Book Review: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

If you have read anything by C.S. Lewis you know what a brilliant writer he is.  From the whimsical tales of Narnia to the theology-based apologetics of Mere Christianity, it is clear that Lewis has a gift for showing readers a different perspective on what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ.  The same holds true for The Screwtape Letters.  This is a book I think every christian should read; it will change your thinking in drastic ways.

Screwtape is a demon corresponding with his nephew Wormwood,  a young tempter.  In his letters Screwtape gives advice and admonishment to the young demon as he works on his "patient" trying to lure him away from following Christ.  Though fictitious, it is striking to see the world through the enemy's eyes, because so many of the thoughts and actions of the human in the story coincide with everyday experiences of all people, and many of these are propagated by the demons.

One quote that sticks with me every time I read this book is this: "Indeed the safest road to hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."  The  chief end of the demons is to drag the human away from the Lord and into hell.  They do this by manipulating the mind with subtle tricks rather than overt theatrics.

One chapter deals with the idea that there are troughs and peaks as we walk through the christian life.  After becoming a believer in Christ we do not experience a continual spiritual "high" or a conscious experience of God.  Rather, He wants us to learn to trust in who He says He is even when we cannot feel his presence.   As Screwatpe puts it, "He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away his hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles."  He goes on to say, "Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys."  Though we don't always feel the presence of God, we are still called to obey his will for it is through this obedience and knowledge of Him that brings eternal life.


Spiritual warfare is a reality that many are not prepared to deal with.  God is clear in scripture that we are at war with spiritual beings.  Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."  


I think the idea behind Lewis' writing Screwtape is to give us a glimpse into the spiritual world.  Yes, it is fiction, but I think he might not be too far off course with what he is saying about the spiritual forces at work in the world.  The devil wants us in hell and will stop at nothing to tear us away from following Jesus.  We must be prepared for these attacks in whatever form the present themselves.  This book will give you a different perspective that, while at times difficult to read and terrifying to think about, will help you stay on guard against the work of Satan himself.