Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
32(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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In "The Screwtape Letters", C.S. Lewis presents his self-righteous beliefs in a clever format. It consists of a series of letters from an experienced devil to a young tempter.


The book is an enjoyable and easily manageable read. Each letter is a concise and snarky summary of Lewis's religious convictions. You might be initially drawn in by the self-satisfaction with which he complains about "people these days". However, you'll also notice the misogyny and apparent distaste for social justice.


The last chapter, which is not Screwtape's toast, is by far the most compelling. It beautifully portrays eternal salvation in a way that could inspire a believer and sadden an atheist.


I give it three stars because I found it interesting enough to finish, not because I agree with Lewis's worldview.
July 14,2025
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I was initially planning to pen down an extremely thoughtful review. However, my brain is aching a little at the moment. So, I'll just touch on the key points.

First and foremost, this book is highly validating. It serves as a reminder that if we are not vigilant during the battle of spiritual warfare, we are effectively being trampled upon.

The tactics of the enemy that Lewis wrote about in the 1940s still hold significance today. Our culture loves to complain about divisiveness while constantly contributing to it. At one point, he writes, "all extremes, except extreme devotion to the Enemy, are to be encouraged." In this context, the enemy Screwtape is referring to is God. I found this line to resonate deeply because of how devoted our culture is to our identities today. We tightly cling to our ideologies, strong character qualities, and deep passions. None of these things are inherently bad. But whenever we exercise extreme devotion to anything other than God, it can be exploited by the enemy to further his plot of contention and divisiveness. You can also wrongly execute extreme devotion to God, but that's an entirely different topic, so I digress.

I'm simply going to share some direct quotes that struck me, and I won't elaborate as I could write a comprehensive essay on this book.

"the safest road to Hell is the gradual one"

"all mortals tend to turn into the thing they are pretending to be"

"in His efforts to get permanent possession of a soul, He relies on the troughs even more than the peaks; some of his special favourites have gone through longer and deeper troughs than anyone else"

"the search for a'suitable' church makes the man a critic where the Enemy wants him to be a pupil. What He wants of the layman in church is an attitude which may, indeed, be critical in the sense of rejecting what is false or unhelpful, but which is wholly uncritical in the sense that it does not appraise - does not waste time in thinking about what it rejects but lays itself open in uncommenting, humble receptivity to any nourishment that is going"

"It is far better to make them live in the future. Biological necessity makes all their passions point in that direction already, so that thought about the Future inflames hope and fear." I must say this quote has a different impact on a second-semester senior.

Finally, (this is my only real spoiler) I'm glad C.S. Lewis allowed love to prevail in the end and that the patient gets to be with God for eternity. By the conclusion of the novel, I was tired of the devil's antics and could barely continue. So, thank you, C.S. Lewis, for throwing us that bone.

In conclusion, this is a must-read. It's a book that I'll need to revisit in the years to come as there is more to uncover than a first glance reveals. Read it, and let's engage in a dialogue about it :)
July 14,2025
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I truly enjoy "The Screwtape Letters." I must admit that I did them an injustice by listening to them while I was at work and driving.

However, the perspective of viewing life and living well from the vantage point of one who desires the opposite is an incredibly intriguing thought experiment.

The epistolary format employed in this work compels the reader (or listener, in my case) to grapple with profound questions from outside their own life and belief perspective.

It effectively prevents the reader from descending into the rut of rote spirituality and automated living.

Basically, "The Screwtape Letters" serves as a powerful wake-up call, and it is delightfully refreshing. It forces us to step out of our comfort zones and consider alternative viewpoints, thereby enriching our understanding of life and our spiritual journey.

Overall, it is a remarkable piece of literature that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a new and thought-provoking perspective on life and living.
July 14,2025
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I truly desired to simply pray while going through this book, and perhaps I will do so at some point in the future.

C. S. Lewis is undeniably brilliant. Reading about all these tactics of Screwtape was not only fascinating but also deeply convicting.

There are numerous aspects in my daily life that I feel I should be more conscious of. This book has definitely made me more humble and has taught me a great deal in a relatively short period of time.

It has opened my eyes to the subtleties of spiritual warfare and the importance of being vigilant. I am now more aware of the tricks and traps that the enemy may set for me.

I will carry the lessons learned from this book with me and strive to apply them in my daily walk with God.

Overall, it has been a very enlightening and transformative experience.
July 14,2025
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"Letters from a Devil to His Nephew Who Is Also a Devil but Young, and Is Beginning to Tempt Humans" is an interesting piece.

It offers a sometimes quite accurate perspective on humanity and its relationship with religion. The devil in the letters is guiding the young devil on how to tempt humans.

However, the downside is that it is written with overly refined or convoluted words. This makes it a bit difficult to understand at times.

Despite this, it still manages to capture the reader's attention with its unique take on the devil and his tactics.

Perhaps if the language were made a bit more accessible, it could reach a wider audience and have an even greater impact.

Overall, it is a thought-provoking work that offers an interesting look into the mind of the devil and his view of humanity.
July 14,2025
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C. S. Lewis does not disappoint.

He is truly a master of satire and wisdom in this book.

His words have the power to both amuse and enlighten, making the reading experience not only enjoyable but also intellectually stimulating.

With his keen观察力 and sharp wit, Lewis skillfully dissects various aspects of human nature and society, presenting his insights in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Whether it is through his vivid characters, imaginative storylines, or profound philosophical musings, he manages to draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

This book is a testament to his literary genius and a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

It is a work that will leave a lasting impression and continue to be relevant and influential for years to come.

July 14,2025
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I had never read "Screwtape Proposes a Toast" before, and upon reading it, I was truly captivated by its interesting nature.

It is rather astonishing to observe how some of the tactics put forward in this fictional work, which was written over 60 years ago, have actually come to pass in the present day.

"The Screwtape Letters" has always had the power to make me engage in deep thought. I firmly believe that it is a book that Christians should peruse every now and then.

It offers valuable insights into the spiritual realm and the battle between good and evil. The clever and devious strategies employed by the characters serve as a reminder of the constant struggle we face in our daily lives.

By reading this book, we can gain a better understanding of the enemy's tactics and be better equipped to resist them.

It challenges us to examine our own beliefs and actions and to strive for a closer relationship with God.

In conclusion, "The Screwtape Letters" is a thought-provoking and essential read for Christians.
July 14,2025
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I read Mere Christianity right before reading this book. And, similar to Mere Christianity, the deep truths that Lewis presents continue to linger in my mind.

However, in this book, he presents those deep truths through a satirical lens. In Screwtape giving instructions on how to tempt humans, especially Christians, away from "the Enemy", he is actually telling them how to live morally and reminds them of the character of "the Enemy".

Even though this book was written in the 40's, some of the examples of temptation are still persistent today. For instance, the allure of materialism and the distractions of modern technology can still lead people astray from their faith.

This is a timeless book and serves as a reminder of the forces that seek to disrupt our faith in Jesus. It challenges us to be vigilant and to constantly strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
July 14,2025
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I thought this was an extremely good book.

It flawlessly narrates a Christian's journey from the perspective of one who tempts the Christian, in this instance, a demon.

It is a collection of letters written by Screwtape and addressed to his nephew, Wormwood, with the intention of assisting Wormwood in understanding how to cause the Christian to stumble in his spiritual walk and turn towards Satan.

And let me tell you, even though I was able to anticipate the ending, there was something about it that made me relish the book even more.

It was truly a remarkable book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is willing to read it, whether they are Christian or not.

It is concise, memorable, and logical, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read for all.

July 14,2025
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The ideas that are spoken of in this book are still highly applicable in today's world.

It is a must-read for all Christians as it offers profound insights and valuable teachings.

The writing style is extremely clever, captivating the reader's attention from the very beginning.

I truly enjoyed reading it and found it to be a great source of inspiration.

Starting 2021 with this book is definitely a wonderful choice.

It provides a fresh perspective on various aspects of life and faith, helping readers to grow and deepen their understanding.

Whether you are a devout Christian or simply interested in exploring spiritual ideas, this book is well worth your time.

It has the power to touch your heart and transform your life.

So, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Pick up this book and let it guide you towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life in 2021 and beyond.
July 14,2025
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Boken väcker många nya tankeställare med sin annorlunda synvinkel på kristendomen.

Denna unika synvinkel gör att läsaren får en helt ny uppfattning om olika aspekter av kristendomen. Dock kan det stundvis kännas som att författaren använder sig av skrämseltaktik i sitt skrivsätt kring synd.

När författaren skriver om synd, kan det ibland kännas väldigt intensivt och skrämmande för läsaren.

Trots det svåra temat att skriva om djävlar så lyckas författaren hålla en humoristisk ton genom hela boken.

Detta gör att boken blir mer lättläst och underhållande. Det behövs, eftersom det kan upplevas att författaren ibland använder sig av ett svårt skrivspråk.

Med hjälp av humor kan författaren lättare få sina budskap över till läsaren utan att göra det alltför tungt eller överväldigande.

Sammanfattningsvis är boken en intressant och unik läsning som både väcker nya tankar och underhåller läsaren.
July 14,2025
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A very enjoyable, devilish, work of literature awaits the reader. It is a piece that captivates from the very first page, drawing one into a world filled with mystery and intrigue. The author's skillful use of language creates vivid images and emotions, making it impossible to put down. The story unfolds in a series of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Each character is well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motives. The devilish aspect of the work adds an extra layer of excitement, as the reader is never quite sure what to expect. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, or a combination of both, this work of literature is sure to satisfy even the most discerning reader.

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