The Screwtape Letters Author:C. S. Lewis, CrossReach Publications I have no intention of explaining how the correspondence which I now offer to the public fell into my hands. There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally ... more »pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. The sort of script which is used in this book can be very easily obtained by anyone who has once learned the knack; but ill-disposed or excitable people who might make a bad use of it shall not learn it from me. Readers are advised to remember that the devil is a liar. Not everything that Screwtape says should be assumed to be true even from his own angle. I have made no attempt to identify any of the human beings mentioned in the letters; but I think it very unlikely that the portraits, say, of Fr. Spike or the patient?s mother, are wholly just. There is wishful thinking in Hell as well as on Earth. In conclusion, I ought to add that no effort has been made to clear up the chronology of the letters. Number XVII appears to have been composed before rationing became serious; but in general the diabolical method of dating seems to bear no relation to terrestrial time and I have not attempted to reproduce it. The history of the European War, except in so far as it happens now and then to impinge upon the spiritual condition of one human being, was obviously of no interest to Screwtape. C. S. LEWIS MAGDALEN COLLEGE July 5, 1941« less
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 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)
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.
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 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-
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.
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 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.
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.