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.
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