This inventive and witty satire consists of letters purportedly written by a demon named Screwtape, offering advice on how best to ensure the damnation of a human soul. Though it is an old book— Lewis wrote it (and it is set) during World War II— it is just as relevant to a 21st century audience as to those who read it over 75 years ago. What shines through the most to me is Lewis’ amazing wisdom and insight into human nature and the nature of good and evil. Lewis sees through temptations into the core issues involved and then explains it all to us through the pen of the fictional Screwtape. It is therefore an excellent source for Christians to go to for knowledge of the real devil’s strategy and tactics. The only major temptation missing here, as Christian writer Steve Farrar points out, is the attempt to keep people from studying the Bible. We never see Screwtape urge his nephew to keep his “patient” (the man he’s tempting) from God’s Word— yet this is surely a major part of the devil’s strategy in real life.
The edition I read also includes a speech by Screwtape, called “Screwtape Proposes a Toast,” written in 1959. Lewis imagines here what Screwtape would say at a graduation ceremony of demons about to go out on their first assignments. Lewis, through the mouth of Screwtape, explains the dangers of excess in democracy (resulting in evil and injustice), especially in our educational system. Lewis even posits an interesting theory of why the United States fell behind the Russians at the beginning of the Space Race in the late 1950’s.
One thing to keep in mind when reading this book is the “demonic” authorship. What Screwtape loves, Lewis means us to hate; what the demon hates, we should love; what he thinks is good, we should abhor and vice-versa. Also, demons aren’t exactly known for telling the truth, so in a few cases, Screwtape’s descriptions and judgements may not be entirely accurate. Nevertheless, Lewis has made Screwtape’s observations mostly very accurate, so as to explain truth through the demon’s pen. Not that Christians (let alone non-believers) are likely to agree with everything Lewis says. I certainly don’t, but my disagreements with him are very few and far between. To me, this is still one of the greatest books I’ve ever read; a great guide to truth, temptation, human nature, good and evil, and even reason. I highly recommend it!
(posted for John W.)
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