All Christians Need to Read this Before Halloween
The Screwtape Letters
C S Lewis
To be honest, I was shocked - I grew up trick-or-treating every October. It was a fun holiday event. I never thought twice about my kids staying home as the holiday had religious meaning. It was simply a fun way to play dress up, and walk around the neighborhood getting candy!
Now, with my own kids, I have entered the world of "what ifs" and "scary-strangers" that I need to protect my kids from. Not to mention all the opinions on what Halloween means on a spiritual level.
All that being said, this isn't about whether or not you should participate in this annual event. I am not even going to get into a debate on teaching our kids to pretend to be something else for the night. We are all adults, we can decide how to parent our own children. If you aren't sure, ask God.
No this post is about The Screwtape Letters
**, more specifically, spiritual war that is going on around us all the time. And honestly, I had always been told about it, but never spent much time on it. Why bother? I mean it wasn't in my control, I couldn't see it, why waste my energy. And then, one Halloween I heard part of Screwtape's letters and was amazed.If you have never picked up this quick masterpiece by CS Lewis, you have done yourself a disservice. You will have a new understanding of the darkness that the Light shines through.
Story Overview
C.S. Lewis has put together a series of letters written to Wormwood from Screwtape as he instructs his new apprentice in the ways of the "Father Below". The letters follow a mortal man through life as Wormwood tries to win a soul for the "Father Below". The opposite vantage of the world Christian discuss at length allows for a look that is often completely ignored.
While so many Christians discuss the war of spiritual realm that is always being waged around us, we often don't get any real grasp on it.
Lewis has crafted a fictional and entertaining book that will open the mind of new believers and those spiritually mature followers in a way that no other book will.
Personal Likes
There are so many aspects of The Screwtape Letters that I love... However, I would highly suggest that this is a book you plan on reading cover to cover. Lewis has a forward that was added in 1941, and it worth reading. There are also copies that include "Screwtape proposes a toast" essay as well as Lewis' preface and commentary, and those copies are worth it to have and read. There is so much in these fictional accounts that I cannot recommend this book enough.
The overall take away of how our focus on filling our minds with God's truth is such a powerful weapon that believers who read this book, will find a new desire to spend time in the Word.
The overall take away of how our focus on filling our minds with God's truth is such a powerful weapon that believers who read this book, will find a new desire to spend time in the Word.
Personal Dislikes
I don't often do this, because I know books are subjective.... but I do not have one single dislike to this book.
I have read other reviews that point to the issue of the evil personality of Screwtape, and I feel this needs to be addressed. If you feel this way, you should! Screwtape is an upper level demon who only wants evil in the world. Even Lewis makes to tell the reader that Screwtape needs to be seen as a liar who is simply trying to gain another soul to feast on.
Another issue that often comes up in the complaints is that this story is dated. I want to offer up the idea that sin doesn't change all that much from each generation. If you can allow your brain to dig deep with the language, and picture the events as they unfold, you will see so many relevant points that can't be placed into an era.
I have read other reviews that point to the issue of the evil personality of Screwtape, and I feel this needs to be addressed. If you feel this way, you should! Screwtape is an upper level demon who only wants evil in the world. Even Lewis makes to tell the reader that Screwtape needs to be seen as a liar who is simply trying to gain another soul to feast on.
Another issue that often comes up in the complaints is that this story is dated. I want to offer up the idea that sin doesn't change all that much from each generation. If you can allow your brain to dig deep with the language, and picture the events as they unfold, you will see so many relevant points that can't be placed into an era.
Reasons to Read
If you have ever been curious about Lewis (other than Narnia) start with this one. It is fictional, and yet poignant.
Christians who have ever had a hard time wrapping their head around the spiritual wars going on, or even just the existence of hell, could benefit greatly from this book. There is something about looking at the human population through the lens of darkness that allows the light to shine all the brighter.
Christians who have ever had a hard time wrapping their head around the spiritual wars going on, or even just the existence of hell, could benefit greatly from this book. There is something about looking at the human population through the lens of darkness that allows the light to shine all the brighter.
Reading List Rating
This is a five heart book if ever there was one. I have read this book many times, listened to it a few times, and the images often come to mind at the perfect time to truly lean into the word for comfort and security.
My Suggested Audience
I highly suggest every believer read this book. No matter your spiritual age, you will benefit. Now, as far as actual age, this could get sketchy. Yes, the point of view is evil, so young readers might not be able to truly understand the satire. I might suggest this for teenagers simply to understand the style.
The perfect #Halloween book for all Christians, especially those who ignore the popular holiday. #Screwtape @Reading_List1
Do you participate in Halloween? Are you a Lewis fan? I know you have a thought on this one, please feel free to share!
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