The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters
by C.S. Lewis

1. Would you Recommend this Book?
I’m not sure there’s anything by C.S. Lewis that I wouldn’t highly recommend, but this one may
be my favorite.

2. What is the Main Point?
The main point of this book is Lewis trying to illustrate the subtle and often unexpected ways
that the devil attacks and tempts us. The author is Screwtape, a more experienced demon,
writing to a demon who is newer (Wormwood) and learning how to deal with a human that he’s
been assigned to. In his brilliant fashion, Lewis speaks from our enemy’s perspective and brings
to life many various strategies and goals of Satan over us. This book brings the battle against
the devil to life and it has shaped the way I think about my own battle greatly.

3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?
No. Read it all. There will be some chapters that really impact you today, and then entirely
different chapters when you reread this book in a few years.

4. Why does this book Matter?
It has been said that the devil’s greatest weapon is convincing people that he doesn’t exist,
because if they knew he existed then they’d prepare themselves for the fight and not be
shocked by the things going on. Adam, David and I have begun saying, “You aren’t fooling
anybody Screwtape,” as a way of calling out things that appear to be the Devil’s efforts.

5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?” (Include Length)
I always struggle with this question for C.S. Lewis books, he is the kind of author that is so much
fun to read, but he is also the kind that you can read 5 times and hear something new every
time that knocks you backward because of his depth and profundity; this is especially true of this
book. I’m not sure how many times I have read it but each time it blows me away.

6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?
If you have not read C.S. Lewis, you need to start today. He was the greatest Christian writer of
the 20th century.

7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?
There is a spiritual battle going on for my soul, be on guard! “Be sober-minded, be watchful.
Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist
him, firm in your faith.”

8. What was One point of Disagreement?
Some argue that Lewis’s portrayal makes it seem like this is definitely the case in reality, that
there is indeed a demon assigned to each human; however, he makes it clear in the introduction
that this is not his goal, and there is biblical reason to justify such a depiction.

9. What are any other things that stood out to You?
I remember the first time I read this book, the letter responding to Wormwood rejoicing because
his assignment has gotten sick and is not doing well stood out to me most, because Screwtape
chastises Wormwood for his simple mindedness, reminding him the goal is not to wound this
man’s body but his relationship to the Creator, and often sickness and pain does the opposite.

10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one
to read first to help with this one?
I always struggle to decide with Lewis book to recommend to people first, but normally it comes
down to this one or Mere Christianity. Read them both.