Notes on The Screwtape Letters 1-6

Offending folks

Letter 1

General notes:

The primary purpose of letter one is to direct the patient’s attention away from spiritual matters and focus it on the materialistic world we observe or read about daily.
1. The term “materialist” relates to two types of individuals or friends. On one level, it generally applies to individuals who emphasize material wealth, possessions, or physical things over spiritual, intellectual, or emotional aspects of life. Materialism can be seen as a belief or attitude that places a high value on acquiring and owning material goods or wealth. We see this addressed as follows “1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
2. On another philosophical and scientific level, materialism can also refer to a worldview that asserts the primacy of matter over mind or spirit. It suggests that everything in existence, including thoughts and consciousness, can be explained by physical interactions and properties of matter. This view is rooted in the 17^th and 18^th century era of Newtonian Physics.
3. 2Co 4: 16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

According to Strongs the inner man is our soul or conscience.

This also applies to our spiritual warfare.

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Col 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Note that C.S. Lewis was a voracious reader. Lewis read every single sixteenth-century book in Duke Humfrey’s Library, the oldest part of Oxford’s great Bodleian Library. Doubtless, he would have encountered much during the period of Newtonian Physics, where everything in science was settled based on the known nature of the subatomic level. Lewis would also have been aware of the unsettling origins of Quantum Mechanics that was disrupting our entire views of the subatomic world. Science was also discovering an entirely different view at the cosmic level. Lewis would also have read about the differing views on consciousness. Science has yet to fully understand consciousness, the unseen world, the sub-atomic world, or the cosmic universe.
1. Science has just recently discovered or realized the importance of empty space. Empty space, also referred to as vacuum or void, generally describes the absence of matter or substance in a given region. In the context of physics, empty space often refers to the space between celestial bodies, within atoms, or in the vast expanse of the universe where there is very low matter density. It also refers to the vast space between electrons and the nucleus within atoms.
  1. In classical physics, empty space was thought to be completely devoid of any properties. However, in modern physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, it’s understood that even seemingly empty space is not truly empty. Quantum fields, fluctuations, and virtual particles may exist, creating a dynamic and complex environment.
  2. The concept of empty space is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including astronomy, cosmology, and quantum physics, where it plays a significant role in understanding the nature of the universe at both macroscopic and microscopic scales.
  3. The phenomenon in quantum physics often associated with the observer effect on matter stems from wave-particle duality. It highlights that particles like electrons can exhibit wave-like and particle-like properties depending on whether they are being observed or measured. The act of observation or measurement seems to influence particles behavior, which has led to various interpretations and debates within the field of quantum mechanics. The famous double-slit experiment is often cited as a demonstration of this phenomenon. Many quantum physists believe that particles, even matter as we see it, is devoid of any form until observed.
  4. Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become connected in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of the other(s), regardless of the distance between them. This connection persists even if the particles are separated by vast distances, which implies that information is being transmitted faster than the speed of light. In classical science nothing can move faster than the speed of light.

The entangled particles exhibit correlated properties, such as spin or polarization, and the measurement of one particle’s state determines the state of the other particle(s), regardless of the spatial separation. This phenomenon was famously referred to by Albert Einstein as “spooky action at a distance.”

Quantum entanglement is a fundamental aspect of quantum theory and has been experimentally observed in various systems, including photons, electrons, and even larger particles like atoms. It plays a crucial role in quantum information processing and quantum computing, and it challenges our classical intuition about the nature of reality at the sub-atomic and cosmic level.

Let’s address the Bible and what it has to say about multiple worlds or heavens.
1. The renoned chapter on faith in Hebrews 11 starts as so;
2. 1 ¶ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

Let’s first address the use of worlds:
1. Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
2. Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
3. This scripture certainly addresses the fact that God created multiple worlds.
4. The scientific community is coming around to believe in multiple worlds, dimensions, or heavens. Understanding of multiple worlds, also known as the multiverse, is an intriguing topic that encompasses various theories and hypotheses. While there is no consensus on the existence of multiple worlds, several prominent ideas have emerged:
  1. Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of Quantum Mechanics: Proposed by physicist Hugh Everett III, MWI suggests that every possible outcome of a quantum event occurs in a separate universe. This means that there are countless parallel universes, each with its own unique set of events and outcomes.
  2. String Theory: String theory, a theoretical framework in physics, suggests the existence of extra dimensions beyond the four dimensions we experience. Some versions of string theory propose that these extra dimensions could give rise to a vast multiverse, containing numerous universes with different physical laws and properties.
  3. Cosmological Inflation: Inflation theory, a cosmological model, suggests that the universe underwent a rapid expansion in its early stages. Some physicists speculate that this inflationary process could have created multiple universes, each with its own distinct properties.
  4. Cyclic Cosmology: Certain cosmological models propose that the universe undergoes a cyclical process of expansion and contraction. This cyclic nature could potentially give rise to multiple universes, each emerging from a previous universe’s collapse.
5. It’s important to note that these ideas are speculative and remain subjects of ongoing scientific research and debate. The existence of multiple worlds is a fascinating concept that challenges our understanding of the universe and our place in it. Note that Steven Hawking held a particular view known as the “no-boundary proposal.” This theory suggests that our universe is just one of many universes within a larger “multiverse.”
6. I believe many of the discoveries in Quantum Mechanics could be explained by my many Heavens. These other unseen worlds could each have different properties that could explain Quantum Entanglement. An unseen world may not be bound by the speed of light. In this case the entangled particles could exchange information instantaneously.

Let’s address another area of Quantum Mechanics called the Uncertainty Principle. This principal encompasses the following:
1. What we were taught in science class regarding electrons orbiting the nucleus is not true. Instead, they exist as standing waves within atomic orbitals, which are regions of space where the probability of finding an electron is highest. These orbitals have different shapes and sizes, and they correspond to different energy levels.
2. A standing wave is a wave that appears to be stationary, as if it is standing still. This is because the wave is the result of the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions. Standing waves occur in any medium, but they are most commonly seen in water. In water, standing waves can be created by dropping a rock into a still pond. The waves that radiate out from the rock will reflect off the sides of the pond and interfere with each other, creating standing waves.
3. When we observe an electron, it appears to be a particle with a definite position and momentum. However, when we don’t observe it, it behaves like a wave spread out over a region of space.
4. The uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to know a particle’s position and momentum with perfect accuracy, also plays a role in the behavior of electrons. This means that we can never be sure exactly where an electron is at any given moment. However, we can predict the probability of finding an electron in a particular region of space.
5. In summary, electrons exist as standing waves within atomic orbitals, and the laws of quantum mechanics govern their behavior. Albert Einstein, had a complex and evolving view of the uncertainty principle. Initially, he was skeptical and even dismissive of the principle, famously stating, “God does not play dice.” This quote reflects Einstein’s preference for a deterministic universe where events are governed by precise cause-and-effect relationships. However, over time, Einstein came to accept the uncertainty principle as a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics.
6. Implications of the uncertainty principle include:
  1. Limitation on Precision: The principle imposes a fundamental limit on the precision with which certain pairs of properties of a particle can be known. This challenges classical notions of determinism.
  2. Wave-Particle Duality: The principle is closely related to the wave-particle duality concept. Particles, such as electrons, exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
  3. Quantum Fluctuations: The uncertainty principle gives rise to quantum fluctuations, where the energy of a vacuum is not zero but constantly fluctuates. This has implications for our understanding of the vacuum and the nature of empty space.
  4. Measurement Disturbance: The act of measuring one property of a particle disturbs the other property, leading to uncertainties in subsequent measurements. This has implications for experimental measurements at the quantum level.
  5. Fundamental Nature of Reality: The uncertainty principle challenges the classical idea of a deterministic and predictable universe. It introduces inherent randomness and probabilistic behavior at the quantum level.
  6. Technological Applications: Understanding and working with the uncertainty principle has practical applications, such as in the development of technologies like electron microscopes and certain medical imaging devices.

Overall, the uncertainty principle plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the quantum world, introducing concepts that are fundamentally different from classical physics challenging our view on reality and empty space.

Quantum mechanics challenges our knowledge of the world and reality. God says in the following:
1. Isaiah 55: 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.
2. In the Job 38, after Job and his friends questioned why God had allowed him to lose all he had and suffer greatly in the previous 34 chapters:

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, 2 “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 3 “Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell [Me,] if you have understanding, 5 Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? 6 “On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone,

We know from Job Chapter 2 that Job’s suffering where the result of a spiritual battle between God and Satan.

In Proverbs 8 Wisdom says

22 “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old. 23 “From everlasting I was established, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth. 24 “When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water. 25 “Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills I was brought forth; 26 While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, Nor the first dust of the world. 27 “When He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, 28 When He made firm the skies above, When the springs of the deep became fixed, 29 When He set for the sea its boundary So that the water would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was beside Him, [as] a master workman; And I was daily [His] delight, Rejoicing always before Him, 31 Rejoicing in the world, His earth, And [having] my delight in the sons of men.

In Proverbs 30:

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the oracle. The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man. 3 Neither have I learned wisdom, Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who has ascended into Heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son’s name? Surely you know!

We also have Pslams 104 and Hebrews 1. Also Ps107:33 and 35
During the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, he had a dream. He asked the magicians, conjures, sorcerers, and Chaldeans to tell him his dream and then what it meant. They all requested the king to tell them the dream and said they could not interpret it until the king revealed it. The king got angry and gave orders that all of the wise men should be destroyed. When the captain of the king’s bodyguard found Daniel, he wanted to know why he was to be killed Daniel requested of the king that he would give him time to interpret the dream. After God revealed the dream and interprettion to Daniel said:

20 Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. 22 “It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him. 23 “To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You, For You have made known to us the king’s matter.”

Questions

In what way does Screwtape say that Wormwood is being naïve?
1. Wormwood wants to keep the patient in superficial discussions and arguments. He thinks avoiding conflict and confusion generated by arguments and exchanging divergent views will retain the patient. Instead, let the patient maintain their opinions based on superficial arguments. Too many folks run from conflict of any kind when constructive debate can open your mind to a different perspective and sometimes change your mind. Too often, argument or discussion on a subject is cut short because a differing view is considered “out-of-box”; people feel threatened, belittled, humiliated, guilty, or it may offend someone. We can usually learn more by studying, listening, discussing, and debating involving folks with other belief systems. These verses emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge acknowledging God as the ultimate source of understanding.
2. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
3. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV): “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
4. Proverbs 9:10 (NIV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
5. Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV): “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
6. Hosea 4:6 (NIV): “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. ‘Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.'”
7. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise one listens to advice. Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before s/he hears, it is her/his folly and shame. Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his/her opinion.

What is Screwtape’s explanation of why Wormwood should avoid reliance on “argument”.
1. We only need to look at the definition of “Argument”:
  1. Discussion/Debate: It often denotes a discussion between people presenting differing viewpoints or perspectives on a particular topic. In this sense, an argument involves presenting reasons or evidence to support a claim or viewpoint.
  2. Logic/Reasoning: In logic, an argument is a set of statements where one statement (the conclusion) is supported by the others (premises). The goal is to provide reasoning that leads to a logical conclusion.

Conflict: “Argument” sometimes refers to a disagreement or dispute between individuals or groups.

There are empty arguments based on false knowledge or “empty chatter”, including discussions on worthless or futile matters. In 1Ti 6:20 Paul said to Timothy “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—”

Valid arguments can easily lead to the correct or logical conclusion or truth. The author and his accomplices have to stay clear of the truth. It is their worst enemy.
1. Associated Scripture:
2. Jesus said in Joh 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Of all the people in the Bible, Pilate searched for truth and was conflicted when sentencing Jesus. Joh 18: 33 Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?”

35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?”

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”

37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

38 Pilate *said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and *said to them, “I find no guilt in Him.”

Wormwood explains a time when things were easy to prove or disprove. Those things proved became part of a patient’s belief system or doctrine. Those things proved wrong were tossed out. Things unproven remained debatable and acknowledged as theoretical. Today, we are deluged with information. We have the press that spews out garbage on both sides of the political spectrum. Arguments are narrowed down to headlines, Jargon or platitudes such as criminal, Nazi, racist, un-American, criminal, “woke”, “I believe in science”, “jail her”, and general name calling.
The term “doctrine” generally refers to a set of principles, beliefs, or teachings that form the basis of a particular ideology, religion, government, or organization. It encompasses a systematic body of ideas or rules that guide actions, decisions, or policies within a specific context.
Jargon refers to special words, acronyms, or expressions used by a particular profession or group that are difficult for others to understand. Many folks in my profession, Engineering/Science, use Jargon to demonstrate their intelligence. Mostly I find they use Jargon to avoid debate or any questions that would threaten the theory or position proposed by the engineer/scientist.
In no case does Wormwood want the patient to think for themselves, fact-checking and using a logical process to come to their conclusions.

What is the connection between “thinking and doing”, and how does this impact our daily lives?’
1. We are usually what we think, and our beliefs form our actions.
2. Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
3. At times, fear can control our actions no matter what we believe.
Screwtape claims people ” have a dozen incompatible philosophies dancing together inside their head”. What precisely does he credit for this? What do you think the other “weapons” are today? How can they be used to destroy argument?
1. He credits a lack of real argument/ debate or listening to someone else’s opinion that challenges our core belief system. Instead, conclusions are based on who is more able to name-call and use political Jargon and platitudes (a remarkor statement, especially one with moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful). Real critical thinking is missing in forming conclusions. Screwtape tells him that attaching philosophies like strong, stark, or couragous to the doctrines adopted by the patient is the way to win over the patient.
2. Weapons used today also include headlines, movies, and comics. References to pro-American, “I believe in America”, criminal, woke, insurrectionist, socialist, communist, racists, old-fashioned, and demagogue ( a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudicesof ordinary people rather than by using rational argument) and general propaganda put an end to arguments.
3. All Jargon, platitudes, demagoguery, name-calling, terms such as woke (alert to racial prejudice and discrimination), “I believe in science,” slogans, and such.
4. Associated scripture:
  1. Proverbs 12:15 (New International Version): “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
  2. James 1:19 (New International Version): “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

Anger

AV-wrath 31, anger 3, vengeance 1, indignation 1; 36

1) anger, the natural disposition, temper, character

2) movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but esp. anger

3) anger, wrath, indignation

4) anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself

4a) of punishments inflicted by magistrates

Proverbs 19:20 (New International Version): “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
If, according to Screwtape, people are not persuaded by what is true or false, what does he say people are concerned with? Why do people believe what they believe?
1. People are concerned with their own propaganda, which they have learned from authorities throughout their lives and talking heads on news programs. Today we learn most things from short soundbites. Propaganda is information, especially of a biasedor misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. It often leads to an emotional rather than a rational response to the information presented. It has proven very productive among authoritarian governments, charismatic leaders, and cult leaders. Essentially it is from “Our Father Below”.
2. People’s beliefs are based on accepted propaganda, emotion, and rational reasoning too often on the first two and not on logical reasoning based on debate, argument or the correct interpretation of what God says in scripture. Scripture must be assessed based on the context of the passage, book, and entire Bible.
Read Hebrews 2:14-18. What is the “abominable advantage” God has over Satan? How should this encourage us in our Christian walk?
1. Hebrews 2:14 ¶ Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
2. The “abominable advantage” God has over Satan is He came to earth in the flesh, fully man, and suffered the same temptations we experience. Satan and his allies are spirit only and have never experienced what it is like to be human. God can also read our minds. Satan cannot. He must guess and observe how we react. He is the father of lies.
3. We should be encouraged because we know who wins in the end, who has overcome death, and we have a God who has experienced what it is like to be human and be tempted who can come to our aid. He even knows the challenges we face as human beings. We have nothing to fear, even death. He has overcome!!!
The story of the atheist in the British Museum provides a dark and somewhat disturbing insight into rather pleasant distraction that can draw us away from spiritual matters. In this particular instance, the atheist’s appetite was enough to pull him away from his train of thought in which God was working. How can Satan use common distractions to create detours in the course of our daily live?
1. Satan can always distract us using various appetites, including food, money, and prestige. In the present world, our phones have become a significant source of distraction, interrupting our thought process, and redirecting our thoughts in a different course. Anytime Satan can distract us from a thoughtful analysis, study or spiritually motivated thinking, coherent and logical thought process through study, meditation, real debate, and prayer and can direct us back into the noise or chatter of everyday life, which is mostly full of useless garbage, he wins.
Why would Screwtape advise Wormwood to “Keep pressing home on him the ordinariness of things.”? What “comfort zones” on our Christian walk do we need to be cautious of?
1. The ordinariness (the quality of being commonplace and ordinary) is Satan’s world. It is what we see and experience every day. However, It is little of the world as a whole. What about the stars and the majesty of the universe we are now experiencing through the James Webb Space Telescope? Even with what this reveals, we still see only 0.0035 percent of the electromagnetic spectrum. What about the realm of the smallest particles and quantum mechanics? Quantum physicists say if the world were the Pacific Ocean, we would only experience the crest of the waves in the subatomic realm in our commonplace lives.
2. In our Christian walk, we must always stay mindful of the spiritual realm. We must assess beyond our visible world in every significant decision. It is so easy to conclude that in our modern world, we know it all based on modern science, our limited ability of sight and mind. Some of the comfort zones we need to be cautious of “we know it all”, science is settled, and we get all the information we need from the newspaper and tabloids we read and the movies, TV, news, and streaming channels we watch.
Read Luke 10:39-42. What ordinary everyday distractions was Martha concerned with? Who did it make her resent? What did she miss out on?
1. Luke 10: 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
2. Martha was distracted by hosting all the folks in her house and serving food and drink.
3. She resented Mary who was sitting at the Lord’s feet learning.
4. Martha missed a special time with the Lord of Heaven and earth.

Each side on an issue speaks with righteous indignation that they are 100% right and the other side is 100% wrong.

Left

The political left might use various terms or labels to describe certain ideologies or individuals they disagree with. Some labels could include:

“Fascist” or “Authoritarian”: These terms are sometimes used to criticize leaders or policies perceived as oppressive or dictatorial.
“Bigot” or “Racist”: These labels are often employed to highlight what’s seen as discriminatory attitudes or policies.
“Corporate Shill” or “Corporate Stooge”: Used to describe politicians or individuals perceived as being overly aligned with corporate interests at the expense of the general population.
“Climate Change Denier” or “Anti-Science”: Employed to criticize those who reject scientific consensus on issues like climate change or other scientific theories.
“Elitist” or “Out of Touch” suggested disconnect or privilege among certain politicians or influential individuals.

It’s important to remember that these terms can be divisive and are often used to discredit opponents, so engaging in constructive dialogue based on facts and policies is crucial for a better understanding of different viewpoints.

Right

Political name-calling can vary widely based on context and individual perspectives. Some terms associated with the political right might include:

“Liberal elites” or “coastal elites”: Used to describe those perceived as disconnected from the values of traditional America, often associated with liberal or progressive ideologies.
“Socialist” or “communist”: Terms used to criticize policies or individuals advocating for more government intervention or social programs, suggesting they align with socialist or communist ideologies.
“Radical left” or “left-wing extremists”: Employed to describe individuals or groups advocating for progressive or liberal policies perceived as too extreme.
“Globalist”: Often used to criticize individuals or entities that prioritize global interests over national ones, sometimes implying a lack of loyalty to one’s country.

These terms are used within political discourse and may carry different connotations or implications based on the speaker’s perspective. Recognizing that these terms can vary in tone and intention and may not encompass the truth is essential.

In summary, read the final chapter in this letter. Today, like no other time in history, we are deluged with information. We can google anything and now use AI tools to investigate any subject. Our great challenge is to decern truth out of all this information.

Letter 2

General Notes:

Questions

“There’s no need to depair,” Scewtape writes. “Hundreds of these adults convers have been reclaimed after a brief sojourn in the Enemy’s camp and are now with us.” What is Lewis alluding to in this passage?
1. The patient is a new convert to Christianity. He still has a distorted view of what it is all about and unreasonable expectations regardoing his christian walk.
Why does Screwtape suggest, “All the habits of the patient, both mental and bodily, are still in our favor”?
1. The patient has developed both mental and bodily habits learned in the Devil’s domain, this worldly life. These include:
  1. We compare ourselves with others. We compare our favor with God based on the condition of other folks and our assessment of their standing with God. We look at our standing based on the bell curve with Hitler at one end and Jesus on the other and think we are on the Jesus side of that curve.
  2. As young Christians, we can also judge other folks based on superficial character flaws.

We believe God will number our good and bad deeds and determine our fate by comparing our scores.

We believe that all we see is what exists.
We may believe we look more presentable than other folks.
We believe we are cleaner than other folks.

We believe we have better manners than other folks.
We believe we possess more knowledge than others.

We believe we come from a better class or lineage.
We hold to a false humility.

Screwtape claims, “one of our great allies at present is the Church itself,” What strategies might tempters employ with new Christians to create dissatisfaction with the Church?
1. We miss the meaning of Church. It is not a building. It is not a defined liturgy, list of acceptable songs, or a collection of sermons. The Church is a collection of believers in Jesus Christ who believe He is the son of God and what He did on the cross to save us.
2. Jesus asked the disciples in Matthew 16: 15 He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven. 18 “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.
3. Church, in this case, refers to the whole body of Christains scattered throughout the earth. The Church also, pertains to a congregation of folks, those gathered together to worship. In the first century, for example, they often met secretly in someone’s house or along a river.
4. Note that flesh and blood did not reveal who Jesus is. Our Father in Heaven did. Note how profound that is. Peter spent over 3 years with Jesus following Him and listening to Him. That did not reveal who Jesus was. The Father revealed it. After Jesus death and resurrection Peter and most of the Apostles faith increased exponentially. Their faith was so strong that most died for their faith.
5. Christianity is not a religion with an established liturgy and set of rules. It is a relationship. Indeed, we use the Bible to help us in our walk. I believe God primarily speaks to us through the Bible. However, Christians did not have the Bible during the first three centuries. They may have had the Tora (part of the Old Testament), especially if they were Jews, and maybe some scriptures written down that were read to most who didn’t read. Some of these scriptures became part of the Bible as we know it today.
6. In summary, a new Christian may have on some level accepted Jesus Christ. However, their faith is probably weak, shallow, and been more of an intellectual acceptance. There has not been a long walk with Jesus revealing who He is developing this relationship. Their faith may be based on one or more folks who have led him to accept Christ. The Church will let him down at some point. They could preach a materialistic God that promises prosperity and a life without problems or sins are forgiven by priests or by following some prescribed method of forgiveness (water baptism or repeating a prayer). False doctrines are taught throughout the Christian world. Their faith then is based on false doctrines, liturgy (rituals, prayers, and ceremonies) and hope.
Consider yourself a new Christian who has just walked into your Church for the first time. What expectations might you have about fellow church members, the leadership, the Church, and the worship service?
1. All members are Christians.
2. All members are perfect.
3. All members have no problems.
4. All leadership is perfect. They have all the answers.
5. The leadership will lead me down a perfect path.
6. This is precisely how Jesus or God ordained the Church to operate.
7. The worship service and rituals, especially unique to this Church, are exactly how God ordained.
8. If I follow the doctrines and liturgy of this Church I will have done everything right to earn me a seat at the head of the table.
9. Too many Churches are built around a person that claims to have an exclusive program of liturgy, doctrine, and worship that is the only way. They approach being a cult. Eventually, they will fail the members.
10. If a new Christain has had time to uncover all the faults of the other church members, he can get the attitude that he can do it all by himself. This is a recipe for failur. (see Romans 12) and:

1Co 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:12 ¶ For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.

1Co 12:27 ¶ Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

Eph 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.Our faith must be based on a relationship with Christ revealed by God, The Father, and guided by The Holy Spirit, quickening our soul.

Mt 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
What is Baptism? When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. #Mr 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptized shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a fundamental change, like the cucumber to the pickle!

John the Baptist says of Jesus Mr 1:8 “I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Screwtape tells Wormwood to keep the patient focused on the visible Church. St. Augustine wrote there is a “visible” and “invisible” church in Christianity. How would you describe these two churches, and why does Screwtape believe it is important to keep the patient fixed to the “visible”?
1. The visible Church is the Church and it’s members and leaders. If our faith is built on this it will fail us. Our faith is weak and will not sustain us through difficulty. It is built on sand.
  1. Jesus said to Nicodimus, a Pharisee, in John 3; 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
  2. In Matthew 7 22-26 about building your faith on sand.
2. The invisible Church is built around Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit.
3. Keep the patient focused on the visible Church. His faith is built on sand and will fail him at some point.
Screwtape claims the patient “has an idea of ‘Christians’ in his mind, which he supposes to be spiritual, but which is, in fact, largely pictorial.” What romanticized view of Christianity might a new convert have of their spiritual life?
1. All his days will be sunny, full of life, and without care. Prosperity will be the result of a superficial view of how God works. God will direct him on all matters, and he will have no problems. He will always win at everything he does. We must study the chapter of Job to discover that there is a Spiritual battle going on that we may never know about. His faith is built on a false view of Christianity. Again, his foundation is built on sand. The wind blows, and it is gone. It is much like that false view we have of marriage. We will live happily ever after without conflict. False expectations lead to disappointment, which leads to faltering faith. Life is like a fairy tale, and Christianity is like a toga party. Once we have adopted this picture, we adopt false expectations, a recipe for disaster.
Regarding our disappointments, Screwtape said, “Work hard, then, on the disappointment or anticlimax which is certainly coming to the patient during his first few weeks as a churchman.” For what purpose might God allow disappointment to occur on the threshold of every human endeavor? What is the result if we get through the “initial dryness”?
1. Note Screwtape is calling the patient a churchman, not a Christian. God allows disappointments to test us and, hopefully, strengthen our faith. Our faith strengthens if we can get through our desert or wilderness experiences. We become mature Christians with realistic expectations, knowing that we will experience hardship but can overcome the effects. We learn to live by faith.
2. Our faith grows from each experience of hardship. Mt 17:20 And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
3. Our salvation is not through works, but through faith. In Romans 9: 30 ¶ What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
4. Faith is a gift from God.

Eph 2:1-9

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions– it is by grace you have been saved.

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith– and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–

9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

(NIV)

After all of this, Screwtape provides Wormwood the perfect means to attack his patient. “He (the patient) has not been anything like long enough with the Enemy to have any real humility yet.” Why is humility so important for a new believer? What is the importance of humility in the Christian Life?
1. In our walk with God we must develop a firm foundation. This is especially true for the new believer with little or no experience building this foundation or how. He is liable to fall for all the usual reasons, including works, his stature before God and comparing himself with others. Humility is a core prerequisite to developing our faith. We must recognize our grave condition before God without grace. Our works are nothing but rubbish.
2. In Philippians 3 Paul said it best: 1 ¶ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 ¶ Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Humility is at the core. Without it our faith cannot grow. It is also a requirement to receive grace from God. Jas 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
If we fully recognize our true position before God, God will raise our spirits to a place of dignity, honor and happiness. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
The new believer’s faith is fragile and will not fall too hard when his faith is challenged if he is adorned with humility. Humility is the essence of the fear of the Lord and this fear comes before wisdom and then honor. Finally comes grace, which by it we obtain salvation.

Pr 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction for wisdom, And before honor comes humility.

Pr 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.

Pr 22:4 The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life.

God will exercise everyone’s faith. 1Pe 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. At any time it can become our downfall.

Letter 3

Read Romans 12:2 and 1 Timothy 4:16. How is God working “from the center outward” to transform our conduct to his standards?
1. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

We are no longer just reacting in self-defence to others’ actions or tone of voice. God’s work is to transform us through our minds, so it affects our actions and the way we interact with each other.

1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

We must thoroughly examine ourselves to ensure our salvation and those around us. Especially as Christians, others are constantly examining us, and we must be sensitive to how we interact with others and not cause unnecessary offense in words or deeds.

What is the first method of temptation that Screwtape suggests using on the patient?
1. To get in the way of any transformation of mind and soul before it results in action, word, or deed. Keep his attention on his inner life.
Read John 14:15, 1 John 5:3 and Ephesians 6:6. Screwtape says the patient thinks” his conversion is something inside him.” What is conversion if it’s more than just a commitment to a heart change?
1. John 14:15 ¶ “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
2. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
3. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;

6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

The first two verses relate to following the Commandments of God. The first Commandment tells us how we are to relate to God and others:

Exodus 20:1 ¶ Then God spoke all these words, saying,

2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

5 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,

6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Jesus tells us the commandment that is better than all in Matthew 22:

35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him,

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”

37 And He said to him, “‘ YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’

38 “This is the great and foremost commandment.

39 “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’

40 “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

If conversion is only in our mind, heart, and soul and is not expressed through our words and deeds, it is non-transformative. It may be considered dead.

Jas 2:20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

Jas 2:26 For just as the body without [the] spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Although seemly counter intuitive, why would Screwtape want Wormwood to have the “patient” practice an hour of self-examination “without discovering any of those facts about himself which are perfectly clear to anyone who has ever lived with the same house with him or worked in the same office”?
1. A faith without works is not only non-transformative in others by what they expereince, hear, and see, it is non-transformative to the patient. See the answer in 5e.
2. The patient is seen as an arrogant, egotistical and hypocritical Christian. He has become an enemy of the cross. Paul says in Philippians 3:17 ¶ Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.
What is the second method of temptation that Screwtape suggests using on the patient?
1. The patient is inevitably going to pray for his mother, however, Wormwood can ensure he keeps his prayer on spiritual matters and his mothers lost soul. This keeps his prayer on focusing on his mother’s shortcomings and changing his mother and keeps the patient from praying for his shortcomings.
What methods does Screwtape suggest Wormwood employ to render the patient’s prayers for his mother innocuous?
1. The patient’s prayer focus above.
What are the two advantges that Screwtape says will occur by employing this mehtod?
1. He keeps his focus on the mother’s sins and shortcommings which will serve to further aggrevate him.
2. Keep his prayer away for a deep dive on his shortcomings and how he could tranform his deeds and actions which would improve the raltionship. Not at all what Screwtape or Woomwood wants.
3. You cannot change others, but we have the power to change ourselves.
Read Luke 18:1. What motivates the Pharisee to pray? How should we approach God when praying for others?
1. Jesus said in Luke 18:9 And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.
2. His prayer is all about his own righteousness compared to others.
3. We should approach God with humility, acknowledging that our faith is a gift and our works are filthy rags. We must examine ourselves in light of what God had to do on the cross to reconcile us. We are nothing without Christ. We should then pray for our transformation.
What is the third method of temptation that Screwtape suggests using on the patient?
1. The next method is to have the patient develop an imaginary image of his mother, one that eventually has no relation to the real mother.
What annoying habits of others irritate you? Which of your annoying habits do you think irritate others?
1. Annoying habits of others: self-aggrandisement, rudeness/ignoring others, thoughtless of others, always late/not considerate of my time, not showing up for an appointment, overprotective of opinions/thoughts/ideas (not developed here), arrogant attitude. They are not admitting they are wrong, have hidden agendas, or have alterial motives. Spread a false solution for a problem for an issue.
2. My annoying habits: do not always communicate as I should, not always thankful for what others do, do not think of others, can be very offensive and direct, like the eldest son I do not fully know the privileges I share with other Christians and appreciate what God has sacrificed. I have nothing to fear.
What is the fourth method of temptation that Screwtape suggests using on the patient?
1. Work with eveyones expressions, tones of voice, and all the irritating habits bringing them to everyones consciece, keep it top of mind, and do not let either party consider their own annoying habits.
2. Do this with the most effective tone and at the most vulnerable time.
What is the “dooulbe-standard” Screwtape encourages between the patient and his Mother?
1. My utterance/greivenesses need to be taken at face value without question
2. Your utterance/greivnesses need to be judged and analyzed fully to see if there is any bases, you are over-sensitive, and have alternative intentions.
Provide an example of something being said “with the express purpose of offending and yet having a grievance when the offense is taken.
1. You always decide on what we do on Saturday without considering I have to do most of the planning and preparation and without appreciation.
At the end of the letter, Screwtape wants Wormwood to search out whether the mother is jealous of her son’s recent conversion. How is this similar to the story of the “elder brother” in the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32?
1. I think both Son’s are saved but imature in their own way so I do not think it is applicable. However, the eldest son in the story is jealous of the yourger son getting all the attention of the father with the party and fatted calf. The elder son did not realize this was always available for him.

Letter 4

Screwtape encourages Wormwood to keep his patient from praying altogether. How does this contrast to God’s direction in the following verses:
1. Luke 18: 1 ¶ Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

Jesus follows this with two parables about perseverance in prayer.

Colossians 4: 2 ¶ Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1 Thesssalonians 5: 16 ¶ Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
We are to devote ourselves to prayer at all times, without ceasing and without losing heart. We should always be in a state of prayer.

What is Lewis referring to in the comment about the “parrot-like” nature of prayer?
1. It is praying memorized prayers that we say without thinking about what we are saying, with no attention to purpose, without reference, without motive, without emotion, without awe. As Screwtape says “in which real concentration of will and intelligence have no part.” We are not processing what we are saying.
Read Matthew 6:5-9. How does Jesus respond to this same question?
1. Matthew 6:5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
2. We are not to pray to be seen or for man. We are to pray sometimes in seclusion but always to God, not with meaningless repetition, but with direction from the Holy Spirit that resides in us.
3. How important is the Holy Spirit?
  1. Jes
  2. us said in John 7: 38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
4. Later Jesus told his diciiples in John 14: 25 ¶ “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
5. Regardin prayer Jesus said in Mr 14:38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Paul said in Ro 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

What is the difference between producing in ourselves “a vaguely devotional mood in which real concentration of will and intelligence have no part” as opposed to what Screwtape refers to as a “prayer of silence” that is used by those very advanced in the Enemy’s service?
1. Praying with slight devotion without concentration devoid of any purpose is not productive or praying with a “sense of supplication” instead of specific entreaty needed in our life.
2. Praying with real supplication. When Paul is teaching us to put on the full armor of God in order to fight the devil:
  1. Eph 6: 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
  2. Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
3. However, deep prayer with groanings is different and practiced by those advanced in the faith.
  1. Ro 8: 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 26 ¶ In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
  2. 2Co 5: 1 ¶ For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
4. Read John 4:24. What sort of balance must take place between our emotions (or spontaneous prayer) and more formal prayers like what we find in the Disciple’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-15?
  1. John 4: 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
  2. We must pray with purpose. Emotions are fine. In fact, we are to call out to God just like a child calls out to his father. In Romans 8: 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,
  3. In Mark 14 Jesus, praying in the garden imminently facing scourge and crucifixion, cried out Mr 14:36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”
  4. Later Paul says in Galations 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
  5. We must also pray in the Spirit since our spirit and the Holy Spirit are one and God speaks to us Spirit to spirit.
  6. However, the Disciples Prayer gives us structure or an outline of how we pray.

How does 1 John 1:9 relate to praying for forgiveness and our desire to feel forgiven?
1. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. We must know we sin, acknowledge that sin to God, and in reverence and with humility, ask for deliverance. Then God will forgive us, and we can rest in knowing we have been cleansed and forgiven. If we continue to live in restlessness and guilt, we are not asking for deliverance from a sin. We are just going through the motions, knowing that we will repeat that sin again. Each time we do this we quench the holy Spirit.
3. Jesus said in Joh 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
4. 1 Th 5: 19 Do not quench the Spirit;
5. If we continue to quench the Spirit at some point, we no longer feel convicted, callous, insensitive, and hard-hearted of sin. Finally, we blaspheme the Holy Spirit and this sin is unforgivable.
6. Mt 12:32 “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
7. Mr 3:29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—
8. Lu 12:10 “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.
9. Blasphemes – Conscious and hardened resistance to the truth leads man away from humility and repentance; without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. That is why the sin of blasphemy against the Spirit cannot be forgiven since one who does not acknowledge his sin no longer seeks to have it forgiven.
10. We should pray for conviction and deliverance like the Disciples Prayer.
11. Luke 11: 4 ‘And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'”
12. Do not let us become impervious to sin by allowing us to quench the Holy Spirit.
What does Screwtape mean when he writes that humans don’t “start from a direct perception of Him”?
1. We fail to acknowledge God’s glory, Majesty over all, surpassing greatness, and incomparable attributes we cannot fully comprehend. Like in the Lord’s prayer:
2. Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hollowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
3. Hollowed means He is the highest application of purity, majesty, and glory.
Screwtape likes imaginary pictures of God as a focus for prayer. What mental images of God do we create in our mind?
1. Picture God as an angry old man or a benevolent pushover. We think we can get away with our fleshly desires and He will ignore our sins and disrespect.
Why does Screwtape say that we do not desire the “real nakedness of the soul” as much as we suppose?
1. We do not want our soul’s total and complete failure revealed.
What does God say in Ecclesiastes 5:4 about making bold claims in our prayer life?
1. Ec 5: 4 ¶ When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!
2. We are to be very careful about what we pray for, especially what we promise. God expects promises to be fulfilled. God may fulfill it if we ask for something, so consider the ramifications carefully.

Letter 5 – War

Screwtape warns Wormwood not to be overly confident in “terror-pictures of the future” and “self pitying glances: of the past that Wormwood has used to scare the “patient.” Read Luke 9:61-62, How does Jesus use the plow to illustrate our attention to our past and future?
1. Luke 9: 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
2. A farmer must focus on the furrow right ahead. He can’t be looking back or too far into the future. Jesus is saying it is a waste of effort and time to look at our past when working for God’s kingdom, to bring others to faith in God proclaiming the good news. Nor is it good to spend time on considering the future. We must focus our time and effort on the now. The now is all we have.
What is the Screwtape’s attitude towards war? Does it surprise you?
1. He sees war as an opportunity to drive the patient away from the enemy. The patient is facing an uncertain time of sleepless nights filled with anguish and bewilderment. He is about to experience or read about the horrors of war, maybe sending his son(s) to fight.
2. It is not a surprise. Up to now, the patient has had few, if any, challenges with his faith.
What is the “real business” that Wormwood is to be about? Provide examples of how our faith is diabolically assaulted and the development of virtues are hindered.
1. His first purpose is to undermine the faith of the patient. Wormwood cannot lose the patient to the enemy forever. Eventually, he is to lead the patient away from God into the devil’s hand. The second purpose is to prevent the formation of virtues that could lead others to Christ. The patient is to exhibit the fruits of the spirit as stated in Galations 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
2. How is our faith diabolically assaulted and our virtues hindered?
  1. Complacency – lack of compassion for others
  2. Lack of purpose

Ease of life and lack of nothing (Salamon)

Lack of discipline – renewing our minds-
1. Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
2. Tit 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Pride

Why does Screwtape say it does not make any difference whether Wormwood’s patient is “an extreme patriot or an ardent pacifist?”
1. Political views or patriotism have no consequence with God or the devil. Either can be used by both.
What is the “blockade” that God is imposing on Screwtape and other demons?
1. I think the blockade is God’s word that says in the end, He wins. The devil and all his minions are destroyed. A new earth is formed devoid of any evil, destruction, and horrid acts associated with war.
Read Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 5:10; and James 1:2-4. How does God use suffering in the life of a Christian?
1. 1 Peter 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 ¶ You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
2. Romans 5:3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
3. James 1:2 ¶ Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4. There are over 80 verses in the New Testament that address sufferiing. Suffering does produce in us humility as well as many other things. Some of the more applicable verses are:
  1. Mr 8:31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
  2. Lu 23:39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

Acts 5: 40 They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 9:13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 8: 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 ¶ and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 26 ¶ In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

1 Co 12: 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 ¶ Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
1Co 13: 4 ¶ Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
2Co 1: 3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 ¶ and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 9 indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; 10 who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us,
2Co 7: 8 For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— 9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Php 1: 27 ¶ Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 2:1 ¶ Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Php 3: 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 ¶ and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Php 4: 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Col 1: 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. 25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,
1Th 2: 1 ¶ For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
1Th 2: 13 ¶ For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews,
2Th 1: 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; 4 therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. 5 ¶ This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. 6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. 11 ¶ To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2Ti 1: 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
2Ti 2:3 Suffer hardship with [me,] as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:10 ¶ Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Heb 2: 9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 10 ¶ For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.
Heb 2: 16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
1Pe 2: 19 For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;

Letter 6 – Focus

Read Mark 4:18-19. How can suspense and anxiety “barricade” a persons mind against God? How does Satan benefit by keeping us anxious about things that may never happen? According to Philippians 4:6, what should be our approach to anxiety?
1. Mark 14: 18 As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” 19 They began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, “Surely not I?”
  1. God has a plan, which we are not privy to. Sometimes, we cannot embrace His plans fully, especially when His plans lead us to experience suspense and anxiety. The disciples still believed that Christ would be crowned a king with glory.
2. The disciples could not fathom Jesus suffering death on the cross. Later Peter rears off the ear of one of the guards tasked with leading Him to face His accussers. Joh 18:10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”
3. Mat 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. 22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid [it,] Lord! This shall never happen to You.” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God s interests, but man s.”
  1. Being anxious about the past and future keeps us in a state of anxiety and stress not only clouding our view of the present but also of God and His plan. Ninety-nine percent of the anxious thoughts we conquer up in our mind will never happen. A man in this state is of little use for God.
  2. Php 4: 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. We must keep God in the forefront of our mind consistently in prayer, remembering what He has taken us through in the past and knowing He is with us in the future.
4. What does Screwtape mean when he writes, “It is your business to see that the patient never thinks of the present fear as his appointed cross, but only of the thing he is afraid of?” Read Luke 9:23. What does it mean to pick up your cross daily and follow Chirst? What insight can we gain from this about the nature of anxiety and the way it misleads us?
  1. The patient should never consider his fear resulting from God’s plan and his cross to bear. If the devil can take fear by itself, as some ailment, the fear can become a means to avoid God’s purpose for that patient’s life. The patient then becomes useless for God’s service.
  2. Luke 9: 23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. It means to follow God’s plan no matter how it makes us feel. Fear, anxiety, and loss are sometimes our cross we must bear to follow our Saviour’s guidance.
5. “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” This famous line is used in the first inaugural address of Franklin D. Roosevelt was given during the depths of the depression in 1933. Why does Screwtape encourage Wormwood to divert the patient’s mind “from the thing feared to the fear itself?”
  1. Fear can make us immobile and useless to God for His purposes.
6. What is this “general rule” Screwtape is referring to? How can Satan use this strategy in our prayer life?
  1. In all activity of the mind that favors Satan cause, keep the patient from becoming self-conscious and instead concentrate on the object of his fear. In this case the horrors of war. When the patient attempts to invoke God and His purpose, or a higher purpose of any kind, into his thoughts, direct the patient back to the object of fear.
  2. Satan can direct our prayer to request relief from any higher purpose, especially to service to God.
7. Why does Screwtape write that getting people to hate distant enemies is disappointing? Why is it easier to hate who are close and to be charitble toward those who are far away?
  1. Hating an enemy that is far away does not affect how we act. It is all in our minds.
  2. Hating folks close to us that we interact with daily is easy if they offend us or cause us disconfort. We can be more chartible to folks far away because it is all in our mind.
8. How does Screwtape suggest getting the patient to the point where his malice is real and his benevolence is imaginary?
  1. Benevolence is in the mind only. There is no action on the part of the patient.
  2. Satan wants our intentions or desire to do evil or ill will to those around us so it is manifested in action and not just in our mind.
9. Draw and then explain below the concentric circles that Screwtape says are the three levels to an humand being.
  1. Fantasy are situations we conjure in our minds. No one is effected
  2. Intelect, which can be reasoning, understanding, and objective thinking, are all abstract and can no affect our actions.
  3. Will is something done that affects those around us.
  4. Jas 2:20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
  5. Jas 2:26 For just as the body without [the] spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
10. What does Screwtape mean when he insists that Wormwood “must keep on shoving all the virtues outward tell they are finally located in the cirle of fantasy, and all the desirable qualities inward toward the Will?”
  1. He wants our actions to reflect the attributes of Satan, which is to cause discord, confusion, and lack of duty to higher ideals/service.
  2. He wants us to become of no use to God’s purpose. We are just pointing to God’s service but never doing anything.