Screwtape Analysis Revision

Ad Hominem Inspiration

In The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, an experienced demon, Screwtape, asserts with disdain that the “Enemy wants to turn the man’s attention away from self to Him” (70). The irony of this statement is that Screwtape’s criticisms draw the reader’s attention even more to God in a positive way. In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s character to trigger meaningful responses towards God.  

First, Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks prompt deeper thoughts in response to God’s nature. At the beginning of the book, Screwtape expresses a disgust of Jesus’ fully God-fully human nature (Lewis 2). Jesus’ human nature allows Him to truly understand the feelings, difficulties, and needs of humans. Furthermore, it is a reminder of Jesus’ grace seen in His purpose for coming to earth--to redeem mankind through His life, death, and resurrection. Later, Screwtape pinpoints God’s protective power as a reason for difficulties with leading people astray (34). Through this blaming of God, a reader can see that God has total sovereignty and omnipotence to help humans during temptation. Also, Screwtape’s contempt towards God’s love of each unique human being sparks thoughts about His endless love and creativity (65). God creatively crafted every person with different physical and character traits, yet loves everyone the same. Many of Screwtape’s criticism’s draw more attention to and provide a deeper understanding of God’s glorious attributes.

Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s desires help to build a deeper understanding of God’s perfect will and plan. For example, the criticism of God’s desire for humans to be His “‘free’ lovers” and servants could spark a new appreciation and understanding of God’s purpose for believers (Lewis 7). Also, Screwtape expresses a disgust of God’s wanting to honor those who do His will (23). This disgust serves as a reminder that living for God will always be worth it, even when it feels like God is allowing many hardships to happen. Additionally, by pointing out how awful it is that God wants humans to be conscious of their actions, Screwtape is directing readers to a self-evaluation that would enable them to honor God more (25). Several times, Screwtape’s disdain for God’s desires provides insight on the proper focus of a Christian’s life.

Finally, Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s actions, or supposed lack thereof, spark an appreciation of the free will and personal relationship that God offers. Through Screwtape’s criticism that God is much “inferior” when using “practical propaganda,” the reader can come to an appreciation that God does not manipulate thoughts (Lewis 2). This could result in a person elevating God in praise for allowing humans to have free will. Screwtape also expresses extreme distaste of God’s ability to communicate with humans (3). This points out the advantage that believers have over evil because of the personal relationship and two-way communication they have with God. Christians can take comfort in the truth that God does not make them face the temptations and wickedness of the world alone. Much later in the book, Screwtape is very upset that God made the patient immune to temptations aimed at destroying his purity (105). This section serves as a great reminder that God can empower Christians to have the strength and courage to withstand temptations in thought and action. Screwtape’s criticisms of God’s character-revealing actions repeatedly point out many relationship-driven blessings that believers can thank God for.

Overall, Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem assaults against God’s character to inspire earnest and worthwhile reactions towards God. Criticisms of “the Enemy” capture attention before sparking a greater understanding and appreciation of God. Ultimately, this should lead the reader to a deeper relationship with God.

Works Cited

Lewis, Clive S. The Screwtape Letters. New York: HarperCollins, 1996. Print.

Screwtape Analysis

In his book, The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against “the Enemy” to encourage deeper thinking about God.  Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks prompt deeper thoughts about God’s nature. At the beginning of the book, Screwtape expresses a disgust of Jesus’ fully God-fully human nature (Lewis 2). Jesus’ human nature allows Him to truly understand the feelings, difficulties, and needs of humans. Furthermore, it is a reminder of Jesus’ grace seen in His purpose for coming to earth--to redeem mankind through His life, death, and resurrection. Later, Screwtape pinpoints God’s protective power as a reason for difficulties with leading people astray (34). Through this blaming of God, a reader can see that God has total sovereignty and omnipotence to help humans during temptation. Also, Screwtape’s contempt towards God’s love of each unique human being sparks thoughts about His endless love and creativity (65). God creatively crafted every person with different physical and character traits, yet loves everyone the same. Many of Screwtape’s criticism’s draw more attention to and provide a deeper understanding of God’s glorious attributes.

Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s desires inspire thoughts of God’s perfect will and plan. For example, the criticism of God’s desire for humans to be His “‘free’ lovers” and servants could spark a new appreciation and understanding of God’s purpose for believers (Lewis 7). Also, Screwtape expresses disgust of God’s wanting to honor those who do His will (23). This disgust serves as a reminder that living for God will always be worth it, even when it feels like

God is allowing many hardships to happen. Additionally, by pointing out how awful it is that God wants humans to be conscious of their actions, Screwtape is directing readers to a self-evaluation that would enable them to honor God more (25). Screwtape’s disdain for God’s desires provides insight on the proper focus of a Christian’s life.

Finally, Screwtape’s ad hominem attacks against God’s actions, or supposed lack thereof, sparks an appreciation for the free will and personal relationship that God offers. Through Screwtape’s criticism that God is much “inferior” when using “practical propaganda,” the reader can come to an appreciation that God does not manipulate thoughts (Lewis 2). This could result in a person elevating God in praise for allowing humans to have free will. In addition, Screwtape expresses extreme distaste towards God’s ability to communicate with humans (3). This points out the advantage believers have over evil because of the personal relationship and two-way communication they have with God. Much later in the book, Screwtape is very upset that God made the patient immune to temptations aimed at destroying his purity (105). This section serves as a great reminder that God can empower Christians so that they will have the strength and courage to withstand temptations in thought and action. Overall, Lewis uses Screwtape’s ad hominem assaults to capture attention before igniting a greater comprehension and appreciation of God.

Works Cited

Lewis, Clive S. The Screwtape Letters. New York: HarperCollins, 1996. Print.

Screwtape Conclusion

Chapter 29: Courage (161-2)
Chapter 30: Fatigue (166)
Chapter 31: God’s Upperhand (175)

Screwtape 26-28

Chapter 26: Relationship Problems (141)

Chapter 27: “Heads I win, tails you lose” (148)

Chapter 28: Prosperity (155)

Once again, I'm sorry for the background noise. When I listened to the recording earlier, I didn't hear it.

Screwtape 22-25

Chapter 22: "Deadly Odor" (119)
Chapter 23: “Christianity and politics”(126-7)
Chapter 24: Pride
Chapter 25: Pleasure and Desire (137)

Sorry for the background noises. I don't have a good microphone.

Chapters XVI-XVIII Questions

Church brings “...people of different classes and psychology together in the kind of unity the Enemy desires.”  Why is this such a problem for Screwtape?  
Screwtape desires that people either be indifferent towards or roaming between churches, focusing more on the "taste" instead of the experience itself (81). However, a unified and welcoming church family would allow the believer to experience and participate in church as it should be--one accepting and united body of Christians growing, worshiping, and fellowshipping together. This type of church encourages the opposite of indifference and complacency. Rather, it encourages the believer to continue to attend (instead of roaming), get involved with the fellow church members, and have a discerning, yet open mindset aimed towards growth.

Describe your ideal church.  
While the church campus would be taken care of and look presentable, it would be more about its intangible characteristics. It would be a church characterized by passion and love for God, hospitality, prayer, worship that is wholly focused on bringing glory to God, acceptance of all people groups, constant growth, support of missions, and community outreach. Anyone who sets foot on the campus would sense the love of God and be welcomed.

“...all I want....”  What are your reactions to this sin?
My first reaction was to consider if I use the "all I want" excuse to justify gluttony. Honestly, I'm not a picky eater, so the "all I want" excuse would not apply to me and food. In fact, the mother's mindset seems kind of weird and sad to me since I have a different way of thinking. If I were on the receiving end of this type of situation, I would probably be amused, cater to the person's wishes (if I was feeling generous), question the person's attitude (in my mind), just brush it off and continue on, or offer some type of verbal retort. However, I am guilty of using an "all I want" type of excuse in other situations that don't involve gluttony.


“...insatiable demand for the exact, and almost impossible, palatal pleasures which she imagines she remembers from the past.” Gone are the days “...when her sense were more easily pleased and she had pleasures of other kinds which made her less dependent on those of the table.”  What does this mean?
This statement is showing that the mother's life has been overtaken by an obsession with having food just the way she recalls it in her idealized memories. She is never satisfied and never will be.

Why would God want “complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy” for us?  
God established marriage as a totally devoted relationship between husband and wife. "Complete abstinence" is a way of being totally devoted to a spouse even before marriage. In addition, even if a person will be single for life, God still wants that person to be pure. God really cares about us and knows that if we don't have "complete abstinence," we can suffer from emotional scars and physical consequences. God wants us to have "unmitigated monogamy" to preserve the sanctity of the marriage relationship. God joins a husband and wife as "one flesh" (95). If a person has "complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy," he or she remains pure and devoted to both God and spouse.

Define “being in love.”
According to Screwtape, "being in love" is "the blend of affection, fear, and desire...that makes marriage either happy or holy" (96). It is a general phrase, at times used lightly and falsely,  which characterizes a relationship that should be lasting and devoted.

Chapters XII-XV Questions

What is the “safest road to Hell”?  Do you agree or disagree?
The "safest road to Hell" is the one in which a person drifts away from God slowly and undetected (61). I agree that a growing apathy towards honoring God is the "safest road to Hell" in the demon's perspective. It's similar to that myth about how a frog can be boiled to death if a person slowly increases the water's temperature. If the change was not gradual, then the frog would have jumped out. Basically, if i were to slowly draw away from God (which I have before), then I wouldn't really care about the dangerous changes in my life. I end up living in a fantasy, convincing myself that I can love God in my skewed mind even if my heart isn't truly into it. If I don't recognize that I am going down a bad path, then I would probably never stop. However, if I were to make an extreme choice to turn away from God, like turning to a drug addiction, I would be more likely to reach a "pit," realize the emptiness and error of my ways, and turn back to God because He is the only source of redemption.

What is the role of “nothing” and “small sins”?  What does that mean for you?
The "small sins" are subtle and seemingly inconsequential actions that slowly lead people to "the Nothing," which is a state of apathy towards God (60-61). This reminds me that I really need to be careful about decisions that I make because even small things can drastically alter my relationship with God. In all things, God must be my priority. One specific application would be making sure that I read the Bible often and with and open and searching mind. It's so easy to just quickly read over a passage, making way for other things to become my idols because God isn't truly first in my life.

“When He talks of their losing their selves, He only means abandoning the clamour of self-will; once they have done that, He really gives them back all their personality, and boasts (I am afraid, sincerely) that when they are wholly His they will be more themselves than ever.”  What does this mean to you?
This reminds me of that verse in which Jesus says that if any man will go after Him, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Jesus. It shows that when I surrender to God and put off my own desires, I can experience true freedom and life to the fullest. True freedom, joy, and passion are not found by doing what I want; they are found by pursuing God.

Wormwood says that he will “...eradicate from my patient any strong personal taste which is not actually a sin, even if it is something quite trivial such as a fondness for country cricket or collecting stamps or drinking cocoa.”  What strong personal tastes do you have, even if they seem to be trivial?
Some of my "strong personal tastes" on the negative side include a dislike of slugs, snails, centipedes, and littering. Some of my "strong personal tastes" on the positive side include an appreciation of plants, the sky, celestial bodies, rain, chantilly from Liliha Bakery (and a lot of other food), the uniqueness of violas (over violins), chopsticks (over forks), the colors blue and orange, and instrumentals.

Give a contemporary example of each of the following: “You should always try to make the patient abandon the people or food or books he really likes in favour of the "best" people, the "right" food, the "important" books. I have known a human defended from strong temptations to social ambition by a still stronger taste for tripe and onions.”
In regards to people: Someone might ignore, not stand up for, or make fun of a quirky friend in order to be accepted by the popular/"in" crowd.
In regards to food: If coworkers go out to eat lunch together, one might order a salad to appear more healthy, when actually that person really wants a juicy burger and fries.
In regards to books: A person might read a book that contains a lot of inappropriate and corrupting content because it is popular, and he/she does not want to appear prudish.

Which human said “...active habits are strengthened by repetition but passive ones are weakened”?
Joseph Butler said this in The Analogy of Religion.

What are three “real positive Pleasures” in your life?  Why are they such pleasures?
I enjoy playing music as a way to thankfully use the ability that God has given me. I enjoy looking at and being in the midst of nature to appreciate God's amazing handiwork in this world. I enjoy reading as a way to exercise the mind and imagination that God has given the author and me.

“...kill their animal self-love as soon as possible...to restore to them a new kind of self-love - a charity and gratitude for all selves.”  Define your self-love.
I aim to avoid bragging and grabbing attention for the sake of impressing others. At the same time, I'm not the type of person who always puts myself down in order to get others to tell me otherwise (but I still need to watch out for the false humility that Lewis mentions earlier in the chapter). I also believe that every other person is valued and loved by God. I believe that everyone deserves respect, so I try to be kind to others.

Chapters IX-XI Questions

Why do our “trough periods” make us so vulnerable?  Is this applicable to you?
"Trough periods" are dangerous because we lack the vigor to resist temptation, therefore being more likely to give in to evil and turn our backs on God (43). This is very applicable to me. When I feel energized and "on fire for God," I feel more motivated to do what's pleasing to Him. Generally, I'm more patient with family members and accomplish necessary tasks more quickly and with a better attitude. However, when I'm feeling down and tired, I lack discipline. I get more easily annoyed with family and do things with a half-hearted or bad attitude.

What beautiful truth about pleasure does Screwtape share?  Make a list of pleasures.  
Pleasures are made by God alone. However, those pleasures can be twisted and used as a means to disobey and displease God (44).
1. Food-God has blessed me with sustenance that can also be a source of creativity and enjoyment. However, food can become an addiction that will harm my body, which is a "temple of God."
2. Music- Music, whether lyrical or instrumental, can communicate deep messages. Those messages can be positive or negative, and it is up to me to decide what type of music I will let into my mind.
3. The Internet- God has provided humans with the knowledge to invent and use the Internet. It can be a really helpful tool for finding information, communicating, and viewing random things for enjoyment. However, people can post almost anything on the Internet, so I have to be careful about what I see. Even if I accidentally encounter something inappropriate, I must have the discipline to either report it or leave the site.

What are your thoughts regarding “parallel lives”?  What does this mean to you?
I think that the concept of acting differently in different situations and with different people is a very common struggle. It is a problem that I have been trying to overcome for a long time. After my youth pastor talked about "being genuine" and "living one life," I knew that I had a problem with acting differently in different situations. After some thought, I concluded that it's not always a bad thing to act differently during certain situations. For example, I obviously shouldn't be addressing a superior or more respected person in the same way that I would address friends and family. However, living "parallel lives" does get dangerous if I am compromising my standards in one situation, yet acting "proper and good" in the other situation. I have to continually make sure that I'm not living a compromising "parallel life." I realize that living a half-good, half-bad type of life is even more dangerous than living an all-out bad one.

What are your thoughts on music and joy after reading this chapter?
It makes a lot of sense that music and joy are interrelated and that the demons hate both (53-54). True joy only comes from God. It exists despite trying circumstances because God is always there to provide it. Music, when not being twisted to lead people down dark paths, can be a great source of worship and glory to God. That connection and reverence to God is something that those who don't have a right relationship with God can never quite understand.