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.