Arthur’s Comments (group member since Mar 23, 2015)

Arthur’s comments from the The Screwtape Letters Read-Along group.

This book mostly centers around temptation at its heart, and I think that most of us can agree, we have been tempted like the patient in this story, in many of the ways Screwtape has commented on.

The first and possibly most striking idea throughout the story is the flipping of Christianity, most notably in calling God "The Enemy." Yes, this book is satire, but that doesn't mean it is always humorous. There are a few laughs here and there, but it is mostly just creepy and unsettling.

As many of you have commented, it is interesting to see an unreliable narrator like screwtape comment on religion. There are times where I really don't know if he is right or not. However, when he is right, it kind of hurts. Letter 3, for example, speaks on prayer and making prayers "spiritual" so that they lose their meaning. That hurts, because I know I worry about that myself.

Even throughout the letters, however, we can see that Screwtape, while intelligent, is not omniscient. He really doesn't understand God and why people are attracted to him. He says humans are like food to demons while God lets men freely come to him.

These first few letters seem hopeless, but the good thing is Wormwood is a poor demon, and the patient contradicts Screwtape's story. He succeeds, despite Wormwood's temptation, but the story isn't over yet...

Arthur wrote: "Can I just say how awesome it is that this book is dedicated to J.R.R Tolkien. BFFs for life :P"

April Sarah wrote: "I have to say, so far I am enjoying how all of this is laid out. The preface pointing out that things in these letters can't be trusted because of the author and the reality of time put me in a min..." No I totally understand what you are saying! I found it difficult at first to shift from thinking in "The Enemy" as God and not the devil. I have never read an unreliable narrator such as this so I think it will be interesting to discuss. Usually narrators are unreliable because they are confused, but Screwtape may just be flat out lying.

Can I just say how awesome it is that this book is dedicated to J.R.R Tolkien. BFFs for life :P

Hi! I am Arthur and I am one of the organizers of this Read-Along. You can find me on youtube, my channel is ChapterSelect. I am just so excited to be a part of this readalong and to talk with you about christian fiction! Hope you all have fun!