Book Reflections: The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" is a very short book, but it is one that I would recommend a person read very carefully and slowly.  This is not to say that it is difficult to read, but there is so much knowledge and wisdom that can be gained from this book, and I believe it is a book that could be read several times and provide plenty of new reflection topics.  The book is written from the perspective of a senior demon, a master tempter, who is training a new, young demon.  It is rare that we see an author attempt to enter the mind of the devil or other demons, and as C.S. Lewis stated in a prologue that although it seemed very easy to write, it was not an experience he at all enjoyed.  However, I contend that you will look at life and situations in life differently when you consider the perspective of demons or the devil.  It is important to remember that there are spiritual forces at work in our lives both good and evil.  The devil is very real and he desires to keep us away from God at all times, but most especially at the time of our death.  This can be accomplished in numerous ways and it may not always be clear or evident to us that we are straying away from God.  It is the gradual drifting away from God that is the most dangerous.  It is important for us to frequently examine our conscience and seek God's forgiveness and love through the Church's Sacraments.  We can and should ask for forgiveness to God directly through prayer in addition to the Sacraments, but we should always remember that our minds can easily deceive us, and our prayers for forgiveness can easily sound hollow if we don't seek to change our sinful ways and seek a real change in our lifestyle.  Our time here on earth is short when you consider eternity; so let us never forget our ultimate goal to be with God forever in Heaven.  I hope you get a chance to read this short book and take time to really reflect on each chapter and how it might relate to you in your life.  This is an absolute must read for every Christian person who seeks to grow in knowledge and holiness.  Trust me, this book is worth your time invested. 

The Screwtape Letters

God bless!