Offending folks

 

Letter 7

Definitions

Materialists – a philosophical stance that asserts that only physical matter exists and that all phenomena, including mental phenomena and consciousness, result from interactions between physical entities. Materialists deny the existence of any supernatural or non-physical entities such as spirits or the devil.

Life Force – benign creative consciousness that guides man, by trial and error, through evolution.

Benign – not dangerous or serious. Gentle, kind, or harmless.

In this section of the letter, Lewis is referencing Henri-Louis Bergson, a French philosopher, explored the concept of the “élan vital” or “life force” in his work. He proposed that this vital force was an underlying, dynamic energy present in all living organisms, driving evolution and creativity.

Regarding the relationship between the “life force” and the worship of sex, Bergson’s ideas have been interpreted in various ways. Some scholars suggest that Bergson’s notion of the “élan vital” can be linked to the vital energy associated with sexual desire and reproduction. In this view, the worship of sex could be seen as a manifestation of humanity’s connection to the life force, as it is through sexual reproduction that life perpetuates itself.

However, it’s essential to note that Bergson himself didn’t explicitly equate the life force with sexual worship. Instead, he emphasized the holistic nature of the life force, encompassing not just reproduction but also the creative impulse, intuition, and the driving force behind evolution.

Interpretations of Bergson’s ideas vary, and different scholars may emphasize different aspects of his philosophy. Some may draw connections between the life force and sexual energy, while others may focus on different aspects of Bergson’s thought.

Overall, while there may be interpretations linking Bergson’s concept of the life force to the worship of sex, it’s crucial to approach such interpretations with an understanding of the broader context of his philosophy and the diverse range of interpretations it has inspired.

 

Conterie – /’;a small exclusive group of friends

General Notes

C.S. Lewis, renowned for his works such as “The Chronicles of Narnia” and his Christian apologetics, was not a pacifist primarily due to his beliefs about human nature and the necessity of confronting evil. In his essay titled “Why I Am Not a Pacifist,” Lewis articulates several reasons for his stance.

  1. Understanding of Human Nature: Lewis believed that humans are capable of both good and evil. He argued that pacifism often fails to account for the reality of human aggression and the presence of evil in the world.
  2. Responsibility to Protect: Lewis believed in the moral responsibility to protect oneself and others from harm. He argued that pacifism could sometimes lead to greater suffering and injustice by allowing evil to go unchecked.
  3. Just War Theory: Lewis subscribed to the principles of just war theory, which holds that war can be morally justified under certain conditions, such as self-defense or the defense of others. He believed that there are circumstances where the use of force is necessary to uphold justice and defend against tyranny.
  4. Christian Perspective: As a Christian thinker, Lewis interpreted certain biblical passages as supporting the idea that there are times when it is morally acceptable to engage in conflict for the greater good.

Overall, Lewis’s rejection of pacifism, what pacifism was rooted in his view of human nature, his belief in the necessity of confronting evil, and his interpretation of moral principles from both a secular and Christian perspective.

  1. According to Screwtape, what is the “cruel dilemma” demons face in deciding whether or not to make their existence known to man?
    1. If humans decide not to believe in demons, they cannot directly terrorize humans while knowing their terrorizer and make no magicians (makers of illusions). If humans believe in demons, they cannot make humans materialists or skeptics. Note the definition of materialist above.
  2. Do comic figures or benign illustrations of “devils’ assist in the work of Screwtape and Wormwood? How does the media inhibit our belief in demons and spirits?
    1. If Humans relagate devils into comic book characters, then we will underestimate the subtle nature and devious means used by evil spirits to separate us from God and the truth. It becomes difficult for any thoughtful person to even believe in the devil. Once this view is taken, then we deny there is a hell or the devil. Our religion then becomes an inoperable method to lead us to God. If the devil does not exist God then has to be mean and evil.
    2. The media is a propaganda tool used to create fear, provide a one-sided view, separate us from the truth, and make us think the other side will destroy our nation and democracy. It feeds on our self-centeredness, lack of empathy for others, pride, fear, anxiety, and prejudices.
  3. At the time this letter was written (Remember the setting is during World War II), Screwtape claims it is their policy to conceal themselves. What about today? Would you say that at the present time Screwtape would still say to keep demonic existence a secret?
    1. We live in a world that generally denies the existence of spirits. Most scientists today will not consider an intelligent creator or that God or spirits have anything to do with how our world is forming, including consciousness. They are materialist, believing that all things are a product of matter. Even though they have yet to explain the subatomic or cosmic world, they think all the answers will come from matter, and neuron activity in our brain will eventually explain consciousness. The magicians work of Illusion describes much of the unexplainable. Time and space are considered an illusion by most scientists.
  4. What does Screwtape claim is a devil’s ‘perfect work”?
    1. The perfect work is to create the Materialist Magician. Once we relegate the devil to a cartoon character or joke and eliminate any spiritual context from our lives, everything we cannot explain becomes an illusion the magician performs.
    2. There is no Christianity once The Holy Spirit or the devil or evil spirits are removed. How do we face tragedy or disappointment? We have to blame it on God. There is no indwelling of the Holy Spirit to transform us or help us through life’s troubles.
  5. How does Screwtape explain to Wormwood the scheme behind deciding whether to lull people to complacency or to inflame them into extremism?
    1. It is determined by the times. Some times not much of any real consequence is happening, so the patient should be lulled into complacency. At other times, such as WWII and the present time, the patient should be encouraged to adopt an extreme position. In this case, Wormwood should inflame whatever position the patient is leaning. Take advantage of the times.
  6. Screwtape suggests that the church, although heavily guarded, has proven successful in exploiting extremism by creating subordinate factions. What extremism do we find in the church today? From a Christian perspective, is there any extremism to be desired?
    1. We find extreme patriotism in some denominations. Somehow, we believe our nation and the decisions or sides taken are the banners of God and Christianity, and nothing should deter us from our ideal. We believe our form of government is for the rest of the world. In any case, God is 100% with us.
    2. Other denominations adopt extreme pacifism. War is terrible, and there is never enough reason to go to war.
    3. There are also churchs that have adopted false precepts. Some denominations have adopt the idea that if you follow all their prescribed methods, you are promised wealth and happiness (Name It, Claim It). Others say if the priest forgives you, God forgives you.
    4. If you are baptized correctly, walk the aisle, or say the right prayer you are saved.
    5. The only valid extremism is our relationship with God, a search for God’s truth, and our adoption of the following. In Matthew 22:
      1. 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.”
    6. If you were to take a poll of the Christians you know, would patriotism or pacifism be considered the more godly position and why?
      1. Patriotism would prevail. It is associated with Godliness.
    7. What is Screwtape’s advice to Wormwood regarding how he should decide whether to push exteme patriotism or pacifism?
      1. Whatever direction the patient is already leaning.
    8. Screwtape encourages Wormwood to take the patient’s passion (the “Cause”) and make it part of his faith so that it appears as though he is sacrificing for the “Cause”. As Christians, what can we learn from this?
      1. Once the Cause becomes our primary passion and the the motive for our actions and reasoning, and our faith becomes secondary, we can justify the Cause and make it our religion. We can then find Scripture to justify our Cause and ignore other scripture that does not fit our Cause. The Cause takes over first place in our hearts above God and others.
      2. We must consider what all of what scripture says and seek God’s guidance through prayer before fully adopting any Cause. We should never make the Cause our religion or allow it to quench our testimony by excluding folks we may influence. Searching for truth is complex and should never be approached with bias except for what God’s word says.
    9. What does Ecclesiastes 7:18-20 say about avoiding extremes?
      1. Ecclesiastes 7: 18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. 19  Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20  Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.
      2. We should always examine both sides of an issue or cause before we take a position. We must always be open to criticism or advice that may change our leaning toward an issue or cause.
      3. Truth is mainly challenging to find and should be thoroughly investigated. When the jewish leaders had delivered Christ to Pilate in John 18:  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.

General notes:

Truth

Pr 3:3  Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Pr 8:7  “For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Pr 12:17  He who speaks truth tells what is right, But a false witness, deceit.

Pr 14:22  Will they not go astray who devise evil? But kindness and truth will be to those who devise good.

Pr 16:6  By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

Pr 20:28  Loyalty and truth preserve the king, And he upholds his throne by righteousness.

Pr 21:28  A false witness will perish, But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

Pr 22:21  To make you know the certainty of the words of truth That you may correctly answer him who sent you?

Pr 23:23  Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Pr 29:14  If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.

 

Wisdom

 

Pr 8:14  “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine.

Pr 9:1  Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;

Pr 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Pr 10:13  On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, But a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.

Pr 10:31  The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

Pr 11:2  When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.

Pr 13:10  Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

Pr 14:6  A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge is easy to one who has understanding.

Pr 14:8  The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, But the foolishness of fools is deceit.

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

Pr 16:16  How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Pr 17:16  Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense?

Pr 17:24  Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

Pr 18:1  He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

Pr 18:4  The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Pr 19:8  He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.

Pr 21:30  There is no wisdom and no understanding And no counsel against the LORD.

Pr 23:9  Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Pr 23:23  Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.

Pr 24:3  By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;

Pr 24:7  Wisdom is too exalted for a fool, He does not open his mouth in the gate.

Pr 24:14  Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.

Pr 31:26  She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

 

Letter 8

Begotten – in a Jewish sense, of one who brings others over to his way of life, to convert someone

of God making Christ his son

of God making men his sons through faith in Christ’s work

Pantheist – Pantheism is a philosophical or religious perspective that views the universe (or nature) as identical to God, or as an all-encompassing divine entity. In pantheism, there’s no separation between the divine and the natural world; instead, divinity is immanent within the cosmos. This perspective often emphasizes reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all things.

The term “pantheism” comes from Greek roots, where “pan” means “all” and “theos” means “god.” Thus, pantheism essentially posits that everything is divine or a manifestation of the divine.

 

  1. How does Screwtape explain the law of Undulation? How do you tend to respond to the ups and downs of your spiritual journey?
    1. The law of Undulation are the ups and downs of our lives. We live in this space/time continuum where our bodies, passions, and imaginations are in continuous change. On our spiritual journey there will be times of great joy and dry periods of tribulation or suffering where we wonder where is God. While we live on earth in this body there will be periods of emotional and bodily richness and liveness followed by periods of numbness and poverty.
    2. I respond to the ups with great joy and the downs with some fear where my faith is tested.
  2. Explain Screwtapes’s assessment of human nature as “amphibians” – half spirit and half animals.
    1. Amphibians like frogs live partially in water and our of water. Humans live in both the spiritual (infinite) and temporal flesh worlds.
  3. Read James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3. Why does God rely on the “troughs” or trials even more than on the “peaks” in our lives?
    1. 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  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
    2. 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;
    3. Our character, faith, hope, and endurance/perseverance are formed during tribulation snd suffering. As stated in this chapter, our purpose is to become more like Christ. How can we do that unless we suffer as He did?
  4. Fill in the blanks. Humans are primarily food to Scretape and his workers for the purpose of bending the human’s will into theirs. The devil takes to leave us barren and dry.
  5. Explain how Ephesians 4:22-24 supports Screwtapes’s argument that God wants to fill the universe with little replicas of Himself who voluntarily chose to love and serve Him?
    1. Ephesians 4: 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23  and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24  and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
    2. We are in a spiritual boot camp to conform to Christ’s likeness. As CS Lewis says in Mere Christianity “Every Christian is to become a little Christ. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else.”
    3. 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.
    4. Php 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
  6. 1 Peter 1: 13 ¶ Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14  As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15  but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16  because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”
  7. Screwtape provides a direct comparison between the relationship that God wants to have with us and the relationship that Satan desires.
God’s relationship with us Satan’s relationship with us
1.    Servants to become sons Cattle to become food
2.    To give out To suck in
3.    He is full and flows over He is empty and wants us to fill
4.    Wants beings united with Him but still distinct Drawn all other beings into himself

 

  1. The definition of ravish is to “seize and carry off (someone) by force”. The definition of woo is to “try to gain the love of someone.” So then, what does Screwtape mean by saying God “cannot ravish. He can only woo”?
    1. This is due to God’s nature. First of all, He is in need of nothing. Satan has many needs. Second, God wants us to maintain free will so that it is our decision to follow him. God will not force us to love Him or obey His commands. Satan wants to devour us using any means. The Irresistible and the Undisputable methods He forbids due to His nature. To override man’s will would be useless to God.
  2. What does Screwtape mean by, “He cannot ‘tempt’ to virtue as we do to ‘vice’’?
    1. God cannot offer gifts to make humans follow Him. He is not the God of “name it and claim it”. That is not God’s method or desire. However, Satan can use all the techniques he can muster to tempt us to sin, lose faith in God, not forgive others, follow false teachers or prophets or spirits, and become a judge condemning others, all of which quench the Spirit and can eventually lead to losing our salvation.
  3. Screwtape said that their cause is never more in danger than when someone “no longer desiring, but still intending, to do (God’s) will, looks round upon a universe form which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” If we possess this attitude, what statement does this make about our view of God?
    1. God is not our cosmic bell boy to call up every time we face a challenge resulting in us never facing suffering or tribulation. In fact, tribulation and suffering is what God uses to form our character and make us servants of the most high God. This makes us people of God who want and truly love God and not simply what He does for us.
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