Analyzing 'The Screwtape Letters': A WWII Christian Dilemma

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The Screwtape Letters is one of the most popular works of prominent Christian writer C.S. Lewis. It documents the letters sent from the demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood regarding the damnation of an English gentleman living just before and during World War II. This novel is considered by many to be one of the best works by Lewis, but whether it is really worth the hype surrounding it is more subjective. Regardless of if it’s that good, however, it’s still a very interesting read and a fascinating glimpse into 1940s Britain and the moral dilemmas that were faced by good Christian people at the time.
Screwtape is an interesting if confusing book. Lewis’ choice to only use Screwtape’s end of the conversation is an unusual artistic choice, …show more content…

One of the most well done portions of the book was the beginning, when the human man was still secular and considering Christianity. Screwtape’s encouragements for Wormwood to steer him more towards the “real world” were something that is still relevant to this very day - and just the right amount of characterization and detail were given for it to be taken seriously even by an agnostic storyteller. Another portion that was done fairly well was the “patriot vs. pacifist” argument around the time the war was just starting - extremes of either side are the devil’s best friend and one needs to have a healthy mixture of both and their eyes on God in order to veer away from their demon’s grip. This book also seems to be the origin of the idea that demons thrive off of people either not believing in them or being too fascinated by them, which is a teaching that can hit the mark for many. Overall, The Screwtape Letters should hit home for its target audience (Christians looking for more ways to follow God and steer from the devil), and judging by its success, that’s exactly what it does. For outsiders looking in and trying to get a glimpse at Christianity, though, it’s hardly a good place to start or even continue. Spreading paranoia about demons and devils controlling every aspect of life is not a good way to start to be taken seriously, but unfortunately, it seems that authors of Christian literature and creators of Christian films have

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