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Operation Screwtape: The Art of Spiritual War
Expert linguist Dr. Andrew Farley encounters a device containing thousands of archived files revealing a worldwide spiritual conspiracy. Operation Screwtape is the largest of these files and details the intelligent scheme to steal, kill, and destroy. "Operation Screwtape channels the creativity and wit of C. S. Lewis while introducing the brilliant insights Andrew Farley is already known for in his bestselling books. This book will entertain you, but it will also challenge you to awaken to some astounding realities that, apparently, the forces of darkness do anything to hide."--David Gregory, New York Times bestselling author of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger "Andrew Farley's books have had a huge impact on my spiritual life, challenging me to live an authentic, grace-filled life. Operation Screwtape is his latest, most entertaining work yet. Once you start reading this book, you won't want to put it down!"--Bart Millard, lead singer for MercyMe
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 5, 2013
Short Review: This is an update to CS Lewis' classic Screwtape Letters. Intended to be a captured propaganda/training manual for young demons instead of letters from an older demon to a younger. Screwtape Letters was the first Lewis book I remember reading on my own (probably around 12) and I have read it at least a couple times since (but not recently.) But this didn't feel quite as good. It is less subtle for one thing. Also while I think that Farley has a lot of the right ideas, I think his solutions are sometimes over the top. For instance, I agree that sometimes people's repeated confessions of the same sin only serve to focus the person on the sin and they never live in freedom from the sin. But that does not mean that confession is bad, it just means that there are bad ways to do confession.
I would give this a 3.5 if I could. There are some good ideas here, but it lacks some of Lewis' literary subtlety and sometimes goes a but too far trying to remind us that we are saved by Grace and not by our own works (which I theologically affirm.)
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/operation-screwtape/
I would give this a 3.5 if I could. There are some good ideas here, but it lacks some of Lewis' literary subtlety and sometimes goes a but too far trying to remind us that we are saved by Grace and not by our own works (which I theologically affirm.)
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/operation-screwtape/
July 3, 2016
Interesting, entertaining and thought-provoking audiobook.
October 20, 2023
A similar style to C.S. Lewis, although I found Lewis to be better at really getting into the headspace of an enemy demon.
Some quotes I liked:
"Although already crucified and buried, their old self is perceived to have come storming out of the tomb to haunt them."
"Do not let patients detect the power of grace beyond that one saving act. Do not allow them to make any connection between the Work already done and the work taking place within them. Let them speak of grace as if it were some sort of unpredictable magic pixie dust."
"They do not even recognize the shockingly arrogant role they take on in choosing only ten or nine commands to follow, when in reality the old way of the law was an all-or-nothing proposition. Cursed was everyone who did not do everything contained in it! So we do well to play on their choosing of nine or ten commandments, as it gives them a seemingly reasonable hope for self-improvement within the law. It is a false hope, of course. That goes without saying."
Some quotes I liked:
"Although already crucified and buried, their old self is perceived to have come storming out of the tomb to haunt them."
"Do not let patients detect the power of grace beyond that one saving act. Do not allow them to make any connection between the Work already done and the work taking place within them. Let them speak of grace as if it were some sort of unpredictable magic pixie dust."
"They do not even recognize the shockingly arrogant role they take on in choosing only ten or nine commands to follow, when in reality the old way of the law was an all-or-nothing proposition. Cursed was everyone who did not do everything contained in it! So we do well to play on their choosing of nine or ten commandments, as it gives them a seemingly reasonable hope for self-improvement within the law. It is a false hope, of course. That goes without saying."
February 1, 2013
Review originally published on my blog.
Operation Screwtape contains words written by a demon. To be fair, it is a translation. And, well, to be completely transparent, it was all written by “expert linguist” Dr. Andrew Farley, author of The Naked Gospel (2009), God Without Religion (2011), and Heaven Is Now (2012). Operation Screwtape is the most recent of his books.
Title: Operation Screwtape: The Art of Spiritual War
Author: Andrew Farley
Publisher: Baker Books
Date: January 15, 2013
Length: 192 pages / 3.25 hours
Narration: David Cochran Heath
Operation Screwtape contains words written by a demon. To be fair, it is a translation. And, well, to be completely transparent, it was all written by “expert linguist” Dr. Andrew Farley, author of The Naked Gospel (2009), God Without Religion (2011), and Heaven Is Now (2012). Operation Screwtape is the most recent of his books.
Title: Operation Screwtape: The Art of Spiritual War
Author: Andrew Farley
Publisher: Baker Books
Date: January 15, 2013
Length: 192 pages / 3.25 hours
Narration: David Cochran Heath
Note on the audio version: David Cochran Heath is an excellent narrator. I think he was especially good in Screwtape, because of his sinister demonic laughing. Seriously, he punctuated the narration with bouts of devilish snickering. Juvenile? Meh, maybe. Engaging and effective? Pretty much.
Overview
Farley, who specializes in the shock factor, writes the book as if it were a training manual for demons. Like Screwtape Letters, in which a senior demon instructs a younger demon on how best to tempt his subject, this book follows the same model. Since the techniques of the original Screwtape Letters are outdated, according to the introductory matter of Operation Screwtape, this is a demon's training book for a new age. The training provides demonic neophytes a way to mess up the spiritual lives of those who are already Christians.
Thoughts
There is a chilling warmth about the book. On the one hand, it is chilling because you're reading the calculated, aggressive, and conspiratorial advances of the enemy. On the other hand, it is warm and encouraging, because you are reminded of the power of the gospel as it combats the advances of the devil. The book contains plenty of theology, albeit coming from a demon. These sections serve to remind us that the gospel is sufficient, that we are safe in Christ, that we are dead to sin, and that we will ultimately triumph.
Reading a book from the enemy's perspective is fascinating. It takes some getting used to. Most Christians are accustomed to reading praiseworthy things about God, and not-so-praiseworthy things about the Devil. This book contains precisely the opposite, and appropriately so. When reading the book, you begin to experience "aha" moments when you finally "figure out" how demons are tricking you, and the sinister techniques they're using to trip you up. But for all its fascination, we've got to remember that we're not really reading a Demon's Training Manual. This stuff wasn't actually written by a demon.
What you're reading is speculation, constructed from bits of Scripture, a bit of deduction, and a lot of personal experience. It's helpful to get a look at us — the good guys — from the perspective of the bad guys. But the book isn't some cosmic wikileaks. Everything is a product of some speculation, and therefore discernment is advised, just as with any book.
Writing an entire book from the perspective of a demon has another shortcoming. When we start blaming everything on demons and devils, we fail to see the depths of depravity that has pervaded our own hearts. "The devil made me do it," is a supicious exoneration of guilt. The Bible, however, describes the condition of our hearts as "desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9), and paints a deplorable picture of what we're capable of without the help of demons (Romans 1:18-32).
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Farley's book is that it reminds us of the presence and cunning of the evil one. Ephesians 6 provides an appropriate impetus for reading the book: "We...wrestle against...the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evi in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). The "schemes of the devil" are something to take seriously, and to stand against faithfully.
Amazon | Audible | Christianaudio
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this review copy for free as part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program of christianaudio.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 22, 2020
Having taught a class on Screwtape Letters, I think this book is a much better read for today. While both books are creative and address spiritual warfare brilliantly, “Operation Screwtape” expresses deep spiritual truths about Spiritual warfare in a much clearer manner for today. I teach an alcohol and addiction recovery class on the scriptures. I find the men I work with respond well to the manner of teaching Andrew uses in this book. When you couple this book withg “The Naked Gospel” and “God Without Religion” you have an easy to read trifecta of spiritual bootcamp. Hats off to Mr. Farley on his writing.
Andy Hines
22 Feb 2020
Andy Hines
22 Feb 2020
September 13, 2023
Andrew Farley's writings have been incredibly influential in my life. I had read "Operation" a few years back and saw it on my shelf and decided to revisit it. The message of the book is the sum of all of Farley's books - Grace. Yet his unique approach to revisit C.S. Lewis' demonic warfare is fun and interesting. I enjoyed the second reading.
December 26, 2019
I got about 3/4 of the way through before stopping. Is this fan fiction? It’s interesting as a collection of essays, but I found many of the topics repetitive. The Screwtape Letters by C.S.Lewis are much more preferable and cover the same ground in a less rambling way.
November 13, 2019
A copy of C S Lewis’ Screwtape Letters except not as intense. Learned a little bit though and an easy read.
June 25, 2021
This work is basically a spin-off of the classic _Screwtape Letters_ by C. S. Lewis. It is an attempt to use the same approach to serve as a warning to the church as to how Christian believers can be distracted from their true purposes. The book can be seen as an update that is more applicable to our world today. There are many good points throughout and food for thought. I was not familiar with the author and his ministry, but the more I read, the more I could see that he was using it to support the doctrinal positions the he takes. Although much is right with it, it cheapens it in contrast to the classic by C. S. Lewis. The weakest point in my mind as I read is the assertion that the new covenant wipes out many established Old Testament tenants that the church as a whole still clings to, including the Ten Commandments. They are considered to be the old covenant directed to Israel before Christ. While there is some truth there, I felt that it could mislead some. The part I found best was later in the book (Chapter 18) concerning unity within the church. He hit the nail on the head in this area and we should take it seriously.
February 23, 2023
The easiest way to comment on this book, is don't bother.
January 15, 2013
I first read C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters back in 2006, and I loved it. Not long after that first trip through the book, I led a summer book study with a group of women in my parish.
The first time I read Screwtape, it was audio. The voice of the narrator was perfect in all the right creeporific ways. It struck me as one of the best examinations of conscience I had found (not that I had looked very hard at that point). It made me consider sin in a whole new way and think about angels and demons – especially demons – as workers with a stake in things, and as forces that I can beat, but not alone. It made me see the need for God in my life ever more, ever more.
The second time I read it, I was reading more carefully. Since I had listened to the audio version the first time, different things leapt out at me when I went back through it with the book study. I was again struck by the fact that this was, in effect, a description of ME, and it was a starting place for an examination of conscience.
I haven't followed all the books in this vein, but when I come across them, I usually jump on them. Back in 2010, I read Fr. Dwight Longenecker's Gargoyle Code and found it delightful (it warrants a reread, come to think of it, especially with Lent coming soon).
Imagine my delight to hear about Andrew Farley's new book, Operation Screwtape: The Art of Spiritual War .
It is, in a word, wonderful. Of course, that's wonderful in a "terrifying, hilarious, little-too-true-to-be-fun" way.
In keeping with Lewis's brilliant tradition, this book was helpful as a guide to force me to dive into my examination of myself and my sins. It made me rethink some things that I know I've slipped into taking for granted.
Take this passage, for example, from Chapter 8:
The chapter goes on to outline the strategies and yes, it made me smile even as I was groaning. The two areas of focus are "the Enemy's Will" and "divining the future." The tempters, it seems, are to make us obsess over what God's will is for us to the distraction of actually doing what needs done. We are then to worry so much about the future that we fail to be in the present.
Excuse me while I slap my forehead. Guilty!
In Chapter 9, at the very end, is a passage that is worth printing and rereading (at least for me):
This book speaks to so much about life and the struggles we all face. It isn't written to send you to Confession, but I found it inspired me to go--it was the final nudge I needed to finally go.
I'll be sharing this book, and, as I did with Screwtape Letters, I will probably have to buy another copy after I lend it and lose it. But it's worth it. There's a message in this book that needs to be widely read and, even more importantly, widely believed and acted upon.
Highly recommended.
The first time I read Screwtape, it was audio. The voice of the narrator was perfect in all the right creeporific ways. It struck me as one of the best examinations of conscience I had found (not that I had looked very hard at that point). It made me consider sin in a whole new way and think about angels and demons – especially demons – as workers with a stake in things, and as forces that I can beat, but not alone. It made me see the need for God in my life ever more, ever more.
The second time I read it, I was reading more carefully. Since I had listened to the audio version the first time, different things leapt out at me when I went back through it with the book study. I was again struck by the fact that this was, in effect, a description of ME, and it was a starting place for an examination of conscience.
I haven't followed all the books in this vein, but when I come across them, I usually jump on them. Back in 2010, I read Fr. Dwight Longenecker's Gargoyle Code and found it delightful (it warrants a reread, come to think of it, especially with Lent coming soon).
Imagine my delight to hear about Andrew Farley's new book, Operation Screwtape: The Art of Spiritual War .
It is, in a word, wonderful. Of course, that's wonderful in a "terrifying, hilarious, little-too-true-to-be-fun" way.
In keeping with Lewis's brilliant tradition, this book was helpful as a guide to force me to dive into my examination of myself and my sins. It made me rethink some things that I know I've slipped into taking for granted.
Take this passage, for example, from Chapter 8:
In this chapter we unlock winning concepts to steal away a patient's time, achieving a significant negative effect on his long-term development. Using refined targeting, it is possible to busy a patient and send him off like a rat scurrying through an endless maze. But as fun as this may sound, it is always vital that you move based on accurate intelligence to ensure efficacy. Having synthesized the current data in our archives, we outline for you here two of the best approaches to thieving away a patient's time to the delight of Our Father Below.
The chapter goes on to outline the strategies and yes, it made me smile even as I was groaning. The two areas of focus are "the Enemy's Will" and "divining the future." The tempters, it seems, are to make us obsess over what God's will is for us to the distraction of actually doing what needs done. We are then to worry so much about the future that we fail to be in the present.
Excuse me while I slap my forehead. Guilty!
In Chapter 9, at the very end, is a passage that is worth printing and rereading (at least for me):
Always keep them searching for more. Yes, they already have everything they need for life and godliness. Yes, they already have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the One. But we must take captive any thoughts of that sort and keep them in a haze of doubt, wondering, How can I get more faith? How can I get more love? Don't I need more of these before I can truly begin living from the Life?
If they knew the riches of the Life they possess, they would stop seeking and start living. But if we do our job well, they will squander the opportunity to give thanks for the faith and love right under their noses.
So keep them perpetually searching. Fix their eyes on a future hope of more. They won't even begin to imagine that a full infusion of the Life has already occurred and that they are complete. They won't realize they have all the faith and love they ever need. They won't see that their hope is now.
This book speaks to so much about life and the struggles we all face. It isn't written to send you to Confession, but I found it inspired me to go--it was the final nudge I needed to finally go.
I'll be sharing this book, and, as I did with Screwtape Letters, I will probably have to buy another copy after I lend it and lose it. But it's worth it. There's a message in this book that needs to be widely read and, even more importantly, widely believed and acted upon.
Highly recommended.
January 10, 2013
Picking up where C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters ends, Operation Screwtape is the transcription of secret documents recovered from the dark realm, never meant to be seen by humans. Read as a tactical war manual, the book outlines various techniques that Satan's minions (dragons) can employ in the war for men's souls (patients).
The superior who wrote this manual is careful to explain ways in which the plans can go awry, and what should be done in each circumstance. A prologue in the beginning sets the tone for how this manual came into the hands of Dr. Andrew Farley, detailing the risk the translator took in publicizing what he'd found.
Although this is obviously a fiction book, the methods of spiritual warfare described in its pages are clearly part of the real battles raging around us each day. By thinking about our world in terms of our enemy's tactics to steal, kill, and destroy us, the author sheds light on how to avoid the traps of the enemy and engage in what is going on in the lives of our friends and family. In this way, a very entertaining book also serves as an important weapon.
I listened to an audio version of the book, and the voice of narrator David Cochran Heath was perfect, oozing villainy and disdain. I could almost see the military leader behind this manual grimacing as he referenced holy things, and snarling as he issued evil threats to his inferiors.
Chapters were short enough to take in small bites, then stop and digest what I'd heard. Listening to them with my family led to some great conversations on how the enemy of our souls works, and how we can recognize and avoid his schemes.
PARENTAL RATING: PG. I highly recommend this book for teens and adults, and with some guidance, children might also enjoy the audio version or hearing it read aloud.
I received a copy of this book from christianaudio.com in exchange for my honest review.
The superior who wrote this manual is careful to explain ways in which the plans can go awry, and what should be done in each circumstance. A prologue in the beginning sets the tone for how this manual came into the hands of Dr. Andrew Farley, detailing the risk the translator took in publicizing what he'd found.
Although this is obviously a fiction book, the methods of spiritual warfare described in its pages are clearly part of the real battles raging around us each day. By thinking about our world in terms of our enemy's tactics to steal, kill, and destroy us, the author sheds light on how to avoid the traps of the enemy and engage in what is going on in the lives of our friends and family. In this way, a very entertaining book also serves as an important weapon.
I listened to an audio version of the book, and the voice of narrator David Cochran Heath was perfect, oozing villainy and disdain. I could almost see the military leader behind this manual grimacing as he referenced holy things, and snarling as he issued evil threats to his inferiors.
Chapters were short enough to take in small bites, then stop and digest what I'd heard. Listening to them with my family led to some great conversations on how the enemy of our souls works, and how we can recognize and avoid his schemes.
PARENTAL RATING: PG. I highly recommend this book for teens and adults, and with some guidance, children might also enjoy the audio version or hearing it read aloud.
I received a copy of this book from christianaudio.com in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2013
I received this audiobook for the purpose of doing a review.
Narrator Thoughts - If I could have picked a voice for this audiobook, I would have chosen someone like David Heath. His deep voice adds the sinister touch that blends with the book to make it believable. He got into the character so well that I was trying to remember that this was just a fiction book based on spiritual realities.
Book Thoughts - The book itself was very good. I thought that Andrew Farley did an excellent job of explaining some of the ways in which the enemy deceives and manipulates us. It was an excellent book for that. It also helped me to remember that I need to rely completely of God. Some of the ways he puts things are brilliant and eye-opening.
The only note I would put on this is that it's not as good as The Screwtape Letters. C. S. Lewis in my opinion wrote the best book on how the enemy of our souls wages war. This book is good, but as far as passing the Screwtape Letters, no it comes in a close second.
To read more on Operation Screwtape, please visit Christian Audio or Amazon
Narrator Thoughts - If I could have picked a voice for this audiobook, I would have chosen someone like David Heath. His deep voice adds the sinister touch that blends with the book to make it believable. He got into the character so well that I was trying to remember that this was just a fiction book based on spiritual realities.
Book Thoughts - The book itself was very good. I thought that Andrew Farley did an excellent job of explaining some of the ways in which the enemy deceives and manipulates us. It was an excellent book for that. It also helped me to remember that I need to rely completely of God. Some of the ways he puts things are brilliant and eye-opening.
The only note I would put on this is that it's not as good as The Screwtape Letters. C. S. Lewis in my opinion wrote the best book on how the enemy of our souls wages war. This book is good, but as far as passing the Screwtape Letters, no it comes in a close second.
To read more on Operation Screwtape, please visit Christian Audio or Amazon
January 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this audiobook a lot, as it was very well read and written. As I like the original Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, I was very glad that this is as good. This works on several levels, as a very humorous story to listen to, as a teaching audio on spiritual warfare, but also as a refreshing audio about the goodness of God and his wonderful grace.
The narrator David Cochran Heath is absolutely brilliant and perfect for this audio. His evil voice with his menacing laugh and instructions to his demon agents was very believable. He really made me laugh quite a few times during this audio, and I imagine more than if I'd read the print version of this book. I would definitely recommend this audio to anyone who likes the original Screwtape and to other listeners too. Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for this copy.
The narrator David Cochran Heath is absolutely brilliant and perfect for this audio. His evil voice with his menacing laugh and instructions to his demon agents was very believable. He really made me laugh quite a few times during this audio, and I imagine more than if I'd read the print version of this book. I would definitely recommend this audio to anyone who likes the original Screwtape and to other listeners too. Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for this copy.
January 18, 2013
"In a sense, this is also a difficult book to review. Given the style of narrative and characters involved, anything less than total and complete agreement would seem to be taking the side of the demons. Fortunately, I think most of this book is a pretty solid (theologically) approach to the Gospel. Farley has clearly presented the complete and utter forgiveness that comes through the cross and that is available to every believer. Moreover, he repeatedly reminds us that this forgiveness was accomplished and finished once and for all on the cross, and requires no extra effort on our part to make it work. The doctrine of Christ alone bleeds through the pages of this book.
My two minor hesitations are on his doctrine of sanctification and (related, but not exactly the same) his perspective on the Law"
Full review here: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeffe...
My two minor hesitations are on his doctrine of sanctification and (related, but not exactly the same) his perspective on the Law"
Full review here: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeffe...
February 5, 2013
This is the best book on spiritual warfare I've read in a long time. The premise is as if a training manual has been found that lays out the tactics of the demonic ralm on "how to" steal, kill and destroy all that Christian believers are all abut.
It was amazing to me how much we take for granted and sort of write off as our own off thoughts or how "church" is done and yet at the back of it is the influence of the enemy to simply get out eyes off Chrst and the truth of the Bible.
This book should be in every Christian's library and especially for those how seek to stand firm in the faith. It helps to see how crafty our enemy is at deceiving us into thinking we are doing or thinking correctly adn yet we're playng into his hands.
A must-read for sure!!
It was amazing to me how much we take for granted and sort of write off as our own off thoughts or how "church" is done and yet at the back of it is the influence of the enemy to simply get out eyes off Chrst and the truth of the Bible.
This book should be in every Christian's library and especially for those how seek to stand firm in the faith. It helps to see how crafty our enemy is at deceiving us into thinking we are doing or thinking correctly adn yet we're playng into his hands.
A must-read for sure!!
November 30, 2012
I think it's safe to say that if you enjoyed Lewis's Screwtape Letters, you will enjoy this 21st century adaptation. Rather short, but Farley does well to capture the intellectualism of the demons who instruct other demons. I appreciated his subtle adaptation for the 21st century. Recommended.
April 14, 2016
A cool twist on a teaching book. Although it is fiction, the reader learns so much about God's grace through the fictitious training guide from the enemy. Andrew Farley is a great author and teacher. I've learned so much from him.
June 10, 2014
Excellent book. Was hesitant, borrowing from the Screwtape Letters theme, but Farley does a worthy job, bringing to the surface many relevant spiritual issues.
December 22, 2016
An awesome sequel to the original 'Screwtape Letters' very well written and follows that same logic and pentameter as the first, an excellent read.
December 30, 2012
I like the way Andrew Farley communicates God's love and grace as seen from the enemy's side.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews