the anti-psychology of the soul - enjoy reading, ponder, and thrive

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	• The Screwtape Letters (Gift Edition) C. S. Lewis HarperOne, 2001 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 366 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

the anti-psychology of the soul - enjoy reading, ponder, and thrive

INTRODUCTION:
This was my introduction to C.S. Lewis, as the writer. I have watched the Disney [the Chronicles of] Narnia, but never made time for his famous books "Mere Christianity", "Surprised by Joy", "Reflections on the Psalms", "Space Trilogy" and "The Screwtape Letters."

I am glad this book has been my first introduction to C.S. Lewis. This book is a unique book because I have never heard of a book being written from the perspective of the bad spirits. At least not in the Christian books genre.

AUTHOR:

CONTENT:

Basically the book is a compilation of short chapters (2-4 pages). Each chapter is a letter that Screwtape (name of the uncle) to Corkscrew (name of the nephew). Both Screwtape and Corkscrew work for the Devil (whom they call .... ) and his kingdom is called ..... Corkscrew's mission is to subvert the human who was assigned to his care. Screwtape's mission is to advise his nephew in how to better accomplish his mission, and in the end work against God's Kingdom, which they call -

Here are some excerpts from this wonderfully psychological book:

CONCLUSION:
You will be surprised by this book, because the format and idea behind the plot is quite unique. In the 1961 edition by Collier Books there is the great introduction to the topic by C.S. Lewis, which is fascinating and informative in its own right (especially about the topic of "angels" throught western history). What I took away from this book, is that the evil one will try to subvert us at the mental level, to work at the anti-psychology of our soul. Knowing the strategies of the enemy, is half-way towards winning the battle. This earthly life is the battle field. But someone in the 1st century Palestine, had already won the battle for us, God's children. How wonderful, and what a way to thrive on this beautiful planet.

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Excellent

I have not found a book by C.S. Lewis to be anything other than EXCELLENT and this is no exception!!!!

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Funny and enlightening

Lewis' famed series of letters from high-ranking demon Screwtape to his novice nephew Wormwood might seem to be his most accessible Christian work, yet it is strangely off-putting initially. I think it may be that because Lewis writes so well on bright, joyful subjects, managing to be pious without seeming self-righteous or stuffy, it's somehow a disappointment to read him playing a diabolical and uncharitable character--however cleverly he may do it. In the short preface included for "Screwtape Proposes a Toast," Lewis confirms this impression by noting that the writing was easy but not enjoyable: "Though I had never written anything more easily, I never wrote with less enjoyment. . . . [Although] 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" (183).

That said, the book makes extremely good use of the device as it unfolds, providing Lewis with a platform to discuss the many chinks and weak spots in the spiritual armor of the new Christian without sounding paranoid or harassing. The story revolves around the efforts of an inexperienced tempter to assail the soul of a newly converted young man; in this enterprise he is advised by his uncle, who knows all the demonic tricks. Pride of one sort or another is especially worth encouraging, says Screwtape, even the pride of being a good Christian, as it leads to moral complacency, haughtiness, or flippancy about spiritual matters. Such "advice" can get old really fast if the writer takes himself too seriously, but of course Lewis is disarmingly humorous: in one especially funny scene Screwtape gets so mad at Wormwood he inadvertently transforms into a centipede.

A quick read and a fun one, that also happens to be quite instructive.

Included in the same book as The Screwtape Letters is the short follow-up, "Screwtape Proposes a Toast," an especially fascinating speech given by the demon at a dinner of the "Tempters' Training College for young Devils." Working from ideas in the larger work, those in attendance at this dinner are eating souls, and Screwtape is both regretful of the lack of really tasty sinners to feast on and full of hope and encouragement at the greater number of sinners finding their way to Hell. This opens a fascinating discussion of mediocrity and education. Here Lewis' predictions about the dangers of conformity and the undervaluing of individualism seem scarily accurate. Quite different in tone to the letters, yet still of a piece with them.

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Wonderful and pertinant

Regardless of your religious background, this book speaks to the timeless struggle for a more moral behavior. I just re-read this book and found it even more inspiring than the first time. Even if you become a little entangled in the scholarly prose, it will still hit the heartstring in a gentle,hopeful,and powerful way. Lewis has incredible insight to the human soul and condition. Never condemning, but always aware of human frailties, he guides one to look within oneself for the light that illuminates each of us. I do not find this book "preachy" in any way. It mearly points out the moral difficulties all men face, shows one the humor and tragedy of human behavior, and the hopeful and loving God who has given all men the power to choose for themselves. I wish everyone would read this little book. It could change your life.

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Re-reading again after 20 years

I read and wrote on this book and the other Christian Apologist works of Lewis almost 20 years ago, while in college. My memory of this work was a little different than what I found recently. I was disturbed by the reading this time. I don't know what the change was, my guess is that it was because I now have a family of my own.
The fact that Lewis appears to have been so prescient to my future doubts and failings on faith issues is troubling yet hopeful also.
Obviously, youth and pride probably led me to ignore much of this book in my first reading. Yet, in retrospect it seems almost uncanny that I didn't feel a little bit of déjà vu as I lived my life.
Anyway, this is a very good book. I just bought the audio, narrated by John Cleese, which I've heard is very well done. If any are interested my attempt at writing in the Lewis style of Screwtape to Wormwood is on my blog. [...]

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, page 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

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