The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $6.85 You Save: $7.14 (51%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.69 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Screwtape Letters
Book Review: A Kick in the Teeth -- in a good way
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one those rare finds that somehow combines the characteristic of being a generally easy read with the ability to kick you in the face with its truth and meaning. As the book progresses, it does seem to get harder, but that doesn't take away from the overall greatness of this book. In comparison to Mere Christianity, it's a much easier book to read, but seems to be directed to a smaller, already-Christian audience. Having said that, I would recommend it to anyone willing to take the time to read it and put the effort into getting something out of it, regardless of religious beliefs. It doesn't take a lot of effort, but as with any book that requires self-reflection, you won't get something out of it if you don't let yourself.Book Review: A Mirrored Presentation of Lewis' Theology
Summary: 4 Stars
The Screwtape Letters primarily covers Lewis' theology of virtue. The dark, wry humor in Screwtape's letters to his nephew Wormwood works well as a framing device for what is largely a series of essays on temptation and virtue. There's no real plot as such and Wormwood's target is never more than a cipher, as Screwtape would hardly have cared, but doing otherwise - perhaps with letters from Wormwood as well - would have been a different book. This one works remarkably well, funny and thoughtful.
It is flawed, though; Lewis dismisses some things too carelessly when they conflict with his own thoughts. A bit more ambiguity from Screwtape would have suited the work, particularly when he treads outside of the central conceits of the book. Screwtape Proposes a Toast, included at the end of the book, suffers from this particularly; showing a broader aim rather than the temptation of a single person, it veers into the political. Screwtape's musings work more effectively in other matters, though they remain entertaining to the end.
Book Review: A Pharisee's Fake Letters
Summary: 3 Stars
I was going to give this book 1 star, but decided that really wouldn't be fair since the book is actually fairly well written, fun to read, and the logial shortcomings are at least partly excusable when you realize that he's a "born again" lapsed Christian turned atheist, turned back to Christianity. That kind of person almost always turns out to be the staunchest and most annoying type of True Believer. I have the same basic problem with this book that I had with Richard Dawkin's "The God Delusion". Both books were written in a way that was likely to titillate readers who share the authors beliefs and annoy people who disagree. I found it interesting that they were both products of Oxford. I wonder if that means anything. My biggest problem with this book comes from a Christian point of view, not an atheist or agnostic one. In Lewis's cosmology not only do you have to believe in Christ the Redeemer but you have to live an uncompromisingly saintly life or your going to end up as dinner for some demon, which Lewis obviously believes in literally. Lewis is just the Pharisees he condemns to Hell. He can see the speck in everybody else's eye but he can't see the log in his own. He swallows a camel and chokes on a gnat. If there is a Hell I wouldn't say he deserves to go there, but if there is a Hell there is a Purgatory and he deserves to spend at least a few decades there.Book Review: A True Revelation
Summary: 5 Stars
This isn't normally my genre (I prefer more real life, modern fiction & non-fiction), but when I began reading this novel, I couldn't put it down! C.S. Lewis truly reveals so many spiritual truths that we sometimes ignore or simply don't realize. After reading this book, I definitely looked at the world differently. I could personally relate to over half of the temptations/things Wormwood & Screwtape threw at the "patient." You will never look at your spiritual world the same! A must read for all Christians!Book Review: A clever concept. A bit idealistic.
Summary: 4 Stars
This Christian/fantasy tale involves the behind the scenes activities as an old demon (Screwtape) corresponds with and mentors his nephew (Wormwood) regarding the monitoring, temptation, and spoiling of a new and growing Christian young man.
It's an unarguably unique and clever concept. Regarding the non-fictional material here, Lewis accurately considers the general stages of, and the pitfalls of, the Christian re-birth and growth.
My only negative comment is that I found that the "upward progess" of the new Christian subject came perhaps a bit too easily, simply, and predictably. In my experience and observation as a long time "follower of Jesus" . . . it's been much more complex, more difficut, and more "tricky" than Lewis portrays it here. For all of us.
Still, an entertaining and spiritually worthwhile read.