Goodreads | The Screwtape Letters (Gift Edition)

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Keely rated it:

05/06/08

bookshelves: fantasy, humor

Read in May, 2008

If not for the fact that this is a satire in earnest, it would serve as a powerful absurdist invective against humanity. There is a degree to which this book helped to improve my view of Christians in general, but only in the sense that it points out that all the faults which I have found in your average Christian are often just as powerful in the uncommited person, the Christian just tends to make themselves more conspicuous in it.

The sharp weapon of Lewis's rhetoric tears down humanity thr...more If not for the fact that this is a satire in earnest, it would serve as a powerful absurdist invective against humanity. There is a degree to which this book helped to improve my view of Christians in general, but only in the sense that it points out that all the faults which I have found in your average Christian are often just as powerful in the uncommited person, the Christian just tends to make themselves more conspicuous in it.

The sharp weapon of Lewis's rhetoric tears down humanity through all the self-righteous hubris, denial, misdirected hopes, and easy mistakes we pile upon ourselves in masochistic suffocation. However, one begins to develop the impression, slowly at first, that Lewis has nothing to offer in return. There are scarcely words of alternatives, let alone improvements.

Lewis does give us a house which disgusts the devils and redeems the man, but this perfect representation of Christian values seems mostly defined by a lack of any description of philosophy, excepting that it is 'suffused' by some sort of magical glow which infects the cat. Indeed, I began to get the impression that Lewis intended to fill in this section later, but that he never got around to it.

Lewis said that the writing of this text was one of the most painful that he had with any book, and that he could not bring himself to write a sequel. I find little surprise in this, because one can see how, as the book goes on, Lewis more and more recognizes and elucidates the failures of mankind but when he comes to express what makes him or his faith any different, he cannot find anything to say.

The 'suffusing glow' then becomes a stand in for Lewis's own righteousness, but it is not difficult to see that, in a book where Hubris and self-assuredness are constantly torn down, that self-righteousness is left with little to stand in.

Along with this, Lewis often presents a very advanced knowledge of rhetoric and human behavior but it oddly deficient in that he applies the same things to one side and then the other first as a positive, and then a negative.

For example, the book begins with the demon advising that humans shoud be encouraged to think of things as being 'real' without ever questioning what that means. The term 'real life' is meant to act as a self-justification for assumptions, not as an introspective view.

However, later on Lewis begins to talk about how the Christians should make sure to follow what is 'natural', without ever defining what that is. He mentions it several times and one is left with the sense that there is little distinction between 'natural life' and 'real life'.

This can hardly surprise, as Lewis maintains a philosophy of Duality. Dualitism presents the 'with us/against us' ideal by which any two groups may grow to hate one another despite the fact that they have relatively few differences. As long as one defines the other as bad, there is no need to define the self as good, as in the Dualistic system, there is only good and evil, and you are either one or the other.

The problem with this is that if one believes morality more complex than black and white, then it is not enough for him to simply say he is better or different than those who so deeply disappoint him.

That being said, it would still be refreshing to meet a Christian who had put as much thought and work into at least attempting to understand and explain themselves. Indeed, this book has reminded me that it is rare enough to find that in or out of religions. Atheists and scientists can be just as troubled, flawed, and deluded as anyone else.

The lesson I will pull from this is that it is important for me to concentrate on myself and my own growth, because worrying about everyone else didn't help Lewis, and it isn't going to help me, either....less

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Beth rated it:

(review of isbn 0684831171)

07/28/08

Read in July, 2008

I’ve had good intentions of getting around to reading this C.S. Lewis classic for a long, long while now; it’s been sitting on my shelf for years. Since I've been without a library card for a couple weeks, I finally picked it up and began to read in earnest.

As I started reading, I couldn’t figure out why I’d found the book so cumbersome before. The chapters were contained to small, manageable installments; the book itself is a short volume, a little over a hundred pages (plus with t...more I’ve had good intentions of getting around to reading this C.S. Lewis classic for a long, long while now; it’s been sitting on my shelf for years. Since I've been without a library card for a couple weeks, I finally picked it up and began to read in earnest.

As I started reading, I couldn’t figure out why I’d found the book so cumbersome before. The chapters were contained to small, manageable installments; the book itself is a short volume, a little over a hundred pages (plus with the article “Screwtape Proposes a Toast” tacked on to the end of this edition). And the technique in which the thoughts are explained: brilliant.

First of all, you have the unique point-of-view. Screwtape, the character mentioned in the title, is an experienced devil. Yup, that’s right — devil. It’s his job to go tempt ordinary mortals (like you and me), to keep us from getting close to “the Enemy” (God). This interesting perspective takes some getting used to, but it is nevertheless pretty straightforward — just requires that you keep from going on auto-pilot while you’re reading. Lewis describes this voice as “diabolic ventriloquism”:

Screwtape’s outlook is like a photographic negative; his whites are our blacks and whatever he welcomes we ought to dread.

Secondly, the voice of Screwtape comes via letters to his nephew, novice tempter Wormwood. Though we have no words from Wormwood himself (or any direct references regarding the new Christian convert that Wormwood is assigned to deter), the reader can easily surmise his situation based on Screwtape’s references.

While C.S. Lewis is writing from a fictional perspective (devils going to tempting school and writing letters to one another is his own invention, of course), the insights he gives are profound. We know what we should do to return to live with God; how, then, do we get tripped up so easily? Well, Screwtape outlines plenty of methods here, and it’s not even a comprehensive list! I was reminded of the scripture in which King Benjamin says:

And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them (Mosiah 4:29).

Still, most of those different sins seem to come back to a singular premise: distancing ourselves from God, usually by some subtle distraction. I came across this quote from July 5’s Church News last week that harmonized with the message of The Screwtape Letters:

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve said that even though the Lord’s teachings are plain and direct, “We are still at risk of getting sidetracked. Some people choose to follow the teachings of the Lord and of His living prophet only when convenient, and reject them when sacrifice or deeper commitment is required. Some fail to follow only because His divine teachings do not agree with their own preconceived notions.

“We get sidetracked by submitting to temptations that divert us past the bounds of safety. Satan knows our weaknesses. He puts attractive snares on our paths at just those moments when we are msot vulnerable. His intent is to lead us from the way that returns us to our Heavenly Father.” (October 1990 general conference)

I found the message of the book to be both uplifting (yes, really — a book about devils, uplifting!) and insightful. Worth looking into....less

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Jamie rated it:

10/04/08

bookshelves: fiction

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: Everyone

Synopsis: Wormwood has a problem, the soul he is charged with dragging down to Hell has converted to Christianity. In an effort to assist, his Uncle Screwtape, a senior devil, sends him a constant stream of advice based on the patient’s (the person’s) current mental and physical states. Based on Wormwood’s reports, Screwtape both evaluates the patient, and gives advice about how to subtlety nudge him closer to Hell, where the hordes of Devils look forward to feasting on his soul.

Review...more Synopsis: Wormwood has a problem, the soul he is charged with dragging down to Hell has converted to Christianity. In an effort to assist, his Uncle Screwtape, a senior devil, sends him a constant stream of advice based on the patient’s (the person’s) current mental and physical states. Based on Wormwood’s reports, Screwtape both evaluates the patient, and gives advice about how to subtlety nudge him closer to Hell, where the hordes of Devils look forward to feasting on his soul.

Review: It’s very hard to go wrong with C. S. Lewis, but people the world over agree that this is one of his finest works. Screwtape’s analysis on how to attack the patient are particularly poignant in that he frequently suggests two completely opposite approaches for each scenario. The conflict appears due to the fact that just about any virtue can be taken to an extreme or distorted in a way as to make it a sin instead. This occasionally makes the reading a bit tricky, for it is easy to recognize virtues, and Screwtape (and certainly the devil today) is a master of very slyly twisting those virtues. One may need to read over the passages a few times to pinpoint were the behaviors and attitudes really start to go wrong.

One could possibly consider this a guide book to the many ways our behaviors start to run amok. It is interesting to note that most of Screwtape’s attacks lead towards gradually building up ill feelings towards other people. The remainder are largely focused on how to get the patient to destroy any ability to believe in his own redemption and worth.

One thing that particularly interests me about the book is that it would be very easy for a good-intending Christian to take the words in here, and start desperately applying them to his or her own life. Certainly there are many areas and aspects of our daily life in which we are open to temptation. But one thing I do not believe Lewis intended of this book, was for the reader to now become fanatical about perfecting every aspect of his or her behavior. It is important to be aware of the tools used against us as we strive to become better people. But one should remember that the most vexing moments for both Screwtape and Wormwood occur when the patient simply turns to God and looks for peace in his life. In those moments Wordwood often finds that all his attacks are rebuffed no matter how clever they may be, and that the patient is shielded from the temptations Wormood is throwing at him. Thus we see that while it is important to recognize the various ways we can fall, ultimately, when we seek to become better, we are saved by grace and there is nothing more powerful that God’s love in lifting us up.

Still, these letters by a master tempter are a marvelous tool in the arsenal of Christians everywhere. I personally was able to look at just about every attack and recognize times in my life when I’ve allowed myself to slip into thought patterns or behaviors that are not condusive to becoming a better, more productive person. I would strongly encourage all people to read this book, not just Christians. Whether you believe in God or not, there are some behaviors that are to be avoided in life, and some that will help you in being a better friend, citizen, and person. This in not a book to be breezed through. This is a book to read with a pencil and postit notes, making marks and comments for yourself. And it is certainly a book to read over and over again....less

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Wendy rated it:

09/21/08

Read in September, 2008

I didn't particularly enjoy this book but am glad that I read it. In fact, at times the book made my skin crawl. For those who have not read it, the book is written as a bunch of letters from a tempter, Uncle Screwtape, to his nephew, a tempter in training, named Wormwoood. Screwtape tutors Wormwood on how to tempt the "patient" he is assigned. Through the letters, you are constantly reminded and made to think about how the adversary tempts us. What is poignant is that the cunning an...more I didn't particularly enjoy this book but am glad that I read it. In fact, at times the book made my skin crawl. For those who have not read it, the book is written as a bunch of letters from a tempter, Uncle Screwtape, to his nephew, a tempter in training, named Wormwoood. Screwtape tutors Wormwood on how to tempt the "patient" he is assigned. Through the letters, you are constantly reminded and made to think about how the adversary tempts us. What is poignant is that the cunning and evil plans are not centered around obvious sins, that so often are what we think about when we think about temptation and sin. Instead, the tempters focus on much more subtle sins such as vanity, pride, distraction,insincerity, forgetting or being too tired say prayers,and how these can achieve the same goal as the more obvious sins which is ultimately to lead us away from God. That's how cunning and evil the devil is. He knows that by chipping away a little at a time he has a better chance at gaining us as his own.

You cannot read this book and not think of how pertinent it is to your life. It was a little frightening to find myself in the book as someone who has succumbed to some of these suttle temptations (many times). Perhaps thats why I didn't enjoy the read but still found it very insightful.

I found this "Beatitudes" in someone elses review (Jenelle) and thought it was great so I copied it from her review to mine. Really hit it home for me.

Screwtape Counterfeits
1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians — they are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked — I can use them.
3. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church — they are my missionaries.
4. Blessed are the trouble makers — they shall be called my children.
5. Blessed are the complainers — I'm all ears to them.
6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes — for they get nothing out of his sermons.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church — for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
8. Blessed are those who gossip — for they shall cause strife and division that please me.
9. Blessed are those who are easily offended — for they will soon get angry and quit.
10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work — for they are my helpers.
11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister — for he shall be with me forever.
12. Blessed are you who, when you read this, think it is about other people and not yourself — I've got you too!
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MelissaS rated it:

01/22/08

Read in August, 2002

recommends it for: Everyone

I love this book - it really makes you think. For those who have not read it, the book is written as a compilation of letters from a "tempter," Screwtape, to his nephew, a "junior tempter" named Wormwoood. In the letters, Screwtape gives Wormwood adivce and counsel on how to best tempt his "subject" - a young man who converts to Christianity, and then falls in love with a Christian woman. Through the letters, you are constantly reminded and made to think about ho...more

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Melissa rated it:

04/01/08

bookshelves: classic-literature

Read in March, 2008

recommended to Melissa by: Michael J. Teh, general authority who quoted it in General Confe
recommends it for: my family

My favorite thing about this book is that it is so fun to talk about with others that have read it. It is a book that will be worth reading again and again and learning something new about myself each time I read it. I am coping a review from MelissaS from CT. I just copied it because it is exactly what I'm thinking and I don't see the need to repeat the work.

"I love this book - it really makes you think. For those who have not read it, the book is written as a compilation of letters...more My favorite thing about this book is that it is so fun to talk about with others that have read it. It is a book that will be worth reading again and again and learning something new about myself each time I read it. I am coping a review from MelissaS from CT. I just copied it because it is exactly what I'm thinking and I don't see the need to repeat the work.

"I love this book - it really makes you think. For those who have not read it, the book is written as a compilation of letters from a "tempter," Screwtape, to his nephew, a "junior tempter" named Wormwoood. In the letters, Screwtape gives Wormwood advice and counsel on how to best tempt his "subject" - a young man who converts to Christianity, and then falls in love with a Christian woman. Through the letters, you are constantly reminded and made to think about how the adversary tempts us. What is truly excellent about the book, though, is that the cunning plans are not centered around obvious sins, that so often are what we think about when we think about temptation and sin. Instead, the tempters focus on much more subtle forms of sins - vanity, pride, distraction, insincerity, forgetting God, and how these can achieve the same effect as more obvious sins ... to lead us away from God. Ultimately, the tempters in this story do not care what sins are committed by their subjects - so long as they accomplish their goal of separating people from God, and leading them to the adversary. In fact, they seem to prefer the more subtle means of leading people astray, as they sense that this is a more hidden and thus secure way to accomplish their ultimate design.

You cannot read this book and not think of how extremely pertinent it is to your life. C. S. Lewis has thought deeply about the things we do each that lead us away from God, and he articulates them very well. As you read the book, you are in a constant introspection of your own life, and the things that are put before you daily that lead you away from what we all desire - a close, personal, consistent, and deep relationship with God, that leads to happiness now and the hereafter. I love this book!"

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Derrick rated it:

(review of isbn )

04/26/08

bookshelves: 2008, religious

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: Christians interested in a different view into spiritual warfare.

A good book that I would suggest to anyone. The premise of the book is a set of letters that Screwtape (a demon in the administrative department of hell) is writing to his nephew Wormwood (who is a demon new to the tempting job). At first the introduction of it made me wonder exactly how Lewis wrote these letters since it made me think that he did not write them himself at all but instead derived them from some outside source, this was not the case though. The letters were great to read and t...more A good book that I would suggest to anyone. The premise of the book is a set of letters that Screwtape (a demon in the administrative department of hell) is writing to his nephew Wormwood (who is a demon new to the tempting job). At first the introduction of it made me wonder exactly how Lewis wrote these letters since it made me think that he did not write them himself at all but instead derived them from some outside source, this was not the case though. The letters were great to read and touched on every small aspect of temptations and the Christian life. There were many times I could see how these things have played themselves out in my life and made me want to re-evaluate many things. Along with the book being an easy read while still personally challenging it had many quotable quotes found within the pages. About every other letter there would be one line that would just jump out at me. Looking back I wish I had of written each of these down since they encapsulated the major points in the book to me at least. For instance, one set of advice Screwtape gave was "do not allow your patient (which was how they talked about the man to whom Wormwood was assigned) to pray in a fashion of not to who I think you are but to who you know you are". That's very fuzzy and I cannot quite get my words down in the way I would want them to be said.

Secondly on the second part of the book, Screwtape proposes a toast, this was written several years after the letters and was included in the book I have. It was short, only a few pages long in the edition I have, but if I skipped it I do not feel as though I would have lost any value in reading the book. So if you do read this book and you are tired at that point, I would recommend not reading that part simply because I did not see much value in it and found that Lewis was trying very hard just to get something out on paper.

Lastly in the way it was written, you will know that it was written in an old British proper language, but this did not hinder my ability into being able to read and understand the book....less

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Tom rated it:

09/23/08

Read in September, 2008

The premise of C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” imagines a corresponsdence in the form of letters from an older, more experienced demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. These letters outline advice to the younger demon toward his efforts to win a soul for the “Father Below.” The subject of their torment is an Englishman about whom we learn very little beyond his residence with his mother, eventual courtship and marriage, and finally death during one of the Nazi bombardments....more The premise of C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” imagines a corresponsdence in the form of letters from an older, more experienced demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood. These letters outline advice to the younger demon toward his efforts to win a soul for the “Father Below.” The subject of their torment is an Englishman about whom we learn very little beyond his residence with his mother, eventual courtship and marriage, and finally death during one of the Nazi bombardments. The demons (and their tormented) are alloted no physical traits and the narrative consists entirely of the older demon’s epistolary monologue. No physical details of Hell are given and only sporadic and vague references to the tormented’s setting are offered. The tone of Screwtape’s letters is cererbral and detached. The themes offered revolve entirely around the challenge of maintaining a Christian outlook in the midst of the great strife and confounding of values the 20th century produced. Of course since it is a Satanic demon offering advice toward damnation, such themes are approached conversely or obliquely producing the novel’s satirical bent and allowing Lewis to avoid the earnestness he must have considered poisonous to his intellectualized theological ruminations.
Because of the scant or absent characterization, physical detail, dialogue – indeed, most of the elements I have come to associate with the pleasure and convincing illumination of the human condition novels promise – I found the work a mildly interesting failure. Lewis’ clever, if insipid, intellectualization and abstraction of his faith leaning weakly in the direction of satire probably should have been distilled into one or two essays. But one of the subtexts of “The Screwtape Letters” is perhaps that the 20th century human cannot be trusted to receive and embrace simple, earnest faith so Lewis attempted, in some sense, to play the Devil’s own game, hewing to bland satire and obtusion at the expsense – for this reader at least – of both theology and literature.
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Joanie rated it:

10/10/07

Read in October, 2007

recommends it for: anyone who's not afraid of the truth

It's great to read fiction that gives you a punch in a gut! It's not often a book will hold up a mirror to you and show you some things you'd rather not see. The Screwtape Letters was that book for me.

Every Christian needs to get a hold of this book and read it through! It's helped me gain a deep understanding of how the forces of darkness try to undermine joy and truth. I'd especially recommend it to readers new to C.S. Lewis, as this is a good sample of his writing and a good place to star...more

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Jennelle rated it:

(review of isbn 0060652934)

03/10/08

Read in September, 2006

This book is very interesting. Two Devils: Screwtape (a learned Devil) and Wormwood (a devil in training)are writing letters back and forth to each other on the best tactics in capturing a human soul. C.S. Lewis claimed that "the book was distasteful to write, and he vowed never to write a direct sequel" I think it was distasteful for him to write because he must have felt that he was thinking like the adversary. It really makes you stop and think. It's a fairly quick read. I was in...more

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Ginnie rated it:

(review of isbn 0060652934)

12/19/07

bookshelves: religion

recommends it for: ever wanted to hear the devil?

This refers only to the AUDIOBOOK, not the paperback. i obviously don't know how to get the goodreads computer program to believe me. Any smart friends willing to take me in hand?

This is a great John Cleese recording that is just how I imagined Screwtape sounding.
This adaptation of C.S. Lewis's biting satire received a 1999 Grammy nomination for best spoken-word performance, and it's easy to see why--the story fits the format perfectly. It's relatively brief (the unabridged reading take...more

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Aeryn rated it:

06/09/08

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Screwtape, a chief demon, mentors and encourages his nephew, Wormwood, in his attempt at drawing a human "patient" away from faith in God. Many good insights as to how the Devil often tries to tempt Christians with advice like "why try to get him into the big sins when the little sins work just as well and are less noticable?" The book also makes it clear that although Satan is God's enemy, he is not God's equal by any stretch of the imagination--and I'm pretty imaginativc. B...more

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Kris rated it:

12/11/07

Read in March, 2007

CS Lewis never fails to impress. I liked his take on this book the best: "I was often asked or advised to add to the original Letters, but for many years I felt not the least inclination to do it. Though I had never written anything more easily, I never wrote with less enjoyment. The ease came, no doubt, from the fact that the device of diabolical letters, once you have thought of it, exploits itself spontaneously... It would run away with you for a thousand pages if you gave it its he...more

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dirt rated it:

07/09/08

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in July, 2008

recommends it for: your mom.

Undeniably the writing contained in this book is expressive and the premise is clever, which is why I was able to continue reading. The god/devil premise is not worth getting caught up in, the message to me was how to be a good person regardless of your religious views. Decent upstanding people aren't egotistical, don't have a double standard, and don't assume other peoples thoughts or intentions. Benevolence, being true to yourself, laughing and listening to music, being bored, reading, taki...more

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Sarah rated it:

(review of isbn 0060093668)

02/05/08

bookshelves: audiobooks, christianity, fiction, reviewed

Read in January, 2008

Not quite what I was expecting. I've been told many times over the years how funny "Screwtape" is, and while I admit it's got a very humorous side, there's also something very dark and insidious about it (no doubt made more so by Joss Ackland, whose velvety, malevolent voice was reading the audiobook).

As a non-Christian, I find Lewis' take on faith surprisingly hypocritical at times: he criticizes those who have their own take on Christianity as merely taking a long road to hell, ...more

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Callie rated it:

(review of isbn 0529056801)

09/19/08

Read in September, 2008

recommends it for: Christian readers or those interested in a study of Human Nature

First off, let me clarify that this is not a novel, nor is it meant to be. So don't expect to sit down and be captured by the story line, you won't. This is also written for those who wish for insight into human nature and the spiritual battle between God and Satan.

That being said, I can't say enough about the amazing insight into Human Nature, good vs. evil and countless other important concepts (love, learning, virtue and vice) that Lewis so expertly captures in this book. Irony and sat...more

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Andrew rated it:

(review of isbn 0060652934)

08/16/07

Read in April, 2006

this review first appeared on intraspace.blogspot.com

cs lewis strikes again! not that i should be surprised, he is widely regarded as one of the best christian writers of the 20th century.

this book is the record of letters sent by senior demon screwtape to his nephew wormwood. wormwood is on assignment trying to turn a new christian away from God. the more experienced screwtape gives advice to the young demon. this in turn give...more

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