From C.S. Lewis....?

Question

C. S. Lewis, in the preface of the book The Screwtape Letters, said this:

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight."

Can you please share your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

I like the writings of C.S. Lewis, but don't neccessarily agree with all his theology.

Answer 2

C.S. Lewis may or may not have believed in the existence of demons. The Screwtape Letters should not be taken as literal truth, but as a device for teaching new Christians about temptation and selfishness. It's pretty good stuff.

He and Tolkein were friends for many years - they even used to read excerts from their works in progress to each other (at a pub, with other friends). I don't think they stole anything from each other.

Answer 3

The first is fairly obvious. If someone doesn't believe you exist you can do lots of stuff and they don't know where its coming from. Its the line the greatest lie the devil ever told was that he doesn't exist.

The second is people who all they think about is that there are demons everywhere and are either scared or fascinated by them. Demon hunters, exorcists and others fit in this.


And to the first post:
Tolkien and Lewis were friends and shared ideas neither stole from the other.

Answer 4

What a profound and true statement. Of course not everyone commits one of these errors but clearly the devil and his minions are pleased with those who do.

Oh, and C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein were best friends. The collaberated on a lot of ideas. It shouldn't be too big of a surprise of there are elements in both authors' books that are similar to one another. Neither stole anything from the other.

Answer 5

What a true and powerful statement. We really need to be careful not to pay to much attention to Satan and his Demons, and at the same time we need to be aware of their presence.

Continue on with reading that book it is very very good, and when you are done get Lord Falgrens Letters, it is a follow up to Screwtape Letters and just as good.

amdirien says Lewis stole from Tolkien. why would he steal from his best friend, and the man who lead him to Christ??

Answer 6

I am aware that they exist. I do not ponder on the subject of Satan or demons. Some people get so curious about them that it's all they think about. It's not good to let Satan get a foothold into your mind. Satan is not harmless. People just don't seem to realize that.

Answer 7

He's utilizing the scare tactics of Christianity. Sorry, Jack. It won't work on this Happy Heathen. Blessed be.

Answer 8

this is an interesting book.....
but it is a good point he has made...man chooses to ignore the most obvious ..the existence of an enemy ...thus giving that enemy more power.....we need to acknowledge that an enemy exists but we must have a good balance in what we do we that acknowledgment.

Answer 9

true> satans greatest accomplishment is to trick the human race into believing that he doesn't exist> This way the enemy can "surprise" the un-aware and trick them>

Answer 10

First, understand he was known to have gnostic (not agnostic) tendencies. I think he is saying we shouldn't ignore evil or obsess over it. We should be aware and vigilant in balance with our praise and worship for God.