgang

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

**The Christian Life through the Eyes of a Demon**

C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" is a remarkable work that, while not considered his magnum opus by him, is a literary gem. It chronicles the story of a young Christian's struggles through the letters of an older demon, Screwtape, to a younger one, Wormwood. This unique perspective peels back the curtain between the spiritual and physical worlds, much like the book of Job in the Bible. It shows how subtle and devious demons can be in distracting us from the gospel message.

Lewis warns us about the two games Satan plays: pretending he doesn't exist to lure atheists and pretending he's everywhere to make Christians less effective. He also explores interesting ideas like how demons target non-Christians to prevent them from becoming believers and the role of silence in focusing on God. Additionally, the book delves into the concept of loving your enemy and the hypocrisy that can arise when we show love to distant enemies but not to those around us.

However, as a philosopher, Lewis's work may not be theologically sound in all aspects. For example, his discussion on cowardice and pacifism seems to reflect the social conditions of England at the time. Also, the idea that demons have free reign over us is not in line with what the New Testament teaches. Overall, "The Screwtape Letters" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers valuable insights into the spiritual battle we face.

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Bigg_Pringle

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This one's a life-changer.

It has the potential to completely transform your life in ways you may not have even imagined. It could be a new opportunity, a breakthrough idea, or a significant event that alters the course of your future.

When something is a life-changer, it often brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. You know that this is something that will have a profound impact on you and those around you.

It might require you to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and make difficult decisions. But the rewards that come with it are well worth the effort.

A life-changer can open doors to new possibilities, help you discover your true potential, and lead you to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

So, when you encounter something that you believe is a life-changer, embrace it with open arms and be prepared for the amazing journey that lies ahead.

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bigsmiles

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This is an outstanding book! It truly makes you engage in deep thought, broadens your perspective, and it also has a touch of humor. I have gleaned a significant amount of knowledge from it.

It is quite amusing to listen to people tell lies with such sincerity. It is as if one is attending a Democratic speech...

I have heard that presenting the opposing view helps you gain a clearer understanding (isn't that called something special? Opposing debate? :P), and that is precisely the case with this book. You come to realize how foolish and empty anything is without the presence of God!

~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews

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Lucille_Delilah

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

I read this as a green young kid in the summer of 1963.

I was thirteen. At that time, I was simply amused by it, but not forewarned. I was bemused by the Screwtapian segues into coolness. However, unfortunately, I was not convicted of my obviously myopic venial sin in my confusion.

Sound familiar? Maybe it does to some of you. I now realize that I need a reread, and I need it desperately.

This is NOT a comic novel. If you think it is, you ultimately don't know if you're punched, bored or reamed. You must UNLEARN your myopia - before it's Too Late. I'm serious.

Perhaps you don't know you're myopic because you've never previously experienced... those strange and somewhat spooky descriptions like "In depraved May, dogwood and chestnut, flowering judas, To be eaten, to be divided, to be drunk Among whispers; by Mr. Silvero With caressing hands, at Limoges Who walked all night in the next room; By Hakagawa, bowing among the Titians; By Madame de Tornquist, in the dark room Shifting the candles; Fraulein von Kulp, Who turned in the hall, one hand on the door."

Spooky enough for you, already? You don't have to be a T.S. Eliot to know the REAL Screwtape. But be careful - Screwtape himself might just suddenly pop out of your mind, too, in the Dead of Night like a phantasmagorically supernatural Jack in a Box, to SCARE YOU SILLY!

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The Screwtape Letters

c.s. lewis walter hooper owen barfield wayland moore

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c.s. lewis

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