Christian Truths in the Screwtape Lettters by C.S. Lewis

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The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a book of thirty –one letters in which a retired, senior demon named Screwtape coaches his newly educated nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is quite troubled when it comes to tempting his “patient.” Nevertheless, he need not fear because faithful uncle Screwtape has offered his services. A unique character featured in the letters is, “The Enemy.” This character refers to God, the natural enemy of Satan. Of course Satan is referred to as “Our Lord.” In the letters, and Wormwood and Screwtape try their very best to please Satan and bring him glory. Although the book is written from the demons’ perspective, Lewis naturally uses it to highlight important truths of the Christian faith.
“The patient or the human that is selected for Wormwood to hopefully damn to hell struggles with his newfound faith in Jesus Christ through small changes that come about his daily life. Little does the patient know that these changes are inflicted by none other than Wormwood and his malignant uncle. Lewis uses words that refer to The Holy Bible, without an exact usage of the Bible. To say the least you are actually reading several biblical principles completely unaware that a demon in fact is teaching them. For example John 10:10 of The Holy Bible HCSB says: A thief comes but to steal, kill, and destroy. But I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly.” Screwtape teaches Wormwood how to subtly make the patient’s life miserable so that God or “The Enemy” however marvelous the gesture shows, has no effect on the patient’s life. After all that is the goal of each demon. (To have the patient reject God—die, and go to Hell). Wormwood is never allowed to make himself known to the patient; they want the human to s...

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...e, is the end; Despite all the odds Lewis highlighted important truths of Christian faith through the story of a demon who is not good at being a demon. Wormwood’s helper shows us those truths in thirty-one irrational letters. A message of light brought forth through darkness.

Works Cited

Harper Collins Publishing ed. “Introductions to the Screwtape Letters” .
Holy Bible, The HCSB
Lewis, C.S. The Screwtape Letters. 2nd ed. Newyork: The macmillan Company, 1964. 185-11. Print.
Riche, Joanie. “Anyone Not Afraid of the Truth” 10 Oct. 2007. www.goodreads.com Community Review Web- 8 Jan. 2014. http:www.goodreads.com/book/show//7383917-the-screwtape-letters>.
Watkins, Duff. “The Screwtape Letters and Procress Theism.” Process Studies Vol. 8. Num 2. Summer 1972. p.114-118.

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