The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters is a very very powerful book (I have not read it, but I have read Randy Alcorns Lord Foulgrin's Letters which follows a very similar format). The simple concept of intercepting the plots of demons who are directly tempting us, deliberately leading us into Hell is very profound. If nothing else, this book can open your eyes incredibly to spiritual warfare, to how weak we are, but also how powerful God is (notice in this reading "if you suppress it entirely - which, by the way, The Enemy will probably not allow you to do." Even the demons fighting against God realize that they are entirely powerless to bypass his command.)

As was brought up in class today, people, in light of demons, either do not believe in them, or believe in them but are far too fascinated. These are both incredible advantages to demons, and disadvantages to us. I want to focus on both of these aspects in this entry.

Spiritual warfare is real! Do not let yourself believe that only what you can see, touch, smell, or feel is real. That would be simply foolish and contradictory for a christian to believe. To believe that God exists and not demons, that would be utterly silly. Not only silly, but it would be down right stupid. We are at war! We can approach this war in one of two ways: first, by suiting up with the full armor of God (reference Ephesians 6) or, second, by simply ignoring the attacks on our spirit, and living in ignorance. Ignorance is bliss, but ignorance can lead you slowly and gently into ruin, a blissful journey into destruction.

Just to clarify, I do not think that your spiritual integrity lies at risk here. Jesus has saved you, rejoice! But, do not be foolish and throw away the rest of the time you have left to influence the earth.

Do not let your fascination with demons lead you to demons. This would also be very foolish, yet we find ourselves at it time and time again. After reading Lord Foulgrin's Letters, I was very strongly convicted to not dabble around with demons. To leave the protection of God by your choice and to seek out demons is to put yourself deliberately at risk.

But how exactly do we pursue demons? Is this really an issue in our culture here and today? The answer to the latter is: yes. And by explaining I shall answer the first question as well. How often have you heard of people going to "Hell's Bridge" or the local graveyard, and doing stupid things, like driving in three circles then putting the car in reverse, in order to "see ghosts?" Do not fool yourself, there are many who indeed have seen ghosts by doing things like this, and luckily, returned unharmed. However, what do you think these "ghosts" are? The supernatural can be explained as either angels or demons.

Be aware, and protect yourself. A man at war will not leave his army behind and venture into the army of the enemy. We are at war, and we must take this very seriously. God offers us protection, a demon has absolutely no power over the blood of Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, all the power of Christ is available to us. But when we go looking for demons, we may very well forfeit the protection that God offers us.

I cannot speak with authority on the nature of the previous paragraph, but if a question even exists, then the danger also exists. May you be diligent, and protect your souls from the Devil's schemes, for he is like a lion lurking in the reeds just waiting for us to wander from the pack. He desires nothing more then to sink his teeth into you and tear your soul apart. Do not give him the pleasure.

In Christ,

Ben