In this humorous and perceptive exchange between two devils, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life.
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Various descriptions of this book usually include the word "humorous" but I think "chilling" or "un-nerving" would be a better word. This collectio... (show more)
Various descriptions of this book usually include the word "humorous" but I think "chilling" or "un-nerving" would be a better word. This collection of letters chronicles wisdom given from an experienced devil named Screwtape to a young-gun devil named Wormwood. Through the guise of Screwtape, C.S. Lewis touches on topics that hit close to home for most Christians. God's Love. Prayer. Complacency. Sexual Temptation. Marriage. Courage. As I read Screwtape's advice to Wormwood on how to tempt and deceive in the most effective way possible, it brought to mind how many times I had experienced similar thoughts or mindsets in my own walk with Christ. This opened my eyes to the tactics of The Enemy (interestingly enough, in the book, God is referred to as The Enemy and Satan is reffered to as Our Father) and brought about an eerie sense of the spirit realm. However, it is important to remember that for every plan to destory me made by the powers of Hell there is a more complete and more effective plan made by the powers of Heaven to restore me. Devils will continue to be frustrated by the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ until the day of their destruction. If you are serious about the reality of the spirit realm, I definitely recommend that you read The Screwtape Letters. (show less)
10/09: Not a fan of this Lewis work. I know, I'm going against the grain of Christianity and all that. The concept is original, but I find the i... (show more)
10/09: Not a fan of this Lewis work. I know, I'm going against the grain of Christianity and all that. The concept is original, but I find the idea of reading a one-sided correspondence very tedious. Lewis certainly has some astute observations, but his concept of Christianity is so black and white in very gray areas. He never clearly defines the amount of influence that Wormwood has over his "patient" or the mechanics of his temptation. I think many Christians fall into the trap of blaming all sin on temptation and believing that temptation from a devil or some other entity must precede sin. These same Christians have no clear concept of exactly what power they are giving those devils over their own lives. Does that mean, then, that a devil can implant a suggestion in the human mind? Does it mean the entity can read human minds? Can contrive physical confrontations? What are the mechanics of these influences, and the limitations of their power, I demand to know! Are we saying that "instinct" or "the natural man" is actually the temptation of some devil? I find the concept absurd. This novel would probably be very enjoyable to "nodding head" Christians. (show less)
1.
The main theme consists of correspondence of letters between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew, Wormwood. The book unfolds the thoughts and tactics of Screwtape being indoctrinated into Wormwood. As demons their goal is to win over the lost, and make the Christians stumble. As the book progresses it shows the different “solutions” suggested by Screwtape to help Wormwood in his quest to make his patient turn from God. But in the end Wormwood fails in his mission to trip up his patie... (show more)
1.
The main theme consists of correspondence of letters between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his nephew, Wormwood. The book unfolds the thoughts and tactics of Screwtape being indoctrinated into Wormwood. As demons their goal is to win over the lost, and make the Christians stumble. As the book progresses it shows the different “solutions” suggested by Screwtape to help Wormwood in his quest to make his patient turn from God. But in the end Wormwood fails in his mission to trip up his patient, and is lovingly regarded by his uncle as a fool.
2.
I found that the most valued principle is that of the book itself. The devil and his demons are at work at all times, working against God and His children. They try to trip us up, and cause us to lose faith. Although we are not always conscious of it, there is always a spiritual battle going on all around us. This book is a simple reminder that we should be on our guard, and that a simple offense, like prayer and reading scripture, can be the best defense.
3.
When conducting our daily business I think we should always have our thoughts and actions turned towards God. Keeping Him in our sights as the goal, the author and perfector of our faith, will keep us shielded from the devil. In Ephesians it speaks metaphorically about armor. If we suit up fully with our spiritual armor, we will be able to defend ourselves against the wiles of Satan. (show less)
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The Oxford Don in his finest hour. C.S. Lewis presents a gripping and interestingly eerie journey into the minds of demons, our depiction of Hell, and the battle between light & dark. Screwtape may not be as widely known as other works such as "Mere Christianity" and "The Chronicles of Narnia", but it offers a treasure of endless understanding.
I would recommend "The Screwtape Letters" to any open mind seeking to understand the depths behind what many ... (show more)
The Oxford Don in his finest hour. C.S. Lewis presents a gripping and interestingly eerie journey into the minds of demons, our depiction of Hell, and the battle between light & dark. Screwtape may not be as widely known as other works such as "Mere Christianity" and "The Chronicles of Narnia", but it offers a treasure of endless understanding.
I would recommend "The Screwtape Letters" to any open mind seeking to understand the depths behind what many view as the human conscience...the reality of a spiritual battle and the urgency to fight for what is true and moral. So, take your book and indulge in a work of genius.
Others Recommended Reads from C.S. Lewis:
"The Chronicles of Narnia"
-Prince Caspian
"Mere Christianity"
"The Four Loves"
"The Great Divorce"
"Miracles" (show less)
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Banyak hal yang membuat setiap aktivis gereja akan tertampar lewat surat-surat dari Iblis tua terhadap anak buahnya yang dikemas Lewis cukup apik dalam salah satu mahakarya terlarisnya ini.
Facebook User about 1 month agoCS
I liked this book so much that I got hold of the spoken book and listened to John Cleese being a spectacular demon.
Anonymous User about 1 year agoHard or Not
I was under the impression that this book was going to be harder to read than it actually was. Did anybody find it hard to read and what about it made it hard to understand (because I think I must be missing something).
Kevin Bailey about 1 year agoThis book has been added to these lists:
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