Solid insights into humans and faith are presented in this work. Some parts bear a resemblance to C.S. Lewis' thoughts on education and moral and intellectual decline. However, for the most part, it remains focused on Screwtape instructing his nephew on how to lead the "patient" to live according to their way. It is interesting that Screwtape refers to God as "the enemy", as in church, people usually call Satan "the enemy". This also serves as a good study on how we define right and wrong, how we tend to judge those sitting in the pew beside us in church, and how we think it is easier to conform to this world rather than strive to live a better life.

The "Screwtape Proposes a Toast" provides a good conclusion and overview of the entire book, which was beneficial to me.

There will be a live show discussion on April 24 at 9 pm EDT here: https://www.youtube.com/user/chapters....

Honestly, I have never experienced a lesser degree of enjoyment from the simple pleasure of reading. Not even the Book of Mormon can rival the excruciating pedantry of this truly terrible tome.

Imagine C.S. Lewis, endeavoring to write from the perspective of an agent of Satan, a tempter striving to undermine the faith of chosen individuals. Sounds intimidating, doesn't it? Sounds positively diabolical! However, I'm sorry to say that he opted for a plodding, semantic, pedantic, and extremely dull approach.

In his own words, Lewis lamented that he didn't relish the 'feeling' of inhabiting a character to carry out the writing... and boy, can you tell. The story unfolds much like a糟糕的 Dungeons and Dragons session where a player attempts to adopt the Lawful Evil alignment but simply fails to comprehend it.

The consequence of Lewis' failed understanding leads him to describe a nitpicky set of rules on how to merely... and only just... fall short of being a Christian. By Jesus, his rules are dreadfully boring. The rules are uninteresting, the characters lack vitality, and the application of evil is tiresome; it's all mind-numbingly dull. Perhaps for the very first time in print, evil has become a bore.

Within the purportedly evil dialogue, Lewis' instructions for being evil don't operate on a grand scale. No, Satan's minions won't have you embark on a rampage, flouting commandments one through ten. Instead, according to Lewis' lackluster account, evil emerges from the subtlest of a person's feelings and desires. Evil lurks within the margins of how one contemplates patriotism or pacifism or perhaps... z...zzzzzzz.

In simple terms, with a few exceptions to the initial setup... those moments when we think we're about to encounter a great book, everything beyond the first chapter is a waste of everyone's time. I recommend this book to Satan... for if there is indeed a Satan, he might deem this book as compulsory reading in Hell, perhaps the only book in Hell (aside from the Book of Mormon).

If you haven't read this yet, I highly recommend it.

It's the kind of book that has the power to make you stop in your tracks and take a moment to think deeply.

As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself reflecting on your own life, your values, and your choices.

This book has the ability to inspire you to strive for more, to be a better version of yourself.

It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace change.

It shows you that you have the potential to achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world around you.

So, don't hesitate. Pick up this book and let it transform your perspective.

You won't be disappointed.

Dear little brother from Ürömvölgy!

As you've noticed, I haven't written for a while. There was turmoil. I won't go into details, you've surely heard from others anyway: management went crazy. We deny it, but in fact, my graphs really hit the ground, we didn't convey the souls as it should be, on the pie chart my share looked like an extremely thin slice of pizza. Damn Ájtatosdy! (Who put that stupid ipsilon after his name almost a thousand years ago, in vain, he knows how to position himself!) He barked as is his custom.

But don't rejoice, little brother. I'm still your superior. In vain, it was good that I played football with the Boss in the kolez back then. So we restructure production, we honor a new direction, we modernize, we streamline, you know. I'm just saying the essence. The thing is, we put too much emphasis on materialism. It's an outdated record, this doesn't bring in a lot of souls. I thought that if we achieve that the delinquent doesn't believe, the problem is solved. But there is a better way. Simply suggest that everything for which one can go to hell, hatred, the contempt of one's fellow men, the stinking aggression is actually a national-Christian virtue. That this itself is the "faith". Genius, isn't it? You remember, I used to suggest that you direct the patient's "ill will" directly at his comrades with whom he meets every day, and direct his good will at a distant circle, at people he doesn't know, well, this is also a method. But now let's try the opposite. Convince the patients that it's enough if they love their own ideological friends, those who don't agree with them, or simply don't understand their language, they can calmly hate from the bottom of their hearts. Here is the new trend. This will take off. We will have to expand hell because there won't be enough room for so many souls. I hope they entrust me with the project as a subcontractor.

Trusting in the beautiful plans, I kiss you: your big brother, Csűrcsavar

P.S.: Call Semjénzsótit later, he will inform you about the details.

C.S. Lewis penned this satirical novel as an endeavor in Christian apologetics. I was yet a believer when I initially perused it as a teenager in 1980. I found it devilishly clever as a defense and elucidation of my Christian faith. (And that's notwithstanding the fact of certain doctrinal disparities with my fundamentalist church - for some reason, C.S. Lewis always managed to get away with these when no one else could.)

However, here I am rereading The Screwtape Letters after a lifetime as an agnostic atheist. I could delve into details, tearing apart the inconsistencies and contradictions in Lewis's apologetics, but that doesn't intrigue me. Lewis crafted a brilliant, witty, and perceptive satire of human bureaucracies, foibles, hypocrisies, and self-delusions, regardless of the obvious Christian subtext. I'm reviewing the novel, not the subtext.

As its title indicates, The Screwtape Letters is an epistolary novel, consisting of a one-sided correspondence between a senior devil and his less experienced nephew. Cunning old Screwtape is guiding the younger devil as he endeavors to corrupt his first soul into Hell. In the counsel he provides, there is much wisdom regarding how humans deceive themselves, rationalize, and compartmentalize as they construct their self-image to justify all their actions and present themselves to the world. Sometimes it almost seems as if Lewis had training in psychology (though he actually assails psychology as a useful tool for the devils). The correspondence addresses numerous different relationships in the life of his nephew's subject - with his mother, friends, church acquaintances, girlfriend - each enabling witty insights into how humans can manipulate their thinking. Even the contentious relationship between Screwtape and his nephew adds to the mix.

This is first-class satire, replete with wit and insights into the human condition. It is on this alone that I am rating the book. The devils and the doctrine I am treating as I would elements in any other fantasy, suspending disbelief to let the story function. Of course, the elephant in the book is the concept of Hell - a doctrine in which Lewis literally believed, and an idea without which his story would be devoid of meaning. Hell is the most barbarous, despicable, evil idea ever conceived to control and enslave humanity. It was this reprehensible doctrine that was a principal impetus for me to abandon my childhood faith. It is a testament to how outstanding Lewis's satire is that I'm able to overlook his literal belief in it and his doctrinal intentions as just one more element of suspended disbelief and rate his novel solely on literary merit.

Ah, Screwtape. I've heard countless times about this book, yet I never managed to purchase it in print as it was prohibitively expensive for such a thin volume. I recall splurging on the ebook a couple of months ago. True to my nature, it took me a while to get through it. I'm well aware that a Lewis book is never an easy read. And what better time to read this one than during the Lenten season, right?

The Screwtape Letters is an epistolary novella. It contains the letters of a demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood. In these letters, Screwtape provides detailed advice on how to lead his assignment, a man simply named "the patient," to sin and eventual eternal damnation. Screwtape tells Wormwood about particular human weaknesses and how to exploit them, about religious weaknesses and how to turn them into the patient's downfall. He emphasizes that they're not just in it for general mischief but for snatching human souls from their Enemy.

A few days before I finished reading the book, I was discussing it with a friend. He told me that while he liked the book, he couldn't bring himself to review it as it struck too many familiar chords. I can say the same for myself. The Screwtape Letters is almost humorous in some respects, especially when Screwtape scolds Wormwood for messing up. However, it's far more chilling than it is humorous. Screwtape outlines ways in which Wormwood can lead his patient to eternal damnation, and the methods he lists are uncomfortably familiar. I admit that it made me think of the times when I fell for similar things – like the feeling of "owning" my time and getting angry at any interruption, or worrying too much about tomorrow instead of focusing on today, or engaging in self-righteous thinking. This book probed a little too deeply into the parts of my heart that I try to avoid looking at, and it helped me see myself with all the ugliness and sin that I've fallen into. I remember cringing as I highlighted the passages that struck me the most, such as:

It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds; in reality our best work is done by keeping things out. (p. 16)

There is nothing like suspense and anxiety for barricading a human's mind against the Enemy. He wants men to be concerned with what they do; our business is to keep them thinking about what will happen to them. (p. 25)

It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. (p. 60)

Now you will notice that nothing throws him into a passion so easily as to find a tract of time which he reckoned on having at his own disposal unexpectedly taken from him...They anger him because he regards his time as his and feels that it is being stolen. (p. 112)

It's not that this book is without hope – in fact, it ends quite hopefully. But seeing it from the perspective of the "protagonists," it doesn't feel that way. This book is not meant for quick reading – each letter should be read slowly and reflected upon, perhaps even discussed with other people of faith. Like other Lewis books, I think The Screwtape Letters is one that warrants re-reading, as different passages will resonate with people depending on the state of their lives when they read it.

Of course, this is still considered fiction, but like all other Lewis books I've read, it made me think. I couldn't help but remember Ephesians 6:12 as I read this book: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The Screwtape Letters is a book that definitely needs to be read more than once.

Original post at One More Page

The Devil's Dictionary is a remarkable work that offers a unique perspective on human nature. The quote "

\\"لا تدع أيّة بهجة وقتية مُفرطة أن تصرفك عن عملك الحقيقي في تقويض الإيمان ومنع تشكّل الفضائل فيه..\\"

" emphasizes the importance of not allowing fleeting pleasures to distract us from our true purpose of strengthening our faith and cultivating virtues.

The book consists of a collection of letters from the experienced devil, Khurbur, to his younger devil brother, Alqam, teaching and advising him on how to deceive humans.

The concept of the book is ingenious, presenting a philosophical exploration of the weaknesses of human nature in various aspects of life, such as family, work, religion, friendships, and love.

The satirical and humorous style in many parts makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking. Although it may be a relatively short read, it requires careful attention and reflection on each sentence and expression.

At times, one might even think that the devil himself is the author of this book, given its astute observations and insights.

Overall, The Devil's Dictionary is a fascinating and valuable work that challenges us to审视 our own lives and behaviors.

Okay!! So. There are several reasons I didn't like this.

Let's face it. While it's a work of fiction, the essence of this isn't about the plot or characterisation or any of the typical elements. CS Lewis is attempting to address the question of "How should a person live?" in an indirect way and from a Christian perspective.

It's not designed to persuade anyone of the truth or value of Christianity. Instead, it's a book for a particular subset of Christians to question themselves and ask if they are being a little bit hypocritical in how they approach things.

The problem is that it has aged poorly. The conceit is somewhat irritating. And while some parts did make me think (such as about prayer and pacifism), poor CS Lewis gets a bit fixated on his Madonna/whore dichotomy.

It's evident that Screwtape aims to preach to the choir, so to speak, and it's not easy to do that without coming across as impossibly smug.

No thanks, CS. I'll go back to Narnia.

Maybe I was not in the right frame of mind to appreciate this book as much as I should have.

There could be various reasons for this. Perhaps I was preoccupied with other matters, or maybe my mood at that time was not conducive to fully engaging with the story and its nuances.

However, I do recognize that the book has certain qualities that deserve a closer look. It might have interesting characters, a unique plot, or some profound ideas that I didn't fully grasp initially.

So, I'll need to think about this a bit more. I'll try to approach the book again with a fresh perspective and an open mind.

I'm still undecided whether to rate it 3 or 4 stars. It's a tough call, as there are aspects that I liked and others that left me a bit disappointed.

But with more thought and reflection, I hope to come to a more definitive conclusion about this book.

I absolutely adored this book!

It is a compilation of letters penned by a senior demon, Uncle Screwtape, to his nephew, the junior demon Wormwood.

Wormwood is tasked with tempting a young man, and these letters transform into a sort of in-depth study on how spiritual warfare operates.

I had always heard that C.S. Lewis was an outstanding Christian apologist, and now I understand the reason.

This book provided me with an abundance of food for thought.

I firmly believe that it is the kind of book that one must read at least twice in order to truly cherish and understand the precious gems of wisdom it contains.

I am extremely glad that I finally managed to get around to reading it!

This book was truly and absolutely ridiculous.

It is blatantly guilty of every single type of fear-mongering tactic that has been commonly employed by religion in an attempt to get people to convert to the so-called "right" way of thinking.

I read this book as part of a book club, and I firmly believe that out of a couple dozen of us, I might very well have been the only one who managed to persevere and finish it. And that was only by means of shear force of will.

I sincerely hope that most people will possess enough common sense and discernment to recognize that this book is nothing but garbage and will choose to stay far, far away from it.

Frankly speaking, awarding it just one star is actually being far too generous!

It simply does not deserve any praise or positive recognition whatsoever.

Review of Kindle edition

Publisher: HarperOne reprint edition

June 2, 2009

ASIN B002BD2V2Y


This Kindle edition offers a highly engaging and thought-provoking satire. It tells the story of a junior demon who is tasked with preventing a man from being saved and ultimately reaching heaven.

As the junior demon embarks on this mission, he receives advice from his uncle, who holds a high-ranking position as an assistant to "our father below." The narrative unfolds in a humorous and satirical manner, exploring themes of good and evil, temptation, and the power of salvation.

It's important to note that all of the ratings and reviews posted at this listing on GoodReads and Amazon are not for this specific edition. This edition may have its own unique features or qualities that set it apart from others. Whether you're a fan of satire or simply looking for an entertaining read, this Kindle edition is definitely worth considering.