I just finished reading C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters." Really good read. I wanted to share some thoughts and hopefully generate some discussion on the book, if anyone else has read it.
There were a few "aha" moments as I read through this renowned work. I think the reason that I enjoy reading Lewis so much is that he simplifies otherwise complicated arguments and dimensions. That does not mean it was always easy to read. I had to stop a lot of times and try to reorient my thinking with that of the tempter and the tempter's uncle.
The most fascinating thing for me as I read the book was the glimpse into the possible strategies that Satan might employ to take us out.
Lewis is always writing to surprise and often catch Christians off guard. At one point, the elder demon tells the younger that as the patient is slipping away from them to becoming a Christian, they still have hope for catching him in the most beautiful and evil of all sins-spiritual pride. As we remember on the gospels and Christ's persistence with the Pharisees, it is this sin which he seems to rebuke the most, and I appreciate Lewis for putting such an emphasis on it. Self-righteousness has the power to catch us all, and it brings such satisfaction and good feelings at the time of its conception in our hearts that for me, it often builds a nest without my knowledge.
Another thing that Lewis points out through his demons is the danger of acquiescence in human relationships, particularly that of the marriage relationship. The elder demon advises the younger that while they may have missed their window to get the patient to commit immorality with the woman he is courting, they still have a chance to trap them in marriage. The trap is this-both of them will, in their zeal to make the other happy, constantly give concessions to the other. For instance, "I don't want to do this, but he wants it so I must give up my own desires and fall prostrate to his." While noble sounding (and often touted as Paul's "quiet submission"), this kind of false humility actually serves the demons well as they produce in each the husband and the wife a type of self-centered martyrdom for the other person, thereby creating a chance for pride the next time a conflict comes up (i.e. "I gave a concession last time, he should concede to me this time).
As a newly married couple, my wife and I spoke of our desire not to fall prey to this kind of false humility and to state what we want in no uncertain terms and work from there. This kind of clarity and honesty in marriage is, I believe, what God desires-humble submission and love; not constant concession that breeds bitterness. Of course, this brings up the need for a Christian marriage post on the blog that I do not feel yet qualified to undertake (Wests?).
Anyway, if you haven't read "The Screwtape Letters," I highly recommend it. It's not an academic read and it's only a little philosophical but it's more practical and thought-provoking than anything (like much of Lewis).
I'm reading Bonhoeffer's "Ethics" right now. It's a monster. Probably won't finish for a while...good so far though!
1 comment:
I really enjoyed this post. It is so interesting to me that both your points for Satan's strategies had to do with self righteousness, in a way. It's is so tough to tackle because, like you said, it catches us off guard! How can we be more vigilant about it, I wonder? Is it just a commitment to honesty? And, how can you help others overcome self righteousness (or any other sin for that matter,) without gaining religious pride from it yourself?
PS -- So excited that you posted, John! Can't wait to read about ol' Dietrich. (I always wonder if we're related somehow.)
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