Books in Review: The Screwtape Letters

From the time I read this book for the first time at the end of my senior year of high school, it has been one of my all-time favorites. C.S. Lewis has always been one of my favorite authors, but this is by far one of his best. Although it is written as a work of fiction, its insights into the battles in the heavenly realms are compelling and powerful. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12, as long as they are good readers. If you have any other questions about this book, or other works by C.S. Lewis, just ask ~ Bethel

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​In the world we live in today, spiritual warfare is going on all around us. But it’s not just going on in the world at large; it’s also warring around the soul of each person on this earth. Sometimes, we are aware of when we are under attack by Satan. But most of the time, we are not aware of how the Enemy works in small ways throughout our day-to-day lives. These small victories can often lead to large footholds, and we didn’t really see it coming. This makes us struggle to believe that we have been shown grace through Jesus Christ and makes us doubt in our own salvation. And we get stuck in this exact same cycle over and over again. It makes us ask the question: is there a way to us to understand the tactics of the Enemy so we can stand up against it?

​In his famous novel, C.S. Lewis explodes to answer this question in a way that’s not only satirical, but also very applicable to our lives. The Screwtape Letters shows fictional letters written by an experienced, world-wise demon Screwtape to his inexperienced demon nephew Wormwood. Since Wormwood is constantly asking his uncle for advice, Screwtape answers with the tactics and strategies they use to tempt or deceive for “Our Father Below”. You follow along as Wormwood continually attempts to tempt a young man who becomes a Christian, but despite the best advice of Screwtape, does not succeed in having victory over his soul or keeping this man away from “The Enemy” (their name for God). All of this is done within the fictional and satirical setting that makes it easier to process, but also presents its powerful message. It’s rather incredible to think that Lewis was able to get into the mindset of the other side, and it seems that even he was rather surprised at how easily it came to him. What resulted was one of the best representations of the spiritual warfare ever written, and can give anyone that takes the time to read it a powerful tool to stand up against the tactics of Satan, so that then you can help others do the same. Being such a beloved classic, you can easier find it in bookstores everywhere, so get your hands on a copy today!

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Teen Rating. I read it when I was 18. If a teen understands the concept of spiritual warfare, then I think this is a good read for them

Personal Rating. This book is one of the best fictions I've ever read. I highly recommend it

Another Great Resource

​A great version of this story is available in audio book form by Focus on the Family Radio Theater. In this version, they took each of the letters in the book and dramatized it in different settings as conversions between Screwtape and Wormwood. Starring Andy Serkis (the actor who played Gollum in The Lord the of Rings) as the voice of Screwtape, and including songs inspired by the book as well as a behind the scenes DVD, this is a great resource to enjoy this book in a whole new way.