9/10

"Most virtues live in the imagination, while our vices are wholly real." This profound statement by Lewis is truly remarkable. It makes one stop and think about the nature of our moral compass.

Almost every sentence he wrote is worthy of reflection. For instance, "Keep his mind on the inner life. Keep his mind off the most elementary duties by directing it to the most spiritual and advanced ones." This challenges us to focus on our inner selves and not neglect the basic responsibilities.

"Hence from every quarrel they can both go away convinced, or very nearly convinced, that they are quite innocent." This accurately describes the common human tendency to shift blame and avoid taking responsibility for our actions.

"They constantly forget that whatever their bodies do, affects their souls." Reminds us of the interconnectedness of our physical and spiritual well-being.

"All mortals tend to turn into the thing they are pretending to be." Warns us about the power of our actions and the importance of being true to ourselves.

"The safest road to hell is the gradual one, the one without signposts." Highlights the danger of slowly drifting away from what is right.

"All I want is” ‘In the past people used to be able to do it better’ - When in reality her standards used to just be lower.” Points out our tendency to idealize the past and overlook our own growth.

"The more claims on life you make, the more often you will feel injured or ill-tempered." Teaches us to be content with what we have and not constantly strive for more.

"All great moralists are sent by God to remind his people." Recognizes the role of moral leaders in guiding us towards a more virtuous life.

"The gospels were not made to make Christians, but to edify Christians already made." Emphasizes the importance of continuous spiritual growth.

"Value Christian only because it produces social justice." Reminds us that our faith should translate into action and make a positive impact on society.

"Prosperity knits a man to the world, he feels he is finding its place in it, and yet it is finding its place in him." Warns us about the potential pitfalls of material success and the need to stay grounded in our values.

These quotes from Lewis offer valuable insights into the human condition and challenge us to live a more virtuous and purposeful life.

Although I have been a die-hard fan of C.S. Lewis ever since I was a tender 12-year-old and first delved into The Magician's Nephew,

I had never before laid my hands on The Screwtape Letters. However, when I chanced upon a copy at a garage sale and it was dirt cheap, I couldn't resist buying it.

My initial fear regarding reading it was that it would be overly depressing and dark. I couldn't help but wonder what possible value there could be in perusing the work of a devil.

But as soon as I actually picked up the book and began reading, I quickly realized how wrong I was. I found myself underlining quote after quote, completely engrossed in Lewis's profound and farseeing philosophy.

His simple yet effective way of delving into the core of humanity and uncovering what truly drives us left me with the firm belief that this is a book that I will most definitely reread.

It is astonishingly deep and insightful, yet at the same time, it is not a difficult read. It has the power to make you think, question, and gain a new perspective on the human condition.

Joss Ackland narrated this audiobook, and

wow. It is absolute PERFECTION. I have always had a deep love for this book, and I find myself re-reading it every couple of years.

Interestingly, it never loses its charm or appeal. In fact, each time I pick it up and start reading, I notice something new.

Perhaps the reason for this is that whenever I re-read this glorious work of spiritual fiction, my own spirit is in a different state of searching.

Every time, I am seeking something unique and different within its pages.

I look forward to continuing this wonderful journey with The Screwtape Letters over the years to come.

It is a book that has the power to touch the soul and offer new insights with each reading.

I am excited to see what else I will discover as I continue to explore this remarkable piece of literature.

This book truly scared me.

I had, of course, known about Satan and demons in an intellectual sense. I was aware that they were real and that they were bad, but I had never really given it much thought.

However, this book completely transformed my perception. The demons in it are presented as personal entities that are actively out to get you. The Christian's battle against them is not a passive one; it is a fierce and ongoing struggle.

On a different note, I also had the opportunity to see a theater production with Brent Harris. After the show, he was kind enough to sign my ticket. It was a really neat experience that I will always remember.

Overall, these two events have had a significant impact on me, making me more aware of the spiritual realm and the importance of being vigilant in the face of evil.

Uncanny parallels that make this book still so relevant in 2021. It is truly astonishing how the themes and ideas presented in this book continue to resonate with us today. The author has provided an incredibly profound insight into the soul, thoughts, and actions of mankind.

As we read through the pages, we are confronted with situations and emotions that are all too familiar. The book seems to have a prescient quality, as if it was written with the knowledge of the events and challenges that we would face in the future.

This relevance makes the book not only a captivating read but also a valuable tool for self-reflection and understanding. It forces us to examine our own beliefs, values, and behaviors, and to consider how they might be influencing the world around us.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the human condition and gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us. Its uncanny parallels and profound insights make it a timeless classic that will continue to be relevant for years to come.

I first read this book approximately twenty years ago. After delving into the Narnia series, it was either the first or second Lewis book I encountered (Mere Christianity being the other). Since that time, I have perused most of Lewis' writings. This particular work would not even feature in my top ten of his literary contributions! However, I was invited to deliver a sermon at my church, and the scriptures centered around the appearances of the angels in the Christmas story. The overarching theme was how the supernatural influences our lives. It seemed like an opportune moment to dust off this book for a reread.

To be impartial, there was one quote that I recalled and was eager to locate. Lewis posits that there are two errors regarding devils - to disregard them and to accord them excessive attention. Fortunately for me, this very statement is on the very first page! Naturally, I continued reading, and although the concepts in the book did not significantly shape my sermon, it was wonderful to engage with this work again. Similar to much of Lewis' oeuvre, this is speculative in nature. It consists of a series of letters from one demon to another regarding the most effective ways to tempt a man. To a certain extent, this reminds me of my surprise at Lewis' popularity. More conservative Christians often desire a specific chapter and verse of scripture for every sentence related to any topic touching on theology. Lewis' work, if penned today, would be considered heretical! At least by some.

Overall, though, this is a remarkable book. The essence is not to become overly preoccupied with the demons: is this truly how they operate? Instead, it is to note some of the genuine temptations that the man is confronting. I would assert that whether one believes in the literal existence of demons or not, we all face temptations and struggles. We all have our own personal demons, so to speak. Lewis' book is challenging as it reminds us that we all encounter these difficulties and must persist in the fight to grow, mature, and leave our former selves behind.

I'm uncertain if this book will edge its way back into my top ten. But I definitely have a greater appreciation for it now than I did when I was 20.

C.S. Lewis has always been one of my favorite authors.

I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia, which took me on magical adventures and introduced me to a world full of wonder and imagination.

The Problem of Pain was another remarkable work that made me think deeply about the nature of suffering and God's purposes.

I also read The Screwtape Letters for school, and it was truly a captivating read. Lewis's ability to paint a vivid picture of Satan's lies and schemes was both chilling and eye-opening.

It served as a powerful reminder that we should always be vigilant, as our adversary the Devil is constantly seeking to lead people astray and doom them to Hell.

As 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

His works not only entertain but also challenge and inspire us to grow in our faith and strive for His glory alone.

I had been planning to read this book for such a long time. However, I just couldn't seem to make the time for it. Then, it popped up in my suggestions on Audible. At first, I felt like I was being a wimp for choosing to listen to it instead of reading it. But I thought to myself that I could always go back and actually read it later.

Surprisingly, listening to it was a completely different and interesting experience. Since the entire book is presented as a conversation, it made it engaging and easy to follow. What really struck me was how relevant this book is to current events, even though it was written a long time ago. It also had a profound impact on me in areas where I am weak in the face of temptation.

I am certain that I will listen to this book many times over the years. It is just too deep and full of insights to be read only once. Each time I listen, I believe I will discover something new and gain a better understanding of its message.

A series of letters from Screwtape, a demon, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior demon, offer advice on how to persuade or tempt a human subject away from G-d and towards their side.

It's an interesting fantasy piece, but mainly a satirical study of human nature, especially regarding religion, vices, and virtues.

I struggled to read the book as it is. I constantly reversed every piece of advice Screwtape gave to see what CS Lewis truly believed. This didn't always work as Screwtape's advice mixes truth and 'evil'. But I couldn't stop twisting everything to find the opposite of the demons' advice, making the reading confusing.

There are thought-provoking concepts. I was particularly interested in Screwtape's commentary on how humans use the term 'real', and how we pick and choose which effects to regard as real depending on the topic and what we're trying to prove.

However, I was frustrated by what I consider outdated offensive prejudices in the work. I recognize my hypocrisy as I complain about people who dismiss religion based on old writings but don't apply the same to science. We know science evolves, and I take the same view of religion, especially Christianity, which is evolving. Yet, it annoys me that this novel, written 60 years ago, contains outdated misogynistic, sexist, or homophobic beliefs or references that have no place in modern Christianity or the modern world. Maybe it's because it's still a respected piece of writing despite its shortcomings, and I worry about its influence.

That said, it makes for interesting reading. I gave it 3 stars for some thought-provoking comments, but other parts reek of old-fashioned prejudice.

This was my second time reading this remarkable piece, and it still has a profound impact.

It truly packs a punch, especially the section titled “Screwtape Proposes A Toast” at the end.

At times, I found it quite challenging to read as the reader must constantly remember to think in reverse.

The Enemy, in this context, is God, and what is considered evil by the devils is actually good in the eyes of Christians.

The “Toast” is extremely relevant to our current times. It vividly illustrates how Satan and his legions persist in using the same tactics and the same lies throughout history.

Although he is already defeated, he remains ever determined to steal, kill, and destroy whatever he can until the very End.

This serves as a powerful reminder for us to be vigilant and not fall prey to his deceptions.

It is extremely challenging for me to read this particular piece.

Not only is the language a hurdle, but to be honest, it's also kind of freaky!

The manner in which Lewis manages to capture the mind of a demon is truly eerie.

So many of the chapters really resonate with our current culture and the things that we have become tolerant of.

It's a crazy read as you attempt to sift through Satan's lies that are masqueraded as truth!

Each page seems to hold a new revelation that makes you question the world around you and the values that we uphold.

The vivid descriptions and the deep insights into the psyche of the demon add an extra layer of creepiness to the whole experience.

Despite the difficulty and the freaky nature of it, there is something strangely captivating about this read that keeps pulling you in and makes you want to uncover more of the hidden truths within.

It's a thought-provoking and somewhat disturbing journey that forces you to confront the darker aspects of our society and our own beliefs.

Very rarely do I reread a book.

However, this is one that should probably be reread yearly! Believe it or not, I had never heard of this book until I was an adult. I know, shocking right?

As someone who grew up in a Christian home, I often heard about the importance of spending time in the Bible to know God and His Son, Jesus. But I don't ever remember hearing, "be sure you spend time getting to know Satan too."

At first read, you might think, well, duh! He's the enemy and who we are trying to fight against. Here's the deal though. How do you battle an enemy that you do not know? Part of any successful battle strategy is knowing your enemy - their strengths, weaknesses, tactics, allies, enemies, etc. How can we possibly be successful against an enemy that we do not take any time getting to know?

That's where this book comes in! While this book is a fictional novel with characters and a plot, it is so much more than that. It gives a very thought-provoking, biblically-based insight into the mind of Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), an enemy that we all battle daily, whether we realize it or not.

C.S. Lewis masterfully uses a series of one-sided letters to convey a message that we can all benefit from reading. The letters are written from the standpoint of a "senior devil" to a "junior devil", and the enemy they refer to is God. This took me a little bit to wrap my brain around because it went against how I've trained my brain to think based on the truths found in scripture.

This book has the potential to shed an enormous amount of light on a very dark subject - darkness himself, Satan. While we tend to think we know how he works in the obvious, "big" things like murder, stealing, adultery, and lying, we tend to give little thought to some of the more subtle and quite frankly more effective ways he works in our everyday relationships, complacency in our prayer life or our worship to God, in our attitudes, what we allow our mind to dwell on, the people we surround ourselves with, our thoughts towards others, and the list goes on.

Do yourself a favor and give this book a read! If you are struggling, grab a friend and go through it together. You will not be disappointed. In fact, I think that you will come out of it stronger and more fit for the most important battle of your life - where you spend eternity!