The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Screwtape Letters
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.
Book Review: Very pleased
Summary: 5 Stars
The point of view is a bit confusing at times, but both times I've read this it has improved my perception of how to try to live my life.Book Review: An imaginary interoffice chat between demons
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful reading, by a gifted narrator, of one of C.S. Lewis' best works. It is a satire and is both entertaining and illuminating. Highly recommended.Book Review: Enjoyable and deep
Summary: 5 Stars
Whenever I review a book on a topic having to do with religion or politics, I always like to read the good and bad reviews. The bad reviews on this book are just amusing. This book is condemned as everything from sophmoric to "Christian brainwashing." Anti-Christians exist just like anti-Semites and anti-Muslims and anti-Black and so forth.
Anyway, the book is a pleasure to read. I suppose if you are hostile to open thought like many anti-Christians claim not to be, then you shouldn't read this if you aren't a Christian. C.S. Lewis never tried to hide his religion or his faith so how it comes as a surprise to some people that all of his books have a similar theme is beyond me.
So the book is a series of letters written by the elder of two demons, Screwtape. In his letters he is writing to his nephew, Wormwood is out for the first time to bring about the spiritual ruin of his target, a young man.
Through the letters, it is revealed the favorite tactics of the demon, such as creating a feeling of malaise and apathy in an individual so that they waste away time or fostering a resentment against family members.
There is a continuing sense of humor in the letters as Screwtape becomes more and more annoyed by Wormwood's growing number of mistakes, such as allowing the man to remember to pray to God.
The book delivers many messages, all of which are relevant today. One of the messages delivered is that spiritual ruin does not occur in one fell swoop but over time. The demons are patient and persistant. The fall from grace is gradual, much like any other form of corruption. I suppose these messages might not be accepted by some but what about the other messages, such as not giving in to apathy and by forgiving others, both of which are seen as counter-productive to the demons.
For Christians, this is a wonderful book. Like much of his work, there is alot of allusion here. Does C.S. Lewis really believe that there is a department somewhere in Hell where demons do paperwork like some office building here on Earth? Or are the demons symbolic of our own internal struggle? Is it a demon that makes you lie or is it your own self giving in to your selfish desires? The book shows through the letters, how our internal struggles can turn us away from God over time.
For non-Christians, well for those who aren't outright hostile towards this faith, this is a book that you can enjoy as well. So you may not believe in the Christian God or any god but that doesn't stop you from enjoying the Star Wars movies, now does it? There are still positive messages to be found in this book. Messages which can make all of us better people.
Book Review: The Screwtape Letters
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent book, exactly what you would expect from C.S. Lewis. The spiritual insight set forth in this book is astounding. It unveils demonic tactics in a truly unique way that captures the interest of the reader.