Dear Uncle Screwtape

The Screwtape letters have been something that I have had at least some interest in reading since I first learned of their existence. This is mainly because of what a unique concept they are based on instead of simply giving advice through example after example like so many writers Lewis uses fictional demons that are tasked with destroying the faith of believers. He does this in the form of letters of correspondence between Wormwood a young demon with his first victim and his older more experienced uncle Screwtape who is giving practical advice on how to destroy a man’s faith. However that is quite enough as everyone who is reading this knows that much already.

This particular letter deals with how to maintain the descent into sin. Screwtape states that a gradual descent is best as the victim won’t even notice what is happening if this approach is correctly implemented. Much like another analogy I have heard where a frog is tossed into a pan of boiling water and it jumps out but when it starts in warm water that is slowly heated it does not realize the danger it is in as it has slowly adjusted itself to the temperature. I think that as this analogy which depending on which movie you choose to watch you may see again applies to more than just a descent into sin but many other problems in life I think it proves just how effective of a technique it is and that we should always be wary of it and more importantly our actions and set of morals. This is not something that is easy to guard against because as is its nature it is a stealth attack, however by conversing with the enemy of these demons on a regular basis both in prayer and via his word we can at least fight back so long as we remain vigilant and it is my personal experience having gone down what I believe is this very same path that we sometimes need a dramatic wakeup call so when or if something happens look at who you turn to if it is God then you are in my opinion at least on the path to recovery.