If people only realized just how truthful this really is!

books:

	• The Screwtape Letters (Gift Edition) C. S. Lewis HarperOne, 2001 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 370 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A must-read classic of the 20th century.

C.S. Lewis is clearly one of the masters of 20th century prose. His theological ideas are very succulent in their purpose and while I may not agree with every doctrinal belief of his, the essence of his message is a very pure one - fulfilment comes only from submitting your will to the Father, through loyal service, dedication, and love (which He very happily returns to you in limitless abounds).

"The Screwtape Letters" is a collection of epistles from the senior devil Screwtape to his junior 'tempter-in-training' nephew, Wormwood. The contents of Scewtape's letters are various discourses on how to spiritually influence the tempter's human "patient" into staying as far away from God as possible.

Through this devil's advocate style of writing, we are given a very interesting glimpse into the workings of the evil one and how he can gradually pull people away from the Father through subtle tactical advances.

Many times through reading Screwtape's letters as he discussed the behaviour of Wormwood's patient, I would have to stop myself and think, "Wow, I have acted exactly the same in that situation before" and Lewis begins to open up your perception of your own behaviour with an accurate objective commentary of our human thought processes - and the way in which they can be turned against us, e.g. how realising one's own humility can easily turn into a form of spiritual pride.

Most surprisingly, was a passage where Screwtape discusses how God's only desire is for every human being to become exactly as his Son is, to the point where they realise that they are themselves sons and daughters of God. Lewis definitely understands the very core of Jesus' teachings, no matter how much Christianity has corrupted them over the years.

Fiction-wise, all of the characters mentioned are given to us in brief glimpses at different times in the book, to the point where while there may not be large amounts of detail on them all, you could give a good description of each at the end of reading the entire book.

Some of the more "story" focused elements are quite fun, and give us a glimpse into the 'mythos' that Lewis has obviously given some thought to before writing the "Letters". While some events are quite enjoyable, even humorous at times (such as when Screwtape's momentary anger causes him to involuntarily transform into a giant centipede) I felt slightly disappointed that there weren't more plot elements or details of this demonic "world" that Lewis' characters live in - although perhaps this was to preserve the authentic tone of the letters and the fluidity with which the book progresses.

Overall, some passages touched me so deeply that I would have to ponder on them for some time before continuing on. I must admit that some of Lewis' ideas were so profound; they went over my head completely (I'm only 17 and have no qualms about admitting that I still have much more to learn, spiritually and intellectually). I hope that with future re-readings of this book (which for me, there most definitely will be!) I will pick up on things I had missed last time and, with hope, have a few more moments of inspired revelation.

This is most definitely a classic which should be read by everyone, religious or not. It will open up your mind to many philosophical ideas about the nature of human beings and the psychological way in which we perceive spirituality.
For those looking purely for a fictional reading experience, this one may be a little scant on details to satisfy your curiosity.

I have no hesitations in recommending this book with a stellar 5/5 stars.

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hilarious!

this book is written in the form of varies letters written from a evil demon who is advising his nephew on how to be a better and more effectively evil demon,as the nephew is lacking in that department.its very entertaning i think.its done in a playful and interesting way or maybe its just me.read it and see.its not satanic or anything just philosophical satire from my point of view.a good read!

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Good way to digest C.S. Lewis' writing

I'd consider "The Screwtape Letters" to be classic Christian literature. However, for me, C.S. Lewis' writing is a little hard to comprehend. It's written in proper 1940's English from England and I'm living in 2006 America - go figure. I thought the CD audio version was read by John Cleese, but I think that must have referred to the taped version, which is out of print. The reader is a good dramatist, just not who I expected. The book itself is illuminating to a Christian who thinks they're living a pretty good Christian life. It shines the light on little things we do and say that are not Christ-like, such as sarcasm, envy and thinking of ourselves first. It challenged me to consider all my actions and words and I think listening to the CD is a great way to digest this book. I don't know if one becomes confused while reading "The Screwtape Letters," but even in the audio version I sometimes had to remind myself that when Screwtape refers to the "enemy", for him that is Christ. Since we're used to referring to Satan as the enemy, it takes a bit of concentration to remember who we're talking about here. Overall, a great book that really gets to the heart of daily Christian living by revealing how Satan views our little slip-ups. He relishes them and we must mind what we do and say and each day strive to live and love as Christ.

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If people only realized just how truthful this really is!

Oh my, what a book this is. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this book. And yet, at the very least, I now know what caused some evil "goings-ons" in my own life. Evil that is so invisible and subtle that I hardly knew it was there. It seems like no matter what we humans may try to do, Satan always seems to have a trick up his sleeve to throw us off kilter and drag us down with him. This book will give you a better understanding on how demons and Satan operate. A must read. This book is truly C.S. Lewis "unplugged" and full throttle.

Give one to all your friends

I loved this book. It was amusing and insightful. Lewis really captured the character of a demonic bureaucrat and makes it come alive. I am buying copies for all of my friends so they can enjoy this book as well. Very insightful on human nature and the temptation to sin; gives you pause the next time you're arguing with your wife as to whether it's really you that wants to prolong the fight or someone else whispering in your ear.

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reviews: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, page 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

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