Screwtape: Chapter 1
Thanks for participating in our discussion of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis!
Intro
Hello, friends! This is Cat, a.k.a. 412teens on the 412teens Discord. This is kind of a trial run to see how we can do Bible studies in the future, so your kind feedback is appreciated.
Today, we're going to start reading The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. It was originally published in 1942, so keep in mind what was going on in the world at that time for context. America was shaken by the Great Depression, and the second World War was in full swing. So that's that world CS Lewis was in as he wrote the Screwtape letters.
Chapter 1
NOTE: The first 2 minutes of this video contain the full preface by C.S. Lewis—if you're interested!
TL;DR
In Chapter 1, senior demon Screwtape writes to his nephew Wormwood, a junior tempter, about how best to keep a human, referred to as "the Patient," from becoming a Christian.
Screwtape advises Wormwood to steer the Patient's thoughts away from reasoned arguments and instead focus on keeping him distracted by mundane, everyday life things—like hunger, busyness, or annoyance—to prevent humans from seriously considering spiritual matters.
Screwtape shares how he once redirected a potential convert's deep spiritual thoughts, which were planted by God, by reminding him it was lunchtime and maybe he should think about these things "later." This pulled him back into the ordinary world.
According to Screwtape, distraction and routine are more effective than logic in keeping people from truth. He warns that the "Enemy" (God) wants humans to think deeply and pursue truth, so demons MUST keep them grounded in the superficial.
Chapter 1 reveals how subtle and ordinary temptations can be used to draw people away from God. It's not always the obvious things that are whispers from the devil. That's why it's important for Christians to remain vigilant.
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." —Ephesians 6:11
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Screwtape wants the "Patient" to focus on real-life distractions instead of logical arguments about truth or faith? What does that reveal about how spiritual battles are often fought?
- Screwtape says it's best to keep people from thinking deeply about life, death, and God. How do you see that tactic playing out in your daily life or in culture today?
- The demon encourages keeping the Patient focused on the "ordinary" and avoiding abstract thinking. Do you think ordinary life can make it harder to recognize spiritual truths? Why or why not?
- How does Chapter 1 challenge the idea that evil always appears in obvious, scary ways? What does this suggest about how Christians should stay alert to spiritual danger?
- If you were the Patient, what thoughts or distractions might pull your attention away from God? How can you become more aware of those and guard against them?
Join the discussion in the comments below or on our Discord server.
ALSO SEE:
- Are demons real?
- Is there evidence of demonic activity in the world today?
- How much power does Satan have?
- How can I become a Christian?
- What is the full armor of God?
Writer/Editor: Catiana (Cat)
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
