The Screwtape Letters

Today I finished reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. First published in 1942, the story takes shape in epistolic form - a series of letters written by a senior demon named Screwtape and addressed to his nephew, Wormwood, a young "tempter." The letters concern a human man, only referred to as the "patient." Screwtape advises and critiques Wormwood as he attempts to encourage sin and thus lead the patient away from the Enemy.

From this morally reversed point of view, individual benefit is the ultimate goal and non-sins are twisted into whatever will help lead the patient to Hell. Faith and prayer are alright as long as there is spiritual righteousness, and unselfishness is encouraged as long as the patient is acutely aware that he is, at that moment, being unselfish.

The book is dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, who warned Lewis of delving deeply into the craft of evil. Lewis would later comment that though the end result was enjoyable, he would never write a "letter" again.

The copy that I read was given to me by a good friend, who was given to her by a friend. I think I'll pass this along to anyone willing, as it is a must read.