I've been rereading "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. This would be my sixth reading of said book. It is probably unlike any other I have read. To say it is peculiar would be an understatement.
If you're unfamiliar with the book, in short, it is a series of letters from Screwtape, an older, more experienced tempter, or devil, to his nephew, Wormwood. He would correctly be described as an apprentice tempter. Screwtape attempts to teach Wormwood the proper way to bring a soul, his "patient," into perdition.
Although I don't agree with all of the theology that is expressed in this, as Lewis might call it, "supposal," I find myself continually enthralled and inspired by the insight it gives concerning the world of temptation surrounding myself and the other poor occupants of this planet. (I suppose even Lewis considered some aspects of it only as useful to manifest the point and not necessarily an attempt to be dogmatically sound doctrinally.)
Beyond that, it has inspired me to write a series of posts on Face Book, as I am wont to do, concerning my thoughts about temptation and what I would do if the job were left up to me. I won't say that they are exactly original (what is?) and a perusal will, I think, bear witness to the inspiration derived from Lewis' deplorable and diabolical brain-child, Screwtape. Yet, I have made special effort to do more than merely paraphrase or, certainly not, plagiarize.
Would I have been a more successful tempter than Screwtape? I doubt so! Still, having failed in my life to so many both subtle and overt temptations, I feel myself to be somewhat of an expert in the field of temptation myself.
1. If I were the devil, whenever Christians read a book or heard a sermon about hypocrisy, or any other sin for that matter, I'd cause them to think of someone that it reminds them of so they'd never take it to heart and consider they might be the guilty party.
2. If I were the devil, I would have church people shout and dance and maybe even jump the pew. Then I'd tell them, if I couldn't keep them from thinking about it at all, that it's perfectly fine to sometimes just "praise the Lord" and not worry so much if no one was saved.
3. If I were the devil, I'd allow Christians all the deep thoughts about God they wanted, but would provoke them to be short-tempered with their family members, friends and coworkers.
4. If I were the devil, I'd have no problem with Christians accepting the basic tenets of Christianity, the virgin birth, the Trinity, the Resurrection, etc., as long as they accept them without questioning or examining them.
5. If I were the devil, I wouldn't worry so much about Christians believing they're forgiven as long as they still felt guilty.
6. If I were the devil, I wouldn't care how passionate Christians are as long as they are complacent about it.
7. If I were the devil, I wouldn't mind Christians seeking the Hands of God as long as they didn't seek His Face.
8. If I were the devil, I would encourage sinners to be skeptical about the Bible and especially God's love for them, but at the same time, I would encourage them to accept on the flimsiest of evidence and the word of total strangers anything that seems to contradict the testimony of the Scriptures or that might point to God's love and sacrifice for them.
9. If I were the devil, I wouldn't mind how much Christians study or even memorize the Bible as long as their purpose was to find ammunition to win an argument or merely to reaffirm the things they already believe.
10. If I were the devil, I wouldn't mind being second in your life as long as God is not first.
11. If I were the devil, I would tell American Christians that for a man to "take up his cross" doesn't actually mean any real pain, suffering or persecution and certainly doesn't mean death.
12. If I were the devil, I'd do my best to keep Christians locked in the past, thinking about how great things used to be. You know, like the Israelites always talked about how great things were back in Egypt.
13. If I were the devil, I would convince sinners that all religions are equally valuable. Then I would convince them that they are equally invaluable. (Then I would convince Christians of the same thing.)
14. If I were the devil, I wouldn't want people to fear me as much as ignore me. Better yet, if they simply believed I'm just a fairytale. You know, like the boogie man.
15. If I were the devil, I'd have Christians worrying more about sin and less about the destruction of souls.
16. If I were the devil, I wouldn't attack people with guilt and tell them they're bad. I'd make them feel good about themselves and tell them they're great!
17. If I were the devil, I'd either tell you you are not who you are or I would tell you are who you are.
18.If I were the devil, I'd get Christians to think only about the hurt others have caused them, but never about the hurt they have caused others.
19. If I were the devil, I'd not try to convince people there is no God as much as I'd try to convince them He just doesn't care.
20. If I were the devil, I wouldn't try so much to convince people that there is no such thing as sin as much as convince them that some sins aren't as bad as others.
21. If I were the devil, I wouldn't so much try to convince Christians not to live for Jesus, but that they shouldn't talk about Him for fear of being viewed as a hypocrite.
22. If I were the devil, I'd convince Christians that the individual is the "church" and not the congregation.
23. If I were the devil, I'd convince Christians not to ask any troubling questions and simply say, "We'll understand it better bye and bye." That way, I'd ensure they didn't get any troubling answers.
24. If I were the devil, I'd convince Christians that other Christians who don't agree with their interpretation of the Bible simply don't believe the Bible.
25. If I were the devil, I'd convince Christians that turning the education of their children over to the government is a great idea.
* added after initial publishing
(I probably missed some *)
Labels: C.S. Lewis, devil, God, Screwtape, Wormwood
1. I am your first love; love Me and Me alone.
