“My dear Wormwood,”
Vocabulary:
despair– The complete absence or loss of hope.
sojourn– A temporary stay.
liturgy– A form to which public church worship is conducted.
toga– A loose-flowing outer garment worn in ancient Greek and Roman culture
aspiration– A hope or ambition of achieving something.
vermin– usually referring to mice or rats, but generally any animal harmful to mankind.
hypocrisy– Claiming to have moral standards that one’s behavior does not back up.
humility-A modest or low view of one’s own importance.
ledger– A book of financial accounts.
condescension– To show feelings of superiority.
Questions:
1. Screwtape informs his nephew that “hundreds of these adult converts have been reclaimed after a brief sojourn in the Enemy’s camp and are now with us.” One of the great hallmarks of Baptist belief is the doctrine of The Security of the Believer, or The Perseverance of the Saints. How should we understand Screwtape’s statement in light of Scripture? See Romans 8:35-39, John 10:28,29, Luke 8:4-15, and 1 John 2:19. For the warnings of presumption, see 1 Corinthians 10:12, Hebrews 10:26-31.
2. Note how the distractions described in this letter change in nature in the last paragraph. What is the difference between flaws and sins? See Romans 12:3, Romans 14:10-12, and James 4:11,12.
3. Note in this letter, as in the last letter, Screwtape emphasizes the need to keep the patient from thinking: “Handle him properly and it simply won’t come into his head.” In light of this how do we fight the Christian battle? See Romans 12:1,2.
4. What does Screwtape mean when he says “he still believes he has run up a very favourable credit balance in the Enemy’s ledger by allowing himself to be converted,”? Are we guilty of acting as if we are doing God a favor by showing up at church? See Ephesians 2:8-10.
“Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape”