The Screwtape Letters, a story concocted by the renowned author C.S. Lewis
features the character of a wise old demon known as Screwtape. The tale
contains a collection of letters between him and his young nephew Wormwood, who
is a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation for a young man referred
to as the patient. The letters which the book consists of are filled with
advice from Screwtape to his nephew concerning the patient’s spiritual
condition. During different segments of the book Screwtape made points
regarding Christianity some of which I agreed with. However, there are some
points with which I disagree.
“They are
creatures of that miserable sort who loudly proclaim that torture is too good
for their enemies and then give tea and cigarettes to the first wounded German
pilot who turns up at the back door.” This quote is saying that in our minds we
create a hatred for our enemies yet when we see a fellow human in distress
compassion is brought to the surface our hearts. This is one point made by Screwtape which I
happen to agree with. James 5:11 says, “…the
Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” and if God made us in his image
according to Genesis 1:26, then we were made with compassion and mercy embedded
in our hearts and souls through Christ.
Another
Screwtape quote states, “By the very act of arguing, you awake the patient’s
reason, and once it is awoke, who can foresee the result?” I agree with this
quote because even if the patient was very weak in his faith he would probably
get defensive if he was challenged. It would awaken his logical reasoning which
I believe would point him to God. I think that is what Screwtape meant when he
said, “…who can foresee the result?” When a human investigates Christianity and
God it leads them to the truth of Him.
There were also points where I disagreed with Screwtape concerning
Christianity. “It was, I imagine, at the
stage in the interview that ‘Our Father’s’ disgust at such an unprovoked lack
of confidence caused him to remove himself an infinite distance from the
Presence with a suddenness which has given rise to the ridiculous Enemy’s story
that he was forcibly thrown out of Heaven.” On the contrary, scripture states
in Ezekiel 28:16-17, that Satan is prideful in his beauty as an angel and sins,
so God casts him and his followers out of heaven. I believe Satin’s version of
the story is invented to make it sound like Satan is in control, and left
Heaven instead of being exiled.
Secondly,
Screwtape is terribly mistaken when he argues, “Desiring their freedom, He
therefore refuses to carry them, by their mere affections and habits, to any of
the goals which he sets before them: He leaves them to ‘do it on their own’.”
This quote implies that God creates us, set goals for us and then left us to
fend for our selves. . My proof that this statement is untrue lies in Hebrews
13: 5 which reads, “…I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”. In
my own personal life, I have always known that God is with me especially during
the tough times. In fact, this book also opens my eyes to different spiritual
perspectives that I have discovered in the story.
A novel
viewpoint I now aspire to guard myself against future temptations. By focusing
on God and spending time in worship, study, and prayer .I also hope to protect
myself by recognizing behaviors to stay away from as well as behaviors to cling
to. An example of negative trait is lying while a positive virtue would be
honesty. The Screwtape Letters
contains insightful and entertaining material, which has changed the lives of
countless people.
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