The Screwtape Letters

Rating:
Summary: Think you know what's going on? Not unless you read this!
Review: Wow. That's the only way to describe this book. C.S. Lewis has provided us with an insight most of us have either missed by ignorance, or choice. I had know idea how easily I (we) can be duped by the subtlety of tempation. We are truly sheep among the wolves. I must admit, I laughed, emabarassingly , at nearly every page of this book! If you are to fight an enemy, shouldnt' you know the enemy? Well, here's the ememies playbook, take a good look and run with it! God Bless!

Rating:
Summary: temptation and morality: a demons point of view
Review: The stories in the Screwtape Letters are a very interesting collection of articles written by C. S. Lewis, compiled from "The Guardian", a magazine that existed in England during the mid 20th century. Each article, or chapter, addresses specific issues of morality and immorality, explaining from a demons point of view how a demon goes about tempting their victims into sin. It takes the form of an experienced devil (Screwtape) writing advice letters to a less experienced demon about how he should go about his work of temptation. Some chapters deal with topics such as materialism, vanity and worldly friends, humility, and more. As is usual for Mr. Lewis, the charm in which these articles were written make them all the more worth while when you realize how pertinent they really are as they relate to human interaction with fallen angels. Whether or not you agree with his contructed world and society of the demons within this book will not matter concerning how utterly useful it is in its' intended purpose: opening our eyes to our tempters. There are 31 chapters (called letters), varying in length, but averaging 4 (give or take a page) pages long (pending on edition).

Here's a brief quote:


"...your man has now discovered the dangerous truth that these attacks don't last forever; consequently you cannot use again what is, after all, our best weapon - the belief of ignorant humans that there is no hope of getting rid of us except by yielding."

Rating:
Summary: If you love a great read, SCREWTAPE is for you!
Review: Practically everyone I've ever discussed books with has read and loved THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS -- and that covers everyone from high school literature students to retired truck drivers. It is perhaps the most concise masterpiece I know, can be devoured in one evening or in a few quick breaks, and is so packed with insight that you can find fresh ideas in it even after multiple re-readings. Best of all, this book can give you a new perspective on the little ways evil can manifest in some of the most seemingly innocent aspects of everyday life. That Lewis could make all this accessible and humorous at the same time is what sets SCREWTAPE apart. The addition of "Screwtape Proposes a Toast" adds to the wisdom, as well as the fun, of this marvelous book. The all-too-believeable character of Screwtape grows more real in the "Toast" -- because he's even more clearly a reflection of the corporate/political/social evil we've come to accept as part of our world. If you haven't had the pleasure, you owe yourself this one.

Rating:
Summary: Kind of a scary insight into Hell, when you think about it.
Review: Screwtape, a mid-level bureaucrat in Hell, is coaching his nephew, Wormwood--a recent graduate from the Tempters College fresh on his first job as the tempter to a youngish English man who still lives with his mother, but begins dating a young woman must as World War II breaks out. The first letter begins with Screwtape chiding Wormwood for allowing his "patient" to become a Christian.

Lewis was given a fair amount of criticism when these letters first were published in the "Guardian" in the 1940's. Most of this criticism was from somewhat dense people who didn't realize Lewis was joking. They actually thought Lewis was trying to get people over to the Devil's side. Lewis' intent was just the opposite.

I enjoyed the book, but found it somewhat scary. I am also a government bureaucrat and some of Screwtape's verbiage is very familiar to me!

The best insight I gleaned from the book was one passage where Wormwood is complaining his "patient" is not committing any large, grandiose sins. Screwtape advises his nephew that it doesn't really matter how bad the sin is, only that it is a sin. It helps Screwtape and his fellow minions if their "patients" don't realize the "gentle path, soft underfoot" on which they are traveling is really going downhill.

Makes you think.

Rating:
Summary: Screwtape is powerful and gripping stuff!
Review: As the elder demon reveals how to draw a mortal away from God I found myself in his words! I could understand and was convicted by my own temptations and then knew from whence they came. I will come back to these letters again and again and again and aga...............

Rating:
Summary: Fun to read
Review: Interestingly enough, this is one of Lewis's more popular books, yet it was the only one he did not enjoy composing. Constantly making wrong look right, good look bad, and turning things "upside down" eventually grew wearisome for the author. Fortunately, none of that weariness shows through in this penetrating and often humorous look at human nature. Short chapters (letters) make this book easy to read, too. There is a timeless quality about the subjects Screwtape raises in the letters to his nephew, Wormwood, that will keep this book "contemporary" for ages.

Rating:
Summary: Read the Screwtape Letters again and again
Review:

I was introduced to the Screwtape Letters when I was a child. I always liked reading C. S. Lewis books. I devoured the Chronicles of Narnia in less than a month. After that I started looking for any books I could find by Lewis. That's how I found the Screwtape Letters.

This book contains what are supposed to be "demonic communications." A series of letters written by a greater demon, Screwtape, to his underling, Wormwood. Lewis doesn't tell us how he came into possession of these letters.

Apparently, Wormwood is assigned to torment a human; which they call a "patient." Screwtape gives him pointers on how to turn this human away from the cause of Christ. It's a very weighty book for a ten-year-old to read, but I have come back to the book again as an adult.

The screwtape letters is a good read, I am enjoying reading it a second time. It reminds us that there really are fallen angels out there who don't want us to work for the cause of Christ.

Rating:
Summary: An insightful look into the mind of the enemy, Satan.
Review: C. S. Lewis is considered one of the greatest apologists and Christian writers of the twentieth century. His originality, imagination and trenchant wisdom have enamoured millions of readers for more than 50 years. The Screwtape Letters is certainly in the top tier of Lewis' works.

The book is a compilation of letters written by Screwtape, a senior demon, and addressed to Wormwood, a lesser demon and apprentice of Screwtape. In each letter Screwtape offers Wormwood advice for the effectual corruption and moral degradation of his human subjects. Not only does his advice give insight into the character and possible strategies of demonic beings, but it also delicately reveals the essence of virtue: the desire to please God. Screwtape encourages Wormwood to hide from his subjects these nuggets of spiritual wisdom by offering instead specious substitutes. In short, The Screwtape Letters is a treatise on the deceptive arguements used by Satan and his contemporaries to prevent humans from receiving the knowledge of God.

Lewis' ingenuity and cleverness captivate the reader by opening a window to the mind of the enemy, replete with all of the posturing, hatred, and horror that is characteristic of those not only seperated from God, but willingly engaged in opposition to Him. This is a must-read book for all those that are actively participating in the daily battle.

Rating:
Summary: An enlightening journey through the forces of darkness.
Review: The Screwtape Letters: The Screwtape Letters is a series of fictional letters of correspondence between elder demon Screwtape and Junior demon, Wormwood. The purpose of this correspondence is to tutor young Wormwood in the art of corrupting and leading astray humanity from God. Like a fly on the wall, the reader feels like an uninvited guest, privy to 'Top Secret' information of the highest order, or perhaps, 'lowest order', considering the parties involved. . More than just an entertaining picture of the netherealm, this book actually provides usefull insights into the way we humans live our lives. Often oblivious of the forces that surround us, a sometimes disturbing view is painted of the quiet, yet active influences that shape our destinies. As you journey throught the world of demonic personalities you start to see present reality expand beyond its visible, known boundaries. You may at times find yourself laugh at the inept, yet diabolical maneuvers that are hatched in the dark abode of Screwtape and Wormwood. In conclusion, 'The Screwtape Letters' is a tasty read that can truly be called "Soul" food! Paul Solomon [e-mail]

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Summary: Screwtape Comes to Life Under Cleese's Power
Review: C.S. Lewis has done a magnificent job of giving us the devil's perspective on temptation. By this method, we understand better the nature of our own temptation.

While The Screwtape Letters are a pleasure to read, Screwtape himself comes to life in this recording by John Cleese (of Monty Python).

Hilarious, moving and never boring, this is without execption the BEST recorded book performance I've ever heard. Even if you have no desire to experience Lewis' text, Cleese's performance alone is worth the price.

Your Nephew,
Wormwood