wildvirgogirl's Full Review: C. S. Lewis - The Screwtape Letters: Anniversery E...
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A Brief Biography
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963), scholar and spiritual writer
The youngest of two boys, "Jack" Lewis was raised in Belfast, Ireland by his parents, Albert and Flora. He and his elder brother, Warren, were encouraged to read literature as small children. At the age of ten, this activity became a comfort to Jack when he lost his mother to cancer. A good student, Jack excelled in school and eventually was awarded a scholarship to University College in Oxford in 1916.
Unfortunately, due to WWI his academics were cut short and he was sent to fight as a second lieutenant in Somerset. After a brief illness and stay in hospital, however, he was dismissed from the military. An Agnostic, Lewis returned to Oxford and completed his studies there in 1925, going on to become a Fellow of English Language and Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford.
During this time, though, his views about Christianity began to change primarily due to engrossing discussions he'd been having with J.R.R. Tolkien and others in his circle. As a result of his spiritual conversion, Lewis wrote The Screwtape Letters for a publication called The Guardian, which was received with mixed reviews during WWII. When the book of these Letters was published in 1942, he dedicated it to his friend, Tolkien.
Preface
In the preface, Lewis was quick to point out that this collection was written from his point of view regarding angels and devils and that not all readers might agree with him. As Screwtape, he was merely trying to shed light from a new angle on an age-old topic and since no one could prove his view true nor false, he figured it was okay that he go ahead and speak his mind.
Over the years, Lewis tried to answer common questions that evolved as the work was distributed around the globe. For example, he explained that he believed Satan was the opposite of the Archangel Michael. Therefore, there could not possibly be an opposite to God. He believed that the devils of Hell were originally angels of Heaven who, through their abuse of free will, were demoted to their status as evil tempters.
This preface, written in 1960, helps the reader create a framework for what s/he is about to digest within the coming pages.
The Screwtape Letters
Screwtape, the Abysmal Sublimity Undersecretary, penned all of the thirty-one letters, each only four to five pages in length. Though not dated, they are all addressed to his nephew, Wormwood, and open with the same affectionate line "My dear Wormwood."
Wormwood, a recent graduate and junior tempter from the Training College of Hell, has been sent to Earth as an evil spirit to take care of his 'patient', a young man whose soul is at stake throughout the story line.
Though none of Wormwood's letters appear in the book, the reader can easily get the gist of his sophomoric, and sometimes downright idiotic, handling of his human. He is frequently admonished by Screwtape for his lackluster performance within his barbed wire replies.
And, with this in mind, the fun for the reader begins.... The 'Enemy' is the Archangel Michael. 'Our Father Below' is Satan. 'The Oppressor' is God. The 'High Command' represents the Administrative Offices in Hell... and so on and so on. Everything is topsy-turvy at the start, but once the reader twists their mind to follow the story, it actually becomes quite a witty tale in its unraveling.
Lewis' ability to draw the reader in leaves one wondering whether Wormwood will become a successful tempter. I found it next to impossible to put the book down until I'd finished the final page.
The Lessons
Written for children, this fictional account deals with many issues stemming from the Christian faith. Predominantly, Lewis is concerned with Temptation and Vice, but each Letter deals with an issue important to living a healthy and happy existence, in both the Present and the Eternal, such as: Charity, Grace, Humility, Love, Prayer, Relationships, the Church, and other related topics.
Lewis' ability to teach these lessons shines. As Screwtape, he does not leave the reader questioning the evil deeds, nor does he leave out the consequences of those choices. The Letters speak to the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual states each of us must manage in our daily living.
Conclusion
Though probably best known for his works Mere Christianity (1952) and The Chronicles of Narnia (a children's adventure series written from 1950-56), Lewis' international fame came from The Screwtape Letters. With this tantalizing work of fiction, he was recognized as one who wished to remain outside of the arena of disputes concerning religion. Rather, he worked at finding the similarities among us, whether one be Agnostic, Anglican, Atheist, Baptist, Buddhist, Jewish, Mormon, Roman Catholic, or what-have-you.
The Screwtape Letters deals with the human condition and encourages the reader to do the same in their everyday living. I highly recommend you take time to examine this work. You might just find yourself re-examining your principles... and making positive changes in your life as a result.
Wormwood, a demon apprentice, has been given his first earthly assignment---secure the damnation of a young man whos just become a Christian. He seeks...More at Christianbook.com
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