Publication Date
The Screwtape Letters was written by C.S. Lewis and originally published in 1942 by Geoffrey Bles. It has seen many re-publications over the years with the most recent being April 21, 2015. It is beloved by many and regarded as a classic. It is in fact a part of the C.S. Lewis Classic Collection which also contains Mere Christianity, the Great Divorce, the Abolition of Man, and more.
Brief Summary
The Screwtape Letters give an unique and interesting look into Christianity. While the book is purely satire, it does give a fascinating look into the spiritual world that surrounds us. The book does live up to its name. It is essentially a compilation of letters written by Screwtape to his nephew Woodworm. It is made clear early in the book that Screwtape is a senior demon and assistant to "Our Father Below" (Satan). Within these letters, Screwtape gives advice and help to his nephew on how to secure the soul of a British man solely known as "the Patient". There are 31 letters that Screwtape writes, and each one is a different method on how Wormwood can undermine the work that God is doing in "the Patient's" life. As I said, while the book is purely written as satire, it gives a brief glimpse into this other world.
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However, I must admit that I am partial to C.S. Lewis. I believe that this book helps Christians understand a unique truth, there is spiritual warfare going on in this world. As I have said multiple times, this book is purely satire, and should be read as such, yet there is some truth within its pages. Now, I do not believe that a demon is waiting at all moments waiting to make Christians stumble. But, Scripture is very clear that there is spiritual warfare going on all around us.
It is interesting and amazing to see the dialogue that Screwtape has within these letters. The reader quickly begins to ask the questions, "Is this what demons do?" Is this why all of the roadblocks are put in front of me?" Like I said, I do not believe that we all have a Wormwood waiting to make us fail, we are sinners and fully capable of that ourselves, but it does show that there is more going on in the world around us.
I know that this is a short post, it is a short book. At just over 200 pages it is not a hard or long read. But what is in those pages is so rich and insightful. I love Lewis and the mind that he has. He is able to bring a new perspective to the reader about a topic that is relevant to the very core of the Christian faith. Sin.
Recommendations
This book is a little different. As i have said, it is a compilation of 31 letters. Because of this, the book almost feels like a diary or journal. This will turn some people away, but I implore you to continue on. So, if you are a fan of reading memoirs and bios, this book will feel right at home. Also this is a must read for any Christian. There is a reason that almost 80 years later it is still topping the Christian charts. It is an amazing book and well worth the time.
Rating - 5/5
Currently Reading:
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Beren and Lúthien by J.R.R. Tolkien
The History of the Hobbit (part 1) by John D. Rateliff
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