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The Screwtape Letters and Srewtape Proposes a Toast
Paperback, edge wear to cover, pages tanning on edges
Paperback
First published January 1, 1942
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About the author
C.S. Lewis
1,209 books47.2k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
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April 5, 2007
Let me preface by saying I do not follow any one religious path. I'm a searcher, and I'm not sure if I'll ever settle on one faith. That said, The Screwtape Letters, an intense rumination on good and evil, as told through the letters of one demon to another, is a work I feel everyone should read, if to do nothing but understand the true nature of evil. I'll admit, I picked up the book because I thought a tale told by a demon would be kind of cool... sexy in a dark fun kind of way. The experience of reading it was anything but that. It was fully engrossing -- far better than mere fun. It did what the best books always do; it expanded my understanding of the world around me. It gave me something I've kept with me since. A valued, and somewhat terrible knowledge. My copy included a forward that explained that C.S. Lewis had to recover from writing it. After reading and processing his work, I know why.
November 25, 2021
When I was a child, I thought like a child, I read like a child, and that included at least four complete runs through the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. C.S. Lewis played an outsized role in my early understanding of faith and remains a major figure in Christianity; a modern-day Paul in his influence as an expositor of belief. I had also consumed the Space Trilogy, The Problem of Pain, The Great Divorce, and repeatedly watched our VHS copy of Shadowlands, a 1993 film in which Anthony Hopkins portrays “Jack” Lewis. One thing I had not read, however, was The Screwtape Letters, which served as a point of embarrassment. It is high time to remedy that omission! This is a small book with a fun premise: a high-ranking demon (Screwtape) writes his novice nephew (Wormwood) with advice on corrupting a human soul in order to ensure the man's damnation.
I suppose I pictured something more colorful in terms of scenery and back-and-forth imbroglio; this is simply a series of 31 letters that the elder demon composes, each commencing with "My Dear Wormwood". We never hear Wormwood's replies, though we might guess their content by reading Screwtape's subsequent missives. Wormwood is continually fouling things up and losing his grasp on his assigned human to “the Enemy”, aka God. The concept, as Lewis explains in his preface, is that hell is not so much a series of red-tinted caves populated by pitchfork-wielding demons, but rather a staid bureaucracy in which quotas must be met and souls won. The demons are nourished by the spirits of these fallen humans: the more corrupted, the tastier they are. It’s something you might expect in a demonic adaptation of Monsters, Inc.
This is a topsy-turvy world in which bad is good, up is down, and God is the enemy. I constantly had to re-read passages to untangle the intended meaning from the double negatives: “Okay, wait. So he’s saying Wormwood is doing the right thing to encourage the human to do X. So Lewis is saying that humans should NOT do X, which means they should do the opposite of that, which would be… Y. Got it. Next sentence.” Here’s a sample passage as Screwtape instructs Wormwood on how to keep his human distracted:
Confusing, right? It’s clever, though, because so often Christian thinkers put words into God’s mouth. In this tale, Lewis is doing the same thing in reverse. He uses this opportunity to highlight habits he finds annoying in other people (such as complaining frequently about food not being prepared correctly) and paints them as small steps toward damnation. He also weighs in on social mores, such as when he posits that marriages need not be passionate or romantic. The book also proves provincial in its focus on English culture and the conditions of war (this was published in 1942). For example, Lewis frames pacifism as a position that can be used to corrupt the human soul.
The more concerning thing is that he thinks this is all something akin to how reality works, and that there exist dedicated demons who monitor our every act and thought and introduce ideas into our heads to subtly corrupt us toward hell. They even have the ability to influence trends and culture. Meanwhile, God is playing the same influence game in order to save us. The mere thought is exhausting, and has frightening implications on what counts as “free will” in such a theology. There’s also an inherent contradiction in that these spirits claim to live outside of time and be unfamiliar with human chronologies, and yet they must work promptly and sequentially in order to influence the human’s actions or risk losing him to the Enemy. And, spoiler… they do eventually lose. The man dies during the war and goes to heaven. For his failure, Wormwood becomes a meal for Screwtape and the other demons. If anything, this seems like an evolutionary selection process that would result in some highly effective demons with great success rates.
The volume I read also includes an additional story Lewis wrote for an American magazine, Screwtape Proposes A Toast. This time the demon offers reverse criticism of the societal trend toward encouraging everyone that they’re all the same and equally worthy. This “democracy”, Lewis frets, will produce mediocrity and dumb down the coming generation.
Fun fact: this book is dedicated to Lewis's long-time friend J.R.R. Tolkien. Fun aside: at one point Lewis seems to confuse “light years” as a measure of time rather than distance:
In the end, I cannot help but suspect that C.S. Lewis was projecting some of his own manipulative tendencies upon the universe. One could compose a similar book from his perspective, The Clivestaples Letters. “Dear Christian Writer,” he might advise his nephew, “Be careful to make God’s opinions match your own. But hide this intent and shield it from criticism by placing your own preferences in the mouths of demons. Construct your sentences so that, by the time the reader has exerted the brain power to unravel them, his critical faculties will have weakened. Instill in him a need for the imagined benefit of eternal life and invent an invisible cast of characters fighting for his soul, influencing his every action. With the stakes raised so high, and with such an insidious game afoot, he will be less likely to think for himself, and in this life he will accept your opinions and preferences as the means to his salvation.”
I suppose I pictured something more colorful in terms of scenery and back-and-forth imbroglio; this is simply a series of 31 letters that the elder demon composes, each commencing with "My Dear Wormwood". We never hear Wormwood's replies, though we might guess their content by reading Screwtape's subsequent missives. Wormwood is continually fouling things up and losing his grasp on his assigned human to “the Enemy”, aka God. The concept, as Lewis explains in his preface, is that hell is not so much a series of red-tinted caves populated by pitchfork-wielding demons, but rather a staid bureaucracy in which quotas must be met and souls won. The demons are nourished by the spirits of these fallen humans: the more corrupted, the tastier they are. It’s something you might expect in a demonic adaptation of Monsters, Inc.
This is a topsy-turvy world in which bad is good, up is down, and God is the enemy. I constantly had to re-read passages to untangle the intended meaning from the double negatives: “Okay, wait. So he’s saying Wormwood is doing the right thing to encourage the human to do X. So Lewis is saying that humans should NOT do X, which means they should do the opposite of that, which would be… Y. Got it. Next sentence.” Here’s a sample passage as Screwtape instructs Wormwood on how to keep his human distracted:
“Keep his mind on the inner life. He thinks his conversion is something inside him and his attention is therefore chiefly turned at present to the states of his own mind – or rather to that very expurgated version of them which is all you should allow him to see. Encourage this. Keep his mind off the most elementary duties by directing it to the most advanced and spiritual ones. Aggravate that most useful human characteristic, the horror and neglect of the obvious. You must bring him to a condition in which he can practice self-examination for an hour without discovering any of those facts about himself which are perfectly clear to anyone who has ever lived in the same house with him or worked in the same office.”
Confusing, right? It’s clever, though, because so often Christian thinkers put words into God’s mouth. In this tale, Lewis is doing the same thing in reverse. He uses this opportunity to highlight habits he finds annoying in other people (such as complaining frequently about food not being prepared correctly) and paints them as small steps toward damnation. He also weighs in on social mores, such as when he posits that marriages need not be passionate or romantic. The book also proves provincial in its focus on English culture and the conditions of war (this was published in 1942). For example, Lewis frames pacifism as a position that can be used to corrupt the human soul.
The more concerning thing is that he thinks this is all something akin to how reality works, and that there exist dedicated demons who monitor our every act and thought and introduce ideas into our heads to subtly corrupt us toward hell. They even have the ability to influence trends and culture. Meanwhile, God is playing the same influence game in order to save us. The mere thought is exhausting, and has frightening implications on what counts as “free will” in such a theology. There’s also an inherent contradiction in that these spirits claim to live outside of time and be unfamiliar with human chronologies, and yet they must work promptly and sequentially in order to influence the human’s actions or risk losing him to the Enemy. And, spoiler… they do eventually lose. The man dies during the war and goes to heaven. For his failure, Wormwood becomes a meal for Screwtape and the other demons. If anything, this seems like an evolutionary selection process that would result in some highly effective demons with great success rates.
The volume I read also includes an additional story Lewis wrote for an American magazine, Screwtape Proposes A Toast. This time the demon offers reverse criticism of the societal trend toward encouraging everyone that they’re all the same and equally worthy. This “democracy”, Lewis frets, will produce mediocrity and dumb down the coming generation.
Fun fact: this book is dedicated to Lewis's long-time friend J.R.R. Tolkien. Fun aside: at one point Lewis seems to confuse “light years” as a measure of time rather than distance:
”How thankful we should be that ever since our Father entered Hell — though longer ago than human reckoning in light years, could express — no square inch of infernal space and no moment of infernal time has been surrendered to either of those abominable forces…”
In the end, I cannot help but suspect that C.S. Lewis was projecting some of his own manipulative tendencies upon the universe. One could compose a similar book from his perspective, The Clivestaples Letters. “Dear Christian Writer,” he might advise his nephew, “Be careful to make God’s opinions match your own. But hide this intent and shield it from criticism by placing your own preferences in the mouths of demons. Construct your sentences so that, by the time the reader has exerted the brain power to unravel them, his critical faculties will have weakened. Instill in him a need for the imagined benefit of eternal life and invent an invisible cast of characters fighting for his soul, influencing his every action. With the stakes raised so high, and with such an insidious game afoot, he will be less likely to think for himself, and in this life he will accept your opinions and preferences as the means to his salvation.”
July 5, 2012
This is one of the books you take notes while reading. C.S.Lewis is, as I so many times before said, the smartest Christian writer I ever came across to and underlining passages is worthless. You just have to re-read it all, if anything.
This book is writen for already convinced Christians (if not, it may open eyes upon some confusing aspects of Christian religion-did it for me, anyway) and it lingers upon matters of a Christian life and temptations that come with it. However, they're not looked at with the simplicity of the book's modern version, Lord Foulgrin's Letters. Lewis goes in the depths of it and points out the traps one can fall in walking on the path chosen. And they are subtle and many. The mistakes are accurately described; it is given the way out of them - all through the tempter Screwtape.
In fact, this is where you can see the difference between the master and the apprentice: while Alcorn points out the obvious sins -adultery, anger, lies, attitude towards family, boredom, wanting more and more etc- Lewis underlines how the thoughts, intentions, day-by-day and social habits are the real problem. It's actually disturbing if you identify yourself in the depiction of the foolish person doing that.
Following the comparison line, The Screwtape Letters are a source of theology more than an imagined situation between two devils and this lessens the credibility sometimes. The wisdom the devil has in Christian matters reversely applied is an excellent guide; but sometimes it gets too instructive, for the reader, to be real. On the other hand, The Lord Foulgrin's Letters gives the reader a frightful feeling and sounds more like a discussion between two evil beings, but has a lot less intelligent thinking. Both books challenge you to look outside the physical world; if not seeing, but realizing the existance of a spiritual world. The latter may sometimes go over the edge and extent the importance of a tempter's ability too much; the first begins with saying 'The devil does not like to be laugh at' * and the author cautions about the two opposite attitudes (both wrong) that one can take towards the dark spirits: giving them too much attention or ignoring their world (Screwtape himself admits in a letter how disturbing are the people that josh them).
Also, what I like about Lewis and will always make him win every attempt at comparison is how he blends culture and Christianship. He stated Christian people should be the most intelligent category of people: that isn't much of an impulse to separate and keep away from History, Literature and Arts because they don't rise to that "holier-than-thou" level of spirituality. A sentimental manifestation lies in wait if choose to believe so; it may be of course avoided, but it's so around the corner under these conditions.
*"The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." (Martin Luther)
"The devil... the prowde spirite... cannot endure to be mocked." (Thomas More)
~~ [de ce ma intind atata cu scrisul?e patologic deja :))]
This book is writen for already convinced Christians (if not, it may open eyes upon some confusing aspects of Christian religion-did it for me, anyway) and it lingers upon matters of a Christian life and temptations that come with it. However, they're not looked at with the simplicity of the book's modern version, Lord Foulgrin's Letters. Lewis goes in the depths of it and points out the traps one can fall in walking on the path chosen. And they are subtle and many. The mistakes are accurately described; it is given the way out of them - all through the tempter Screwtape.
In fact, this is where you can see the difference between the master and the apprentice: while Alcorn points out the obvious sins -adultery, anger, lies, attitude towards family, boredom, wanting more and more etc- Lewis underlines how the thoughts, intentions, day-by-day and social habits are the real problem. It's actually disturbing if you identify yourself in the depiction of the foolish person doing that.
Following the comparison line, The Screwtape Letters are a source of theology more than an imagined situation between two devils and this lessens the credibility sometimes. The wisdom the devil has in Christian matters reversely applied is an excellent guide; but sometimes it gets too instructive, for the reader, to be real. On the other hand, The Lord Foulgrin's Letters gives the reader a frightful feeling and sounds more like a discussion between two evil beings, but has a lot less intelligent thinking. Both books challenge you to look outside the physical world; if not seeing, but realizing the existance of a spiritual world. The latter may sometimes go over the edge and extent the importance of a tempter's ability too much; the first begins with saying 'The devil does not like to be laugh at' * and the author cautions about the two opposite attitudes (both wrong) that one can take towards the dark spirits: giving them too much attention or ignoring their world (Screwtape himself admits in a letter how disturbing are the people that josh them).
Also, what I like about Lewis and will always make him win every attempt at comparison is how he blends culture and Christianship. He stated Christian people should be the most intelligent category of people: that isn't much of an impulse to separate and keep away from History, Literature and Arts because they don't rise to that "holier-than-thou" level of spirituality. A sentimental manifestation lies in wait if choose to believe so; it may be of course avoided, but it's so around the corner under these conditions.
*"The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." (Martin Luther)
"The devil... the prowde spirite... cannot endure to be mocked." (Thomas More)
~~ [de ce ma intind atata cu scrisul?e patologic deja :))]
August 26, 2018
Lewis always brings a unique perspective. Here we have a demon, the “Affectionate Uncle Screwtape,” who writes letters to his nephew, a demon in training. The story centers on a man’s life who, in the unfolding of the story, becomes a Christian, falls in love with a woman, and fights in WW2. I imagined these demons as civilized men, with perfect suits and bow-ties, talking as civilized, sophisticated human beings. It gives a new perspective into the popular term “spiritual warfare,” which comprises a plethora of new and unique (weird and heretical) ideas and teachings, but Lewis sticks to the Word and the church orthodoxies. Instead of evil powers who manifest as insane beings of hatred and terror, these demons manifest deep intellect and strategic designs to destroy this person’s life. It makes sense that demons, who manifest as “angels of light” must manifest some sense of self control and intelligence to portray the deception. It must require an understanding of goodness, so they may replicate it.
I’m not big into demonology, or focusing on that kind of stuff, so I’ll keep those aspects short. Lewis covers topics in a larger context, for the big philosophies of the world, threats to the truths of the Church at that time. He discusses many philosophies and philosophers, some being tools of darkness, according to Lewis. He pinpoints these philosophies into this man’s life particularly. The books requires a cerebral, philosophical mindset, and one who reads must keep opposites in mind, especially Christians.
He dedicates the book to J.R.R. Tolkien. I loved that, and wondered at their conversations before, during and after the writings, and at their closeness and influence on one another. I haven’t found a source, but I’ve heard by word-of-mouth that Tolkien helped Lewis to find the Christian Way. I may read about this relationship in the future. I believe Tolkien’s Christianity plays a major part in the power of his world-famous trilogy, the depth and passion and emotion of it that sweeps you away to another reality, that you want so much to be real, and stay there forever. I feel a similar feeling with Lewis’s Narnia, that I wanted to stay there forever in that world, and with those people.
My favorite part of the book takes place in the last chapter, 31. I wont spoil it, but it encourages the heart, inspires faith, nearly brought me to tears of hope, all in the severe rebuke of a higher demon to a trainee because he lost his “patient.”
Enjoying Lewis. What a gift to the world, of material I believe will endure forever.
I’m not big into demonology, or focusing on that kind of stuff, so I’ll keep those aspects short. Lewis covers topics in a larger context, for the big philosophies of the world, threats to the truths of the Church at that time. He discusses many philosophies and philosophers, some being tools of darkness, according to Lewis. He pinpoints these philosophies into this man’s life particularly. The books requires a cerebral, philosophical mindset, and one who reads must keep opposites in mind, especially Christians.
He dedicates the book to J.R.R. Tolkien. I loved that, and wondered at their conversations before, during and after the writings, and at their closeness and influence on one another. I haven’t found a source, but I’ve heard by word-of-mouth that Tolkien helped Lewis to find the Christian Way. I may read about this relationship in the future. I believe Tolkien’s Christianity plays a major part in the power of his world-famous trilogy, the depth and passion and emotion of it that sweeps you away to another reality, that you want so much to be real, and stay there forever. I feel a similar feeling with Lewis’s Narnia, that I wanted to stay there forever in that world, and with those people.
My favorite part of the book takes place in the last chapter, 31. I wont spoil it, but it encourages the heart, inspires faith, nearly brought me to tears of hope, all in the severe rebuke of a higher demon to a trainee because he lost his “patient.”
Enjoying Lewis. What a gift to the world, of material I believe will endure forever.
May 24, 2025
I loved this book! C.S. Lewis absolutely makes you think and puts your life and values into perspective. Such good reminders!
This will be something I read more than once and will probably highlight something different each time. I am so glad I finally read this!
C.S. Lewis wrote this in such a creative and unique way, and I love that he dedicated it to his friend, J.R.R. Tolkien, even if he wasn’t a huge fan of the book.
*Thanks for the buddy read! 🥰*
This will be something I read more than once and will probably highlight something different each time. I am so glad I finally read this!
C.S. Lewis wrote this in such a creative and unique way, and I love that he dedicated it to his friend, J.R.R. Tolkien, even if he wasn’t a huge fan of the book.
*Thanks for the buddy read! 🥰*
July 29, 2008
I’ve had good intentions of getting around to reading this C.S. Lewis classic for a long, long while now; it’s been sitting on my shelf for years. Since I've been without a library card for a couple weeks, I finally picked it up and began to read in earnest.
As I started reading, I couldn’t figure out why I’d found the book so cumbersome before. The chapters were contained to small, manageable installments; the book itself is a short volume, a little over a hundred pages (plus with the article “Screwtape Proposes a Toast” tacked on to the end of this edition). And the technique in which the thoughts are explained: brilliant.
First of all, you have the unique point-of-view. Screwtape, the character mentioned in the title, is an experienced devil. Yup, that’s right — devil. It’s his job to go tempt ordinary mortals (like you and me), to keep us from getting close to “the Enemy” (God). This interesting perspective takes some getting used to, but it is nevertheless pretty straightforward — just requires that you keep from going on auto-pilot while you’re reading. Lewis describes this voice as “diabolic ventriloquism”:
Screwtape’s outlook is like a photographic negative; his whites are our blacks and whatever he welcomes we ought to dread.
Secondly, the voice of Screwtape comes via letters to his nephew, novice tempter Wormwood. Though we have no words from Wormwood himself (or any direct references regarding the new Christian convert that Wormwood is assigned to deter), the reader can easily surmise his situation based on Screwtape’s references.
While C.S. Lewis is writing from a fictional perspective (devils going to tempting school and writing letters to one another is his own invention, of course), the insights he gives are profound. We know what we should do to return to live with God; how, then, do we get tripped up so easily? Well, Screwtape outlines plenty of methods here, and it’s not even a comprehensive list! I was reminded of the scripture in which King Benjamin says:
And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them (Mosiah 4:29).
Still, most of those different sins seem to come back to a singular premise: distancing ourselves from God, usually by some subtle distraction. I came across this quote from July 5’s Church News last week that harmonized with the message of The Screwtape Letters:
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve said that even though the Lord’s teachings are plain and direct, “We are still at risk of getting sidetracked. Some people choose to follow the teachings of the Lord and of His living prophet only when convenient, and reject them when sacrifice or deeper commitment is required. Some fail to follow only because His divine teachings do not agree with their own preconceived notions.
“We get sidetracked by submitting to temptations that divert us past the bounds of safety. Satan knows our weaknesses. He puts attractive snares on our paths at just those moments when we are msot vulnerable. His intent is to lead us from the way that returns us to our Heavenly Father.” (October 1990 general conference)
I found the message of the book to be both uplifting (yes, really — a book about devils, uplifting!) and insightful. Worth looking into.
As I started reading, I couldn’t figure out why I’d found the book so cumbersome before. The chapters were contained to small, manageable installments; the book itself is a short volume, a little over a hundred pages (plus with the article “Screwtape Proposes a Toast” tacked on to the end of this edition). And the technique in which the thoughts are explained: brilliant.
First of all, you have the unique point-of-view. Screwtape, the character mentioned in the title, is an experienced devil. Yup, that’s right — devil. It’s his job to go tempt ordinary mortals (like you and me), to keep us from getting close to “the Enemy” (God). This interesting perspective takes some getting used to, but it is nevertheless pretty straightforward — just requires that you keep from going on auto-pilot while you’re reading. Lewis describes this voice as “diabolic ventriloquism”:
Screwtape’s outlook is like a photographic negative; his whites are our blacks and whatever he welcomes we ought to dread.
Secondly, the voice of Screwtape comes via letters to his nephew, novice tempter Wormwood. Though we have no words from Wormwood himself (or any direct references regarding the new Christian convert that Wormwood is assigned to deter), the reader can easily surmise his situation based on Screwtape’s references.
While C.S. Lewis is writing from a fictional perspective (devils going to tempting school and writing letters to one another is his own invention, of course), the insights he gives are profound. We know what we should do to return to live with God; how, then, do we get tripped up so easily? Well, Screwtape outlines plenty of methods here, and it’s not even a comprehensive list! I was reminded of the scripture in which King Benjamin says:
And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them (Mosiah 4:29).
Still, most of those different sins seem to come back to a singular premise: distancing ourselves from God, usually by some subtle distraction. I came across this quote from July 5’s Church News last week that harmonized with the message of The Screwtape Letters:
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve said that even though the Lord’s teachings are plain and direct, “We are still at risk of getting sidetracked. Some people choose to follow the teachings of the Lord and of His living prophet only when convenient, and reject them when sacrifice or deeper commitment is required. Some fail to follow only because His divine teachings do not agree with their own preconceived notions.
“We get sidetracked by submitting to temptations that divert us past the bounds of safety. Satan knows our weaknesses. He puts attractive snares on our paths at just those moments when we are msot vulnerable. His intent is to lead us from the way that returns us to our Heavenly Father.” (October 1990 general conference)
I found the message of the book to be both uplifting (yes, really — a book about devils, uplifting!) and insightful. Worth looking into.
February 5, 2018
In anticipation of reading it with a group (hypothetically/someday) I'm giving this four stars. I don't think I, alone, got as much out of it as all that, though, tbh. And I admit that I found it a slow read, despite the epistolary style and the brevity.
However, there were plenty of bits I did appreciate. And, yes, I did lol a couple of times. And if I'd been reading it with other ppl around, I would have read bits to them. I do recommend it, to Christians, atheists, and others... it's full of universal ideas. (And a few ideas particular to the author's personal culture.) I found it interesting that it was written during WWII and does reference "the European War."
On humor, and its potential as a means to destroy shame:
"If a man simply lets others pay for him, he is 'mean'; if he boasts of it in a jocular manner and twits his fellows with having been scored off, he is no longer 'mean' but a comical fellow.... Cruelty is shameful--unless the cruel man can represent it as a practical joke."
On [a prediction of social media]:
"All humans... have some reluctance to think about the Enemy [God]... [as it] involves facing and intensifying a whole vague cloud of half-conscious guilt.... [and it does] cut him off more and more from all real happiness.... You can make him waste his time not only in conversation with people he likes, but in conversations with those he cares nothing about on subjects that bore him. You can make him do nothing at all for long periods."
However, there were plenty of bits I did appreciate. And, yes, I did lol a couple of times. And if I'd been reading it with other ppl around, I would have read bits to them. I do recommend it, to Christians, atheists, and others... it's full of universal ideas. (And a few ideas particular to the author's personal culture.) I found it interesting that it was written during WWII and does reference "the European War."
On humor, and its potential as a means to destroy shame:
"If a man simply lets others pay for him, he is 'mean'; if he boasts of it in a jocular manner and twits his fellows with having been scored off, he is no longer 'mean' but a comical fellow.... Cruelty is shameful--unless the cruel man can represent it as a practical joke."
On [a prediction of social media]:
"All humans... have some reluctance to think about the Enemy [God]... [as it] involves facing and intensifying a whole vague cloud of half-conscious guilt.... [and it does] cut him off more and more from all real happiness.... You can make him waste his time not only in conversation with people he likes, but in conversations with those he cares nothing about on subjects that bore him. You can make him do nothing at all for long periods."
August 12, 2020
Brilliant! This will be a reread for sure. Very unique point of view. I read this in preparation to seeing it on stage which should be interesting.
Note to self: I think it's time for that reread.
Note to self: I think it's time for that reread.
March 23, 2023
I honestly wanted to just pray through this book, and I may do that sometime.
C. S. Lewis is absolutely brilliant, and reading all these tactics of Screwtape were intriguing and convicting.
There’s a lot I feel I should be more aware of in my daily life. This has certainly humbled me and taught me a lot in a short time!
C. S. Lewis is absolutely brilliant, and reading all these tactics of Screwtape were intriguing and convicting.
There’s a lot I feel I should be more aware of in my daily life. This has certainly humbled me and taught me a lot in a short time!
December 26, 2020
One of those rare books that illuminates the issues in the world, but also the "log in your own eye." The character arc of the off-screen Christian - only referred to scornfully by the hateful Screwtape and nephew - was a brilliant piece of writing. Still rings true, here at the end of 2020.
December 10, 2018
I first read this book about twenty years ago. After the Narnia series, it was the first or second Lewis book I read (Mere Christianity was the other). Since then I've read most of Lewis' writing. This one would not even make my top ten of his works! Yet I was invited to preach at my church, and the scriptures were the appearances of the angels in the Christmas story. The larger theme was how the supernatural impacts our life. It seemed a good time to dig this one out for a reread!
To be fair, there was one quote I remembered which I wanted to find. Lewis says that there are two mistakes with devils - to ignore them and to give them too much attention. Luckily for me, this is on the very first page! I kept reading of course and though the ideas in the book didn't really shape my sermon, it was great to get into this one. Like much of Lewis' work, this is speculative. It is a series of letters from one demon to another on how to best tempt a man. To some degree, this reminds me how surprised I am with Lewis' popularity. More conservative Christians seem to want a chapter and verse of scripture for every sentence about any topic touching on theology. Lewis' work, if written today, would be deemed heretical! At least it would by some.
Overall though, this is a brilliant book. The point isn't to get wrapped up in the demons: is this really how demons work? It is to note some of the real temptations the man is facing. I'd say whether you think demons are literal or not, we all face temptations and struggles. We all have our own personal demons, if you will. Lewis' book is challenging because it reminds us we all face these struggles and have to keep fighting to grow and mature and leave our old selves behind.
I'm not sure if this one will creep back into my top ten. But I definitely have a better appreciation for it I then I did when I was 20.
To be fair, there was one quote I remembered which I wanted to find. Lewis says that there are two mistakes with devils - to ignore them and to give them too much attention. Luckily for me, this is on the very first page! I kept reading of course and though the ideas in the book didn't really shape my sermon, it was great to get into this one. Like much of Lewis' work, this is speculative. It is a series of letters from one demon to another on how to best tempt a man. To some degree, this reminds me how surprised I am with Lewis' popularity. More conservative Christians seem to want a chapter and verse of scripture for every sentence about any topic touching on theology. Lewis' work, if written today, would be deemed heretical! At least it would by some.
Overall though, this is a brilliant book. The point isn't to get wrapped up in the demons: is this really how demons work? It is to note some of the real temptations the man is facing. I'd say whether you think demons are literal or not, we all face temptations and struggles. We all have our own personal demons, if you will. Lewis' book is challenging because it reminds us we all face these struggles and have to keep fighting to grow and mature and leave our old selves behind.
I'm not sure if this one will creep back into my top ten. But I definitely have a better appreciation for it I then I did when I was 20.
September 5, 2018
Once again, I enjoyed this book. Some of the language reduced the rating from five stars to four. But that's only because I am an American reading this in 2018.
September 6, 2019
C.S. Lewis has always been one of my favorite authors. I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia, and thoroughly enjoyed The Problem of Pain. I read The Screwtape Letters for school, and it was no disappointment! Lewis paints a vivid picture of Satan’s lies and schemes that he does to get people doomed to Hell. I really enjoyed this. It was a good reminder that we should be vigilant, for our adversary the Devil roams about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
His Glory Alone
His Glory Alone
March 25, 2025
I know, I know, it's sacrilege to give Lewis anything other than five stars. Here's my thoughts: The Screwtape Letters serve as a worth-while, convicting thought experiment. Lewis makes several good points, and I'm often reminded of the section on being distracted by small annoyances in church. The copy I read this time was the same from my first read-through in 12th grade Bible with Mr. Kunkle, and still had notes in it from his class. That was especially fun. My main gripe is that there are a few thoughts in here that, when taken to their logical *theological* conclusions, feel...shaky. For example, he hints at the idea that "if the Christian dies now, then we'll lose our opportunity to lure him away from Christ", or references God "trying" (but not suceeding) in saving people. Don't get me wrong, I still think it's s very useful rhetorical device, and I will be considering it--probably until my next read through. I just always feel like giving a classic like this less than 5 stars requires explanation.
May 24, 2023
Really quite thought provoking.
June 14, 2024
This book is a classic for a reason. The reversal of perspective was very interesting.
February 24, 2019
It's one of the most famous images in the collective consciousness: a person trying to make a difficult choice being advised by an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. The Screwtape Letters proceeds from the idea that this fight for a person's soul is occurring at every moment, every day. This short novel takes the form of letters written from Uncle Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, advising him on how best to drag his "patient's" soul to hell.
This book is nothing more or less than Christian propaganda; this is not necessarily a criticism, but, for the record, I prefer my literary declarations of religious faith more rooted in human life, certainly less in your face (think Evelyn Waugh or John Updike). The Screwtape Letters is well-written to a point; Lewis can certainly turn a phrase when the mood suits him, but after a time the letters become repetitive. I think the author could have wrung much more interesting happenings out of this conceit; Lewis said that his idea of Hell is a bureaucracy, so naturally his devils are bureaucrats. While I understand that is a necessary part of the story, they are just not as interesting to read about as Milton's Satan, etc. However, there are enough interesting insights here to challenge a coasting believer/atheist; Lewis' modern explanations of the Vices are very interesting.
The idea that associating with "worldly" people can bring you closer to Hell seems right out of the Middle Ages; promoting the idea that Atheists really are going to Hell in a hand basket seems an insensitive kind of Christianity (one I would have no part in), especially in a book aimed at children. Given that Lewis was an unbeliever for a good deal of his adult life, you might think he would be more open-minded. Finally, the bonus short story Screwtape Proposes a Toast has some interesting, and I think correct, observations on Democracy, Christian Socialism, and education, but descends into a tired vilification of Communism. And if we take Wilde's advice and simply judge the book's aesthetic merits, Lewis wastes his erudition on repetitive preaching; while there are stunning, memorable passages, they become fewer and farther between as the story continues.
The Screwtape Letters were published during some of darkest days of England's involvement in World War II. Amidst the destruction bombing raids of the Blitz, it would not be difficult to believe that there were devils in the atmosphere, doing what they can to tempt and damn good British people. In this kind of situation, The Screwtape Letters would have been timely and comforting; while I was reading it, I imagined a child curled up with hot coco reading by the fire while Churchill’s voice thunders over the wireless. However, none of this Romanticism changes the fact that this book is condescending as Christian children's story, and repetitive as adult reading. Actually, that is a bit too harsh; there is enough here to interest the non-believer: Lewis can write, and some of his ideas works as satire, even when they're offensive at face value. However, I rate things based on my enjoyment, and I just didn't enjoy this as much as I would have liked. It's still better, I imagine, than a collection of correspondence between two angels. When it comes down to it, I just wasn't too engaged in this.
This book is nothing more or less than Christian propaganda; this is not necessarily a criticism, but, for the record, I prefer my literary declarations of religious faith more rooted in human life, certainly less in your face (think Evelyn Waugh or John Updike). The Screwtape Letters is well-written to a point; Lewis can certainly turn a phrase when the mood suits him, but after a time the letters become repetitive. I think the author could have wrung much more interesting happenings out of this conceit; Lewis said that his idea of Hell is a bureaucracy, so naturally his devils are bureaucrats. While I understand that is a necessary part of the story, they are just not as interesting to read about as Milton's Satan, etc. However, there are enough interesting insights here to challenge a coasting believer/atheist; Lewis' modern explanations of the Vices are very interesting.
The idea that associating with "worldly" people can bring you closer to Hell seems right out of the Middle Ages; promoting the idea that Atheists really are going to Hell in a hand basket seems an insensitive kind of Christianity (one I would have no part in), especially in a book aimed at children. Given that Lewis was an unbeliever for a good deal of his adult life, you might think he would be more open-minded. Finally, the bonus short story Screwtape Proposes a Toast has some interesting, and I think correct, observations on Democracy, Christian Socialism, and education, but descends into a tired vilification of Communism. And if we take Wilde's advice and simply judge the book's aesthetic merits, Lewis wastes his erudition on repetitive preaching; while there are stunning, memorable passages, they become fewer and farther between as the story continues.
The Screwtape Letters were published during some of darkest days of England's involvement in World War II. Amidst the destruction bombing raids of the Blitz, it would not be difficult to believe that there were devils in the atmosphere, doing what they can to tempt and damn good British people. In this kind of situation, The Screwtape Letters would have been timely and comforting; while I was reading it, I imagined a child curled up with hot coco reading by the fire while Churchill’s voice thunders over the wireless. However, none of this Romanticism changes the fact that this book is condescending as Christian children's story, and repetitive as adult reading. Actually, that is a bit too harsh; there is enough here to interest the non-believer: Lewis can write, and some of his ideas works as satire, even when they're offensive at face value. However, I rate things based on my enjoyment, and I just didn't enjoy this as much as I would have liked. It's still better, I imagine, than a collection of correspondence between two angels. When it comes down to it, I just wasn't too engaged in this.
June 25, 2021
“When they have really learned to love their neighbours as themselves, they will be allowed to love themselves as their neighbours.”
C.S. Lewis, a notable 21th century novelist recognized for a wide range of famous books, is frequently lauded by Christian apologists and theologians, who view his novels such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as important works.
The Screwtape Letters, his 1942 novel, is intriguing because of the theme and storyline and its unique structure and tone, which set it apart from his normal work. Screwtape, a demon at the top of Satan's army, is writing letters to his nephew, Wormwood, who is attempting to deliver a man's soul to Hell.
Basically, through this premise and Screwtape’s letters, C.S. Lewis tackles most of the common Christian paradoxes and dilemmas. He also proposes how demons might try to undermine Christians and their relationships with God by placing himself in the role of a demon attempting to do so. To cut a long story short, C.S. Lewis' work offers us the way to a better self by metaphorically explaining Hell and Heaven's fundamental contrasts and purposes. By attentively listening to Screwtape's instructions, one can understand what Christian religion demands and promotes to live a happy afterlife.
I adored The Screwtape Letters, the finest example of writing from an antagonist's perspective. It adds something unique and vibrant to Christian literature by articulating typical Christian anxieties from the perspective of a demon, and how Satan utilizes these fears to push us apart from God and one another.
He proposes in the Preface of the 2nd part of the book, named "Screwtape Proposes a Toast", this diabolic correspondence between one master to his novice demon would ideally be the same as a piece of "archangelical advice to the patient’s guardian angel. But who could supply the deficiency? Even if a man—and he would have to be a far better man than I—could scale the spiritual heights required, what “answerable style” could he use? For the style would really be part of the content. Mere advice would be no good; every sentence would have to smell of Heaven." I would definitely read that side of the story as eager as I did with this one. Nonetheless, read this one and have faith.
“Pilate was merciful till it became risky.”
C.S. Lewis, a notable 21th century novelist recognized for a wide range of famous books, is frequently lauded by Christian apologists and theologians, who view his novels such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as important works.
The Screwtape Letters, his 1942 novel, is intriguing because of the theme and storyline and its unique structure and tone, which set it apart from his normal work. Screwtape, a demon at the top of Satan's army, is writing letters to his nephew, Wormwood, who is attempting to deliver a man's soul to Hell.
Basically, through this premise and Screwtape’s letters, C.S. Lewis tackles most of the common Christian paradoxes and dilemmas. He also proposes how demons might try to undermine Christians and their relationships with God by placing himself in the role of a demon attempting to do so. To cut a long story short, C.S. Lewis' work offers us the way to a better self by metaphorically explaining Hell and Heaven's fundamental contrasts and purposes. By attentively listening to Screwtape's instructions, one can understand what Christian religion demands and promotes to live a happy afterlife.
I adored The Screwtape Letters, the finest example of writing from an antagonist's perspective. It adds something unique and vibrant to Christian literature by articulating typical Christian anxieties from the perspective of a demon, and how Satan utilizes these fears to push us apart from God and one another.
He proposes in the Preface of the 2nd part of the book, named "Screwtape Proposes a Toast", this diabolic correspondence between one master to his novice demon would ideally be the same as a piece of "archangelical advice to the patient’s guardian angel. But who could supply the deficiency? Even if a man—and he would have to be a far better man than I—could scale the spiritual heights required, what “answerable style” could he use? For the style would really be part of the content. Mere advice would be no good; every sentence would have to smell of Heaven." I would definitely read that side of the story as eager as I did with this one. Nonetheless, read this one and have faith.
“Pilate was merciful till it became risky.”
July 26, 2020
This book is a collection of letters written to a "junior tempter" named Wormwood from his Uncle Screwtape. As you read, you'll learn something about the bizarre relationship between uncle and nephew and the mostly fictional description of the demon (or tempter) world. But beside these purely entertaining bits, you'll also learn from Lewis' unique take on spiritual warfare.
If you've read other non-fiction books from Lewis, you will find common themes in this one. But these themes are transposed into a harsh and dissonant tune. What Lewis normally speaks of as vile is described here as desirable. And what Lewis praises is described here as revolting. The "god" of the tempter's world is referred to as "Our Father Below", and the one true God is simply called the "Enemy". I think this is the most startling part of reading the book. It will probably take you a few chapters to get used to it.
After the book was published, Lewis said this about the process of writing it:
"Though it was easy to twist one's mind into the diabolical attitude, it was not fun, or not for long. The strain produced a sort of spiritual cramp. The world into which I had to project myself while I spoke through Screwtape was all dust, grit, thirst, and itch. Every trace of beauty, freshness, and geniality had to be excluded. It almost smothered me before I was done."
Thankfully, we do not have to live in this world like Lewis did for however long it took him to write the book. We just get to visit. And if you're planning a visit, prepare yourself for something very unique - an experience that is both comically entertaining and gravely serious. It will change your view of sin, temptation, and spiritual warfare. And it will also make you smile, which, I think, is also a part of effective spiritual warfare. It was Luther who said, "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn."
Coming from Luther, I am understandably cautious. But I think he's right here. I think there is a way to laugh at Satan without being arrogant or frivolous. After all, we're not laughing at our own joke. We're laughing at a joke that's been making the rounds since the resurrection.
So if some of our more severe brethren accuse us of being a tad too flippant about something so serious, I think we can respectfully and accurately point them to Colossians 2:15 and say, "Hey, don't look at me. Jesus started it."
If you've read other non-fiction books from Lewis, you will find common themes in this one. But these themes are transposed into a harsh and dissonant tune. What Lewis normally speaks of as vile is described here as desirable. And what Lewis praises is described here as revolting. The "god" of the tempter's world is referred to as "Our Father Below", and the one true God is simply called the "Enemy". I think this is the most startling part of reading the book. It will probably take you a few chapters to get used to it.
After the book was published, Lewis said this about the process of writing it:
"Though it was easy to twist one's mind into the diabolical attitude, it was not fun, or not for long. The strain produced a sort of spiritual cramp. The world into which I had to project myself while I spoke through Screwtape was all dust, grit, thirst, and itch. Every trace of beauty, freshness, and geniality had to be excluded. It almost smothered me before I was done."
Thankfully, we do not have to live in this world like Lewis did for however long it took him to write the book. We just get to visit. And if you're planning a visit, prepare yourself for something very unique - an experience that is both comically entertaining and gravely serious. It will change your view of sin, temptation, and spiritual warfare. And it will also make you smile, which, I think, is also a part of effective spiritual warfare. It was Luther who said, "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn."
Coming from Luther, I am understandably cautious. But I think he's right here. I think there is a way to laugh at Satan without being arrogant or frivolous. After all, we're not laughing at our own joke. We're laughing at a joke that's been making the rounds since the resurrection.
So if some of our more severe brethren accuse us of being a tad too flippant about something so serious, I think we can respectfully and accurately point them to Colossians 2:15 and say, "Hey, don't look at me. Jesus started it."
May 14, 2008
I started reading this book on my way back from Christmas vacation. I was reading it on the plane which was filled with people leaving after the New Hampshire primaries. The lady next to me was a high-up leader in the Democratic party. I think when she saw that I was reading this book she didn't even ask if I was a Democrat.
I finished reading it after the semester was done while waiting for my car to get fixed. I was a few pages away from done when I got into a conversation with an amazing African-American woman. She told me about how she made it back to St. Louis through prayer with her two children after her husband left them. I love the experiences that come when I put my book down to talk to people. It was a little drier than the other books I've read this year but it is a classic. It had some great quotes too.
I finished reading it after the semester was done while waiting for my car to get fixed. I was a few pages away from done when I got into a conversation with an amazing African-American woman. She told me about how she made it back to St. Louis through prayer with her two children after her husband left them. I love the experiences that come when I put my book down to talk to people. It was a little drier than the other books I've read this year but it is a classic. It had some great quotes too.
September 20, 2015
Changed my Christian life! Incredible look into the reality of spiritual warfare.
May 23, 2023
Although I have been a fan of C.S. Lewis ever since I was 12 years old and read The Magician's Nephew, I have never read the Screwtape Letters before but when I found a copy at a garage sale, I bought one because it was cheap. My fear about reading it was that it would be depressing and dark, and I wondered what the value would be in reading a devil's work. As soon as I actually picked it up and started reading it, I realized I was wrong. I have underlined quote after quote in the book. Something about Lewis's farseeing philosophy and his simple way of digging into the core of humanity and what drives humanity leaves me knowing that this is a book that I will reread. It is deep and insightful but not a hard read.
February 13, 2021
Oh man, I had a hard time staying awake while reading this one. I kept on going because I wanted to know if Wormwood succeeded or not. I also kept on telling myself, “it’s not long at all, so it should be over soon.” Well, it took me 3 days to read 118 pages. 😔 🤦🏽♀️
It’s interesting and made me think about some things, but it really wasn’t for me, which is why gave it 3 stars.
#YesiReads
It’s interesting and made me think about some things, but it really wasn’t for me, which is why gave it 3 stars.
#YesiReads
July 14, 2018
A very interesting (but theoretical) book about how Satan tries to draw Christians away from their faith and the very common tricks that he could use.
Recommended 13+ for mentions of wars, romance, and sins in general.
Recommended 13+ for mentions of wars, romance, and sins in general.
March 15, 2021
“All mortals tend to turn into the thing they are pretending to be. This is elementary..”
An incredibly profound book on the realities of life and death, heaven and hell, sin, relationships, and meaning and identity.
An incredibly profound book on the realities of life and death, heaven and hell, sin, relationships, and meaning and identity.
August 27, 2023
Read in the following years:
2007
2010 (14 February)
2007
2010 (14 February)
February 6, 2019
This C.S. Lewis written in 1942 is still witty and enjoyable as ever. Significantly it is even more relevant to today’s moral climate than to that of WWII. A short but enjoyable and important book.
October 11, 2021
One of those "should have read by now" classics that lived up to its reputation.
January 23, 2022
Once again C.S. Lewis has rocked the Christian community with his insightful writing. The Screwtape Letters are fascinating, devious, and thought-provoking. There are several points in the first few letters that really struck home for me; one is when Screwtape tells Wormwood about the small-minded way that Christians view God versus the truly devastating glory that the demons shudder from. I highly encourage every Christian to read these letters. They will give perspective to various temptations in ways that often escape believers and hopefully strengthen and deepen one’s faith. My favorite quote is, “It’s funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out” (Lewis ch. 4).
January 2, 2023
Very fast read not because it is "fun" but rather because it is so compelling to experience morality flipped upside-down.
One of the most stunning aspects of the book -- including "Screwtape Proposes a Toast" -- is how utterly contemporary it feels.
It wasn't as "comic" as I might have anticipated based on the premise and propensity for wordplay.
Very glad to have finally read it.
One of the most stunning aspects of the book -- including "Screwtape Proposes a Toast" -- is how utterly contemporary it feels.
It wasn't as "comic" as I might have anticipated based on the premise and propensity for wordplay.
Very glad to have finally read it.
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