Helpful Score: 16
Not really my cup of tea but extremely well written.
Helpful Score: 10
As long as we have an image in our head of the "devil" having horns, a red cape and a pitchfork, we will not be able to recognize his true attacks. He often appears to us as a voice of reason, of intellect, and of misguided justice.
This is a wonderful book.
This is a wonderful book.
Helpful Score: 5
A senior demon teaches a junior colleague how to tempt Christians, biting and very funny.
Helpful Score: 5
This book describes, through letters between a devilish uncle and his clever nephew, the natural course of human nature and its relationship with God.
It's full of laughs (who can get over the idea of a Devil named Screwtape? And titles like His Most Lowness?)
The faithful, as well, will recognize the hard-fought truths behind the words of this great master.
It's Lewis at his best.
It's full of laughs (who can get over the idea of a Devil named Screwtape? And titles like His Most Lowness?)
The faithful, as well, will recognize the hard-fought truths behind the words of this great master.
It's Lewis at his best.
Helpful Score: 4
One of the finest by Lewis. Makes you think about life and what goes on.
Helpful Score: 4
Probably my all time favorite, Lewis uses wry humor to get his point across - most excellent!!!
Helpful Score: 4
I love C.S. Lewis' work, this book is awesome.
Helpful Score: 3
Awesome satirical fiction!
Helpful Score: 3
Lewis offers a realistic look at the flaws and triumphs of mankind.
Helpful Score: 2
From back cover: A masterpiece of satire, this class has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise old devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the damnation of an ordinary young man.
Helpful Score: 2
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is certainly a different kind of book than any I've read before. In the form of several letters, Mr. Lewis relays the tale of Worm wood, a novice tempter. Screwtape, Wormwood's uncle, narrates through the letters as he advises Wormwood on the best ways to tempt the "patient." Many topics are covered by these letters, as they appear throughout the patient's life up to the time of his death. Screwtape repeatedly corrects his nephew, and in so doing gives us brief insights into several things that are not commonly discussed. For example, Screwtape writes of family relationships and the importance of prayer. He also indirectly shows the foreignness of love to one dwelling in Hell.
One of the things that bothered me the most about this book was the way the author implied the possibility of losing one's salvation. Although those who were not really saved in the first place can be lost in that way, the true children of God cannot be plucked out of His hand. There were also some other points where I disagreed with Mr. Lewis' theology, but that was the most disturbing one. All in all, if you're reading for enjoyment, The Screwtape Letters is really an interesting book; but those who would read it for the theology had better be a little wary.
One of the things that bothered me the most about this book was the way the author implied the possibility of losing one's salvation. Although those who were not really saved in the first place can be lost in that way, the true children of God cannot be plucked out of His hand. There were also some other points where I disagreed with Mr. Lewis' theology, but that was the most disturbing one. All in all, if you're reading for enjoyment, The Screwtape Letters is really an interesting book; but those who would read it for the theology had better be a little wary.
Helpful Score: 2
This is the funniest book Lewis ever wrote. His biting wit surpasses all of his atheist critics. A book every Christian should read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. It is a series of letters written by a senior demon to an underling in charge of corrupting a human being. It offers great insight into the subtle ways our mettle is tested moment by moment. A great reminder that our big decisions in life are the result of dozens of "smaller" choices we make day in and day out.
Though written from a Christian point of view, the insights are helpful for anyone.
The language may seem dated.
Though written from a Christian point of view, the insights are helpful for anyone.
The language may seem dated.
Helpful Score: 1
A masterpiece of satire, this classic has enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original.
Christian satire by C. S. Lewis first published in book form in 1942. The story takes the form of a series of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, a junior tempter named Wormwood, so as to advise him on methods of securing the damnation of an earthly man, known only as "the Patient."
Screwtape (along with his trusted scribe Toadpipe) holds an administrative post in the bureaucracy ("Lowerarchy") of Hell, and acts more as a mentor than a supervisor to Wormwood, the inexperienced tempter; almost every letter ends with the signature, "Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape." In the body of the thirty-one letters which make up the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on various methods of undermining faith and promoting sin in his Patient, interspersed with observations on human nature and Christian doctrine.
Screwtape (along with his trusted scribe Toadpipe) holds an administrative post in the bureaucracy ("Lowerarchy") of Hell, and acts more as a mentor than a supervisor to Wormwood, the inexperienced tempter; almost every letter ends with the signature, "Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape." In the body of the thirty-one letters which make up the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on various methods of undermining faith and promoting sin in his Patient, interspersed with observations on human nature and Christian doctrine.
Helpful Score: 1
Classic C.s. Lewis. Satirical look at the roles of good and evil in our world. Funny, but makes you think.
Helpful Score: 1
Intresting but hard for me to get through.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book in college as much as I enjoyed Narnia in gradeschool.
Helpful Score: 1
If I didn't know Lewis was such a devoted Christian, I could swear this was a satire of that very same religion- and a classic one at that! In this book, he has structured the battle for our eternal souls as a demon working tirelessly on one shoulder and an angel on the other- not unlike later parodies seen on Tom & Jerry or Bugs Bunny or The Simpsons.
Putting my religious cynicism (mostly) aside, it is a brilliant study on human motivation and how these motives can become warped if we're not self-aware, asking ourselves the right questions. Screwtape's observation about humility is such an example:
"...humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools. And since what they are trying to believe may, in some cases, be manifest nonsense, they cannot succeed in believing it and we have the chance to keep their minds endlessly revolving on themselves in an effort to achieve the impossible... [God] wants him, in the end, to be so free of any bias in his own favour that he can rejoice in his own talents as frankly and gratefully as in his neighbour's talents- or in a sunrise, an elephant or a waterfall. He wants each man, in the long run, to recognize all creatures (even himself) as glorious and excellent things."
If Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion is the popular voice and blueprint for atheists, this book is it's equal literary opposite. Though, I do realize this is a work of fiction and Dawkins' book is not. However, this work is a metaphor for Lewis' beliefs and when illustrating a point, isn't metaphor and allegory what religion does best?
My only criticism of this read is, while it is obvious Lewis put a lot thought into Screwtape, his voice becomes monotonous and dry after a while which is an unbearable combination when you are being preached towards.
Finally, a quote from Screwtape directed towards his fellow Gentledevils that resonates on many levels:
"All said and done, my friends, it will be an ill day for us if what most humans mean by 'religion' ever vanishes from Earth. It can still send us the truly delicious sins. The fine flower of unholiness can grow only in the close neighborhood of the Holy. Nowhere do we tempt so successfully as on the very steps of the altar."
Putting my religious cynicism (mostly) aside, it is a brilliant study on human motivation and how these motives can become warped if we're not self-aware, asking ourselves the right questions. Screwtape's observation about humility is such an example:
"...humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools. And since what they are trying to believe may, in some cases, be manifest nonsense, they cannot succeed in believing it and we have the chance to keep their minds endlessly revolving on themselves in an effort to achieve the impossible... [God] wants him, in the end, to be so free of any bias in his own favour that he can rejoice in his own talents as frankly and gratefully as in his neighbour's talents- or in a sunrise, an elephant or a waterfall. He wants each man, in the long run, to recognize all creatures (even himself) as glorious and excellent things."
If Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion is the popular voice and blueprint for atheists, this book is it's equal literary opposite. Though, I do realize this is a work of fiction and Dawkins' book is not. However, this work is a metaphor for Lewis' beliefs and when illustrating a point, isn't metaphor and allegory what religion does best?
My only criticism of this read is, while it is obvious Lewis put a lot thought into Screwtape, his voice becomes monotonous and dry after a while which is an unbearable combination when you are being preached towards.
Finally, a quote from Screwtape directed towards his fellow Gentledevils that resonates on many levels:
"All said and done, my friends, it will be an ill day for us if what most humans mean by 'religion' ever vanishes from Earth. It can still send us the truly delicious sins. The fine flower of unholiness can grow only in the close neighborhood of the Holy. Nowhere do we tempt so successfully as on the very steps of the altar."
Helpful Score: 1
It took me a while to really understand what was going on, but once I did I loved it. Really opened my eyes to what is going on in the spiritual world.
Helpful Score: 1
From the back of the book:
The letters of the infernal Screwtape, a senior devil from a highly organized, computerized Hell, deftly instruct his nephew Wormwood, a junior demon, in the art of winning over a young man's soul - not by a sudden fall into mortal sin, but by the routine and undramatic temptations of daily life. By focusing on the immediate, familiar, and amusing, Lewis exposes the true nature of evil and the very real devils in all of our lives.
The letters of the infernal Screwtape, a senior devil from a highly organized, computerized Hell, deftly instruct his nephew Wormwood, a junior demon, in the art of winning over a young man's soul - not by a sudden fall into mortal sin, but by the routine and undramatic temptations of daily life. By focusing on the immediate, familiar, and amusing, Lewis exposes the true nature of evil and the very real devils in all of our lives.
Helpful Score: 1
The concept behind The Screwtape Letters is intriguing and amusingly executed, but anyone who considers this a serious, convincing work of apologetics is kidding themselves. Yes, that includes the author.
If you are familiar at all with C.S. Lewis's other writings, this is another classic of his. I have to admit, I was very disappointed with the "droll boringness" of the reader of this audiobook. Hence, I placed it back into circulation. Very disappointed.
This is my second C.S. Lewis book (Mere Christianity was the first) and I came away much as I left the first,...desiring more. I took away a few things that will help me in my daily walk as a Christian,..and as in the other book I read,...a few things that really got me thinking.
I'm glad I decided to finally read this classic. Originally written in 1942, many of the observations are still relevant, if not more so, today. Lewis' collection of "letters" are from senior devil Screwtape to his protégé and devil-in-training Wormwood. It is a collection of advice, and warnings, on how to tempt humans in order to harvest their souls, or as important, preventing them from acquiring heaven. The easy and fun read should not dissuade the reader from the deep and thoughtful topics. I particularly enjoyed how to use Democracy to turn souls, and the evolution - or devolution - of education as a method for enthralling and directing the masses. [5/5]
I enjoy the concept of this book being from a demon uncle to his demon nephew. It was a unique take of what spiritual warfare would be like from the intelligence of a demon as he attacks a human and what ways might be best to have success in bringing a "patient" to hell. Although I liked it, a lot of this book bored me. I blame the fact that I have read Frank Peretti books.
This book is fun and insightful. Lewis explores humanity's most mundane, common flaws without preaching at the reader. The Screwtape Letters beautifully explores the natural challenges every Christian must strive to overcome to truly follow the teachings of Christ.
As Christians, we are very unaware of the spiritual battles that are waged against us every day. We cannot comprehend the evil that exists nor the lengths to which the enemy will go to neutralize us if not totally destroy us.
This book is an eye-opener, and gives us a new perspective on the way the enemy sees us and the attacks he will bring.
More than just interesting, it imparts fresh resolve and strengthens our ability to identify subtle traps and to stand against anything that would come between us and God...in a word, sin.
This book is an eye-opener, and gives us a new perspective on the way the enemy sees us and the attacks he will bring.
More than just interesting, it imparts fresh resolve and strengthens our ability to identify subtle traps and to stand against anything that would come between us and God...in a word, sin.
This is a great "instruction manual" of what NOT to do to wind up in Hell. Seriously, it contains lots of things to think about for people who are interested in being good Christians (might work for other religions too, but C.S. Lewis is definitely Christian)
I love C.S. Lewis, however, this book is one that would be best read with a group to decipher what is going on. I had heard about the book and thought it would be a must read...I got to the third or fourth chapter and gave up.
We don't necessarily agree with the whole thing but there are things to be gleaned from this book. It was helpful.
This is one of my all-time favorites that is worth "being reminded" over time.
We did this as a book study at our church. It was very difficult to understand and read but made a great book study because you can get different prospectives and viewpoints.
Speaking through the eyes of a devil (demon), C. S. Lewis takes a hard and insightful look at human nature and weakness.
This is a weird but intriguing book I think. His letters are signed Your affectionate Uncle but his perpose in writting his nephew is this: To win young lives to the devil.
This has earned a place in Christian Classics. CS Lewis- his witty observations continue to confront and challange believers and non believers alike.
This has earned a place in Christian Classics. CS Lewis- his witty observations continue to confront and challange believers and non believers alike.
another classic from c s lewis. i did not finish the book however. i decided i didn't want to spend that much time imagining what satan is up to.
Revised edition includes the C.S. Lewis preface of 1960, Screwtape Proposes a Toast, and the never-before-published Lewis preface to the Toast.
Very insightful. Highly recommend.
This was an interesting book in that it reviews many ways that the devil may tempt a human and the emotions that may be played upon. I didn't agree with many things stated and sometimes it just seemed like the author just wanted to use a bunch of big words in the same sentence.
Much of the book was fluff and it wasn't as intriguing as I expected it to be.
All in all I give it a B-
Much of the book was fluff and it wasn't as intriguing as I expected it to be.
All in all I give it a B-
spiritual classics by C.S. Lewis
A classic. "Prop Tst" is a bonus speech by Screwtape.
Excellent, thought-provoking insight into Satan's designs for a man's downfall.
Wonderful book! Very cleverly written.
This is a classic, must-read for any Christian!
Excellent book. Really makes you think about your own actions.
Masterful! No other explanation needed!
Very thought provoking, very deep. I won't pretend that I followed all of it, but that shouldn't keep anyone else from reading it.
The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a collection of letters from a senior demon to his younger, inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Through a series of reports, Screwtape learns of the details of how Wormwood is tempting his patient. Screwtape then gives him advice on how to better secure the patient into Satan's, their "Father", grasp. Although Wormwood tries hard to sway his patient faith away from God (or the "Enemy"), his attempts have little effect on the patient in the end because one can never lose their salvation.
I liked this book because it shows how Satan and his demons might really think about God and His relationship with humankind. Lewis has done an excellent job of portraying Screwtape. Screwtape, although he is a senior demon, has little idea what God if really like. Lewis also hints at the lack of power of the demons compared to God and to their inability to be omnipresent. Although this book is fictitious, it is interesting to try to imagine how demons might really think of us. --Kimberly
I liked this book because it shows how Satan and his demons might really think about God and His relationship with humankind. Lewis has done an excellent job of portraying Screwtape. Screwtape, although he is a senior demon, has little idea what God if really like. Lewis also hints at the lack of power of the demons compared to God and to their inability to be omnipresent. Although this book is fictitious, it is interesting to try to imagine how demons might really think of us. --Kimberly
The other side of C.S.Lewis, one of the best Christian apologists of the century. A very thought provoking "tale"
This is a classic diatribe between Screwtape and Wormwood concerning the Christian life. This is not a quick read, because it's thought provoking.
I had this book laying around for many years. I think my reluctance to read it was based on the fact that, being written so long ago, I had trouble understanding the vernacular of the day - unfamiliar words and phrases. When I finally picked it up, I read the entire book in one day. I still did not understand everything I read - the book was written in a writing style that I find difficult - but what I did understand absolutely amazed me. There are so many enlightening truths in this book; truths so subtle that I never would have realized them on my own, but now that I do, I feel like my spiritual understanding has increased immensely. It all just makes such perfect sense. (I wish I understood it better; I have no doubt I would have learned so much more...I know I'll be re-reading this book.) I cannot over-emphasize how great this book is. Absolute highest recommendation!
A classic written with wit, wisdom and candor.
Trade-sized paperback. Front cover picture of gargoyle resembles author.
Wow. What a book. I especially like the final piece in the book ' Screwtape proposes a toast' - it reminds me of the world today...
