The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
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Book Reviews of The Screwtape Letters
Book Review: Infernal Epistles
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the third CS Lewis book I read (after Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain) and once again, I am mind-blown by this author. Lewis' wit is ever present in this volume too, and it's always a pleasure to read this excellent author. I truly believe he is a massive monument in intellectual history because of his theological writings.
The Screwtape Letters are basically letters written by a demon named Screwtape - he is an old senior demon - writing to his nephew Wormwood, a young demon sent to earth to tempt a human (the "patient"). He gives him advice on how to tempt humans. That may sound simple, but you have no idea of how intricate the tempting is. Along the way, Screwtape makes some very fine points about our modern world and its current ideology.
Much more than merely theological or Christian, this book possesses some really excellent psychological insights in human behaviour in groups and inner behaviour.
It's a relatively short read and is a really good one; it happens to be quite some fun as well. Lewis uses irony in seriously gifted ways and I never got tired of it, not to say that he over-uses it, not at all.
Definitely another Lewis classic.
Book Review: Wit and Wisdom on the Cosmic Warfare over the Human Soul
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a powerful little book which you can read in an evening, full of wit and wisdom regarding the cosmic warfare over the human soul. Screwtape fills his letters to young Wormwood with diabolically clever advice on how to thoroughly entangle his patient in the snares which will keep him from the Enemy, namely Jesus Christ. Screwtape advices Wormwood on how to capitalize on such things as domestic relationships, war, friendship, love, and sex, and includes many critical insights on the nature of pleasure, laughter, triviality, love, lust, humility, pride, anxiety, resignation, fear, etc.Reading over Wormwood's shoulder will do two things for you: it will make you laugh (this is an incredibly funny book) and it will make you painfully aware of the demon whispering in your own ear. Few authors understand the psychological labyrinth of the human soul as Lewis does. He has a way of uncovering the subconscious motives and thought-processes of one's soul and forcing them into the bright light of true righteousness and love.
I read this book last night (it is a quick read) for the fourth time and walked away freshly challenged, convicted, and encouraged in my spiritual life. I highly, highly recommend this book.
Book Review: Simply Astonishing
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read The Screwtape Letters at the age of 15, and two years later I've read the book countless times and continue to find deeper meaning in each reading. Lewis expertly reveals the devices used to tempt the unsuspecting human; and I'm sure I'm not the only one who realizes several more of their own blunders every time they pick up the book. The traps of temptation are laid bare as Lewis ruthlessly exposes the suble art of manipulation. This book is highly philosophical, so don't pick it up when you're looking for some escape fiction. While some complain that the book lacks "excitment," I hold that you cannot blame a philosophical book for being just that: philosophical. All the excitement needed is in the intellectual stimulation and in the wealth of knowledge provided by this book. The seriousness of this subject is artfully highlighted with Lewis's characteristic wit and humor. This is a refreshing touch to the deep and somewhat disturbing questions Lewis dares to answer. If nothing else, The Screwtape Letters will force you to truthfully examine yourself. I highly reccomend this book anyone seeking Christian literature or philosophy. It is well worth the time you take to read it.
Book Review: A review by Roz
Summary: 5 Stars
From the start this book was fascinating. I must admit it took me a couple of years to settle in and really read it. One of the prefaces had an interesting testimony; a student had picked up the book because she said it was the least amount of pages and on the reading list for class. If looks can be deceiving The Screwtape Letters packs a wallop.
The Screwtape Letters is simplistic in thought with only a handful of characters. The amazing thing is the perspective in which it was written. The author poses a new concept in written form on how the devil and his demons come against a believer in Christ. Everyday circumstances and emotions are the very target concept of the book.
After reading this book a new perspective shed on the scripture, Ephesians 6:12. "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places."
This book by C.S. Lewis is a must read for all that are seeking a deeper walk with God. Saints be prepared while reading this book that the battle will rage. Put on the whole amour of God! Ephesians 6: 11-18. Godspeed!
Book Review: Slow path of destruction
Summary: 5 Stars
The Screwtape letters are a series of letters from the senior demon Screwtape to his nephew, Wormwood, who is a demon in training. In the letters Screwtape guides Wormwood on the finer nuances of ever so slowly leading a patient down the wrong path. He suggesting planting thoughts in the mind of his patient, such as:
* When at church, focus on the funny hat the person in next the pew is wearing. No one of true faith could wear such a hat!
* Next, notice the shoes on the man seated next to him. They aren't the type of shoes he would wear.
* Encourage him to look for the perfect church. This congregation doesn't sing right, this sermon is too long, I don't fit in here...never let him look at the bigger picture of unifying with one goal in mind.
* When his mind begins to think of anything important, when he begins to see a glimpse that there is more to life than the physical, distract him with lunch time, the bus schedule, make him focus on "the real world".
This is an inspiring read. It reminded me how there are more things in life that distract us from focusing on our spiritual needs than those that help us meet them.