This book likely has one of the simplest premises to understand: The senior devil, Screwtape, writes advice to a junior devil, his nephew, Wormwood.

The letters offer his counsel to Wormwood on how to prevent a human from attaining their full Christian potential and to turn the human to their "side", so to speak. Screwtape is one of the finest villains in literature, and the epistolary format of this book aids in seeing the world through the demon's eyes.

Apparently, C.S. Lewis had a difficult time writing this book. After a brief sequel or continuation later, he couldn't return to the whole Screwtape concept as it "hurt" him too much to write from the devil's perspective. For someone like myself who is not religious at all, I'm more intrigued by that than anything else. He surely didn't write this book to gain sympathy for Screwtape, and it's meant to be satirical anyway, so I'm not certain I understand his reasoning. Still, it's a good book, regardless of one's religious beliefs.

In fact, upon reading some of the reviews here, I find that for a true Christian, this is a must-read book. Many people claim that this book helped them see more clearly how the devil can lead one astray and how there are such negative forces preventing good people from being fully happy. The part that confounds me and makes me chuckle as I read some of these reviews is that this book consists of letters from a devil to another devil. It's the devil's advice. It even states in the Preface: "Readers are advised to remember that the devil is a liar. Not everything that Screwtape says should be assumed to be true even from his own angle." The devil lies, so... his words shouldn't be taken as truth, so...

Maybe it's just late and my mind is playing tricks on me. The end result is that this is a great little book and a quick read. Clearly, non-Christians can benefit from reading this just as much as Christians can, so don't let the reviews deter you. It's a satire and should be read as such, and as I always say, just enjoy the read.

Then again, I felt the same way about the Narnia books too. They were just a fun read and I don't care who Aslan was supposed to represent.

I didn't have a particular fondness for this book, yet I'm glad I perused it. In fact, there were moments when the book sent shivers down my spine.

For those who haven't read it, the book is crafted as a series of letters from a tempter, Uncle Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood, who is in training as a tempter. Screwtape instructs Wormwood on how to entice the "patient" he is assigned. Through these letters, one is continuously reminded and compelled to ponder how the adversary tempts us. What's poignant is that the crafty and malevolent plans don't revolve around blatant sins, which are often what come to mind when we think of temptation and sin. Instead, the tempters zero in on far more subtle sins like vanity, pride, distraction, insincerity, forgetting or being too fatigued to say prayers, and how these can achieve the same end as the more obvious sins, ultimately leading us astray from God. That's just how cunning and evil the devil is. He knows that by eroding bit by bit, he has a better shot at claiming us for himself.

You simply can't read this book without reflecting on its relevance to your life. It was a bit disconcerting to recognize myself in the book as someone who has yielded to some of these subtle temptations (on numerous occasions). Perhaps that's why I didn't relish the read but still found it极具洞察力.

I discovered this "Beatitudes" in someone else's review (Jenelle) and thought it was excellent, so I copied it from her review to mine. It really struck a chord with me.

Screwtape Counterfeits

1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians — they are my best workers.

2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them.

3. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church — they are my missionaries.

4. Blessed are the trouble makers — they shall be called my children.

5. Blessed are the complainers — I'm all ears to them.

6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes — for they get nothing out of his sermons.

7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church — for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.

8. Blessed are those who gossip — for they shall cause strife and division that please me.

9. Blessed are those who are easily offended — for they will soon get angry and quit.

10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work — for they are my helpers.

11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister — for he shall be with me forever.

12. Blessed are you who, when you read this, think it is about other people and not yourself — I've got you too!

**The Screwtape Letters: A Deep Dive**

Dedicated with affection to Professor Manuel Alfonseca, and to The Catholic Book Club, this is my criticism of a reread. The work of C.S. Lewis has been edited by @edicionesrialp, though I found errors in the prologue. The information about F. Anstey and his works was incorrect. Regarding "Vice versa", several films have been made. The other error was about David Lindsay and his "A Voyage to Arcturus".

The prologue has interesting aspects like a eulogy of works Lewis liked. It also mentions books inspired by "The Screwtape Letters", such as "Cartas del sobrino a su Diablo" by @juan_manuel_de_prada and "The loser letters: A Comic Tale of Life, Death and Atheism" by Mary Eberstadt Tadeci. I also recommend "Faith in demons. El ateísmo superado" by Fabrice Hadjadj.

Lewis commented on a priest's criticism, letters from a nurse, and books that inspired him. He compared his book with others like "El diablo cojuelo" and discussed the influence of "Paradise Lost" and "Faust". My criticism is more in line with what Leonardo Castellani points out. The French epistolary genre and its famous works were also mentioned.

Lewis would have liked to introduce consciousness or a guardian angel. The book is dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, and it has a Kafkaesque element and responds to the allegorical genre. We can now analyze the underworld correspondence between uncle and nephew. Screwtape gives Wormwood wrong instructions, and there is mistrust among demons. Screwtape advises Wormwood on how to lose his victim, including stimulating differences and extreme positions. I disagree with Lewis on the impact of wars on religiosity. Lewis has some outdated views on the sexual theme.

C.S. Lewis is widely regarded as one of the most prominent Christian thinkers and authors. He had a remarkable journey from being an atheist to converting to Christianity, a transformation influenced by his close friend J.R.R Tolkien, to whom he dedicated this book. Interestingly, Tolkien had a strong aversion to the idea of this very book, which adds a touch of irony. Once again, C.S Lewis proves to be a somewhat petty king.

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He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles. Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.

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“The Screwtape Letters” is a captivating collection of 32 letters. In these letters, senior demon Screwtape writes to his nephew, the junior demon Wormwood (if memory serves, this is the name of a star in Revelation), offering guidance on how to excel in his role as a temptor. Wormwood is the devil-on-the-shoulder of an unnamed patient as he navigates through life. Screwtape shares valuable advice and teaches Wormwood the most effective ways to tempt his patient into serving ‘Their Father’, the devil.

This book is a brilliant religious satire. While it reflects on human nature with an accuracy that can be quite depressing at times, it also manages to be highly entertaining and hilarious. Chapter 22, in particular, stands out as the funniest letter ever. It's a chapter that I often return to for a good laugh.

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So! Your man is in love—and in the worst kind he could possibly have fallen into—and with a girl who does not even appear in the report you sent me….I have looked up this girl’s dossier and am horrified at what I find. Not only a Christian but such a Christian—a vile, sneaking, simpering, demure, monosyllabic, mouse-like, watery, insignificant, virginal, bread-and-butter miss. The little brute. She makes me vomit.

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Despite the humor, there is a wealth of wisdom to be gained from these letters. It compelled me to sit and seriously reflect on my actions, both as an individual and, more importantly, as a Christian. C.S Lewis has a unique ability to make readers think deeply. You may not necessarily agree with everything he says, but one should appreciate the fact that he challenges Christians to engage in thoughtful introspection.

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Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.

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I need to reread this.

This book truly helped open my eyes.

It made me realize how often in life, we become distracted by the actor and not the act itself.

Just like in the world of theater, if a script is written, an actor still has the choice to agree to follow it or not.

After all, no one can force you to read lines that you do not want to.

Satan, in a sense, often just wants us to improvise.

There are no lines to learn, and it's like a vanity fair that is always ready to accept dunces as 'understudies'.

We are lured into this false sense of freedom, thinking we can do as we please without any consequences.

But in reality, we are just straying further from the path we should be on.

This book has served as a wake-up call,提醒 me to focus on the act and not be swayed by the distractions around me.

It has made me more aware of the choices I make and the importance of staying true to myself.

I am grateful for the insights it has provided and will strive to apply them in my daily life.

More fun and playful than I'd anticipated.

As a platform upon which to discuss his beliefs and thoughts on theology, government, society, and the nature of mankind in general, C.S. Lewis constructed The Screwtape Letters. It is an epistolary novel in the form of instructive letters from senior demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, a sort of demonic trainee. For all intents and purposes, they are lectures, but lectures jazzed up and made more palatable for the student's mind.

It was about 20 years ago that I read about The Screwtape Letters in college. I took a mental note of its subject matter and filed it away as "to be read sometime in the far off future." Well, that future arrived in June '12, and I'd completely forgotten Lewis' literary machinations regarding this book. So, I spent the first few pages somewhat perplexed, trying to figure out who the characters were. Then, once I accomplished that, I had to reorder my brain to think backwards because essentially everything written by Screwtape is in reverse of what Lewis means and feels about whatever subject it may be. As Screwtape advises Wormwood on methods of securing the damnation of a British man, my wee little brain was sprinting to keep up with the conversation as I decoded it, considered Lewis' thoughts, and matched them with or against my own beliefs. Ever since reading his The Four Loves, I've enjoyed picking at Lewis' theories. So, for me, this was a fun exercise, especially when immersed in such an entertaining forum. Since I surely missed a few things, I'll no doubt be going back to this...probably in the 2030s.

A Witty and Sarcastic Take on the Nature of Human Life

This piece offers a truly fascinating and unique perspective on “the nature of human life.” At its heart, it is a grave and serious story, delving into the profound aspects of our existence. However, what makes it truly engaging is the tone that is maintained throughout. It manages to be quite light and funny at times, which is a remarkable feat considering the weighty subject matter.

The “how to damn a human soul” instructions are particularly entertaining, as they are laced with office-style banter and complaint. This adds a touch of the familiar and relatable to the otherwise esoteric topic. Additionally, the work presents interesting arguments on religion, ethics, philosophy, and politics. These discussions are not only thought-provoking but also relevant, especially considering the time in which it was written. It offers a valuable insight into the intellectual and social climate of that era, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these subjects.

Overall, this is a work that combines depth and humor in a way that is both engaging and enlightening. It challenges the reader to think about the nature of human life and our place in the world, while also providing moments of levity and entertainment.

Young Wormwood finds himself on his very first demonic mission, feeling rather lost. There are countless ways to corrupt, but he wonders which is the right way to do evil? As his uncle Screwtape wisely states, "Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts...". Fortunately, Wormwood has his Uncle Screwtape to turn to for advice. Under Screwtape's gentle guidance, Wormwood hopes to bring another soul to their Dark Father.

The book presents some interesting ideas. While I don't fully agree with everything, I do think it offers an absolutely fascinating look into the small ways corruption seeps into our daily lives. Those little things can accumulate, and if they are allowed to fester, they will surely turn into something more significant. The author, C. S. Lewis, packs so much religion and philosophy into this concise work. I'd highly recommend reading it at least once. Even if you're not religious, the wisdom he imparts is applicable to all aspects of our lives. It's truly one of his better novels.
The 2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge - A book with an ugly cover.
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I have read this book twice before.

However, after my worship pastor mentioned a quote that I had forgotten, it really made me think. In one part of the book, Wormwood writes to his uncle Screwtape with great fear because his subject has begun going to church. Surprisingly, his uncle quite easily assures him that the best thing to do is to keep him in church. But the trick is to make him proud of the fact that he always attends the services or sits in the same area. As long as Wormwood can keep him in the building and away from God.

I firmly believe that Lewis is one of those authors whose works you have to reread at different stages of your life. At some points, it might seem like a silly work of fiction. But upon deeper reflection, I think it reveals something that we know but are reluctant to admit. There is indeed a force actively working against us. So, reaffirming this truth with this book serves as a good reminder. It makes us more aware of the spiritual battles that are constantly taking place within and around us.

Okay...so over the years, I've likely made at least ten attempts to read this book, yet I've never actually managed to finish it. This week, I gave it another go and even tried the audio version by John Cleese on Youtube. However, I didn't get very far as my mind kept wandering to Fawlty Towers, which I had watched relatively recently. As a result, I couldn't take him seriously as a devil.

I'm currently analyzing what it is about this book that I don't like, as I usually know immediately. I'm wondering if I'm not intelligent enough for the mental gymnastics required to view things from a demonic perspective. That确实 seems to be one of the stumbling blocks as I carefully examine and re-read each sentence, reminding myself that I'm now Screwtape and that he is bad, meaning everything is reversed.....But is that the key issue - my non-Lewis like brain power?

I mean, I should like this book for all the obvious reasons. It's supposed to increase awareness of Satan's work, prevent Christians from succumbing to temptation, and encourage Christians that God is more powerful and that the demons know it, and so on. So, what exactly is my problem?

I guess I don't like the idea of a Christian author putting himself in the character of the devil. Apparently, Lewis himself felt uncomfortable, perhaps with good reason. I think the humorous, satirical approach undermines the deadly serious subject matter. The battle between good and evil is a matter of eternal life and death for all people, whether they acknowledge it or not. Maybe Screwtape (despite the author's efforts to avoid this) will still remind people of caricatures of the horned devil in a red suit with a pitchfork, rubbing his hands together gleefully while composing his letters to Wormwood. Is that a helpful image considering the subject matter?

John Cleese recently stated that he didn't think highly of organized religion and that he was not committed to "anything except the vague feeling that there is something more going on than the materialist reductionist people think." The fact that Cleese, a secular comedian and atheist (or at least agnostic), was able to read The Screwtape Letters aloud and find it amusing without apparently being convicted by its content probably says a lot more than I could write.

Oh, maybe I do know why I don't like this book after all. I think I'll just accept that now and stop attempting to read it.

I don't know how many times I have read this remarkable piece.

Each time, it seems to offer new insights and perspectives.

The last time I engaged with it was in May of 2015, when I listened to it on audio.

This experience added a new dimension to my understanding, as I was able to soak in the words while on the go.

The text is truly crammed with wisdom, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.

It makes me reflect on my own life and choices, and encourages me to strive for personal growth and improvement.

Whether read or listened to, this piece has the power to touch the heart and mind, leaving a lasting impression.

I look forward to many more readings and listenings in the future, as I continue to uncover the hidden gems within its pages.