When I began to read this section of the letters, they seemed to be a little more clear than the first three. I think I had an easier time understanding what was going on and the actual purpose of the patient, screwtape, and Wormwood. I'm actually starting to grow fond of the writing, although the writing format is still not completely easy to read. I think that the idea to write from Satan's point of view is quite intriguing, and brave of C.S. Lewis. I can see many people being upset with the writing, because of the context.
I chose to write about letter #5 this week because I thought that it was extremely interesting how Screwtape compares war to other things. He talks about how war for him isn't necessarily a bad thing, but good. He goes on to say how it's useful "for bringing souls to our Father Below." I thought this was a very interesting way to look at it.
The next part that I found interesting in the text was when he was talking about people who are dying (page 24). He directly says in the book, "encouraging the belief that sickness excuses every indulgence, and even , if our workers know their job, withholding all suggestion of a priest lest it should betray to the sick man his true condition!" I read this quote a couple of times and found it to be up for judgement. I'm not sure exactly what he means by this, but thought that they way it was worded was ironic.
The last part of the text that I liked was at the end of the letter, (page 24) when he says, "The enemy's human partisans have all been plainly told by Him that suffering is an essential part of what He calls redemption. This was my favorite part of the book and when I read it, I kind of just stopped and thought. Do you really believe that we must suffer solely in order to be saved?
hmm... Enjoy!!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Letters 1-3
When we were first informed that we would have to read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, I was kind of excited. The main concept of the book seemed very interesting. When I began reading the text earlier in the week, I had a very difficult time following it. I tried to re-read certain passages, in case I had just missed something, but the first letter was terribly hard to understand. I wish they would have given more of an introduction to the letters because the preface didn't establish all main points.
As I continued reading, there were certain passages that did catch my eye. I liked how he kept relating back to 'real life'. He kept mentioning that he must keep his patient on that train of thought. I also found it interesting that he related religion to science. A quote that stuck out to me in the reading was when he said, "do not attempt to use science against christianity." (page 4) I found this intriguing because we very often relate these two things. If religion can't provide a direct answer for us, we turn to science to help, and vice versa. I know that I always use science, biology, and evolution as a ways of understanding where we have come from. It's hard for me to 100% believe in only religion, and my extremely large love for science tends to win over my beliefs.
As I continued reading, I found another passage that caught my eye. It was on page 7 of the text, half way through the second paragraph. He starts out by saying, "In every department of life it marks the transition from dreaming aspiration to laborious doing...." it continuues on to say, "...any of the goals which He sets before them: He leaves them to 'do it on their own.'" I found this passage extremely appealing. I'm not sure why but when I read it, I stopped and thought about it. I liked the way it was worded, even if it is bashing Christian religion. He's talking about the goals He supposedly sets for us and how He won't carry you to help you fulfill these goals. I can't completely agree with this idea, but I found it up for discussion. Does anyone really believe that He sets these goals for us, but we must obtain them on our own? Does faith and belief play into this idea? Does He set goals for us in hopes that we can fulfill them with Him in mind?
Just a little food for though!! :)
Enjoy!!
As I continued reading, there were certain passages that did catch my eye. I liked how he kept relating back to 'real life'. He kept mentioning that he must keep his patient on that train of thought. I also found it interesting that he related religion to science. A quote that stuck out to me in the reading was when he said, "do not attempt to use science against christianity." (page 4) I found this intriguing because we very often relate these two things. If religion can't provide a direct answer for us, we turn to science to help, and vice versa. I know that I always use science, biology, and evolution as a ways of understanding where we have come from. It's hard for me to 100% believe in only religion, and my extremely large love for science tends to win over my beliefs.
As I continued reading, I found another passage that caught my eye. It was on page 7 of the text, half way through the second paragraph. He starts out by saying, "In every department of life it marks the transition from dreaming aspiration to laborious doing...." it continuues on to say, "...any of the goals which He sets before them: He leaves them to 'do it on their own.'" I found this passage extremely appealing. I'm not sure why but when I read it, I stopped and thought about it. I liked the way it was worded, even if it is bashing Christian religion. He's talking about the goals He supposedly sets for us and how He won't carry you to help you fulfill these goals. I can't completely agree with this idea, but I found it up for discussion. Does anyone really believe that He sets these goals for us, but we must obtain them on our own? Does faith and belief play into this idea? Does He set goals for us in hopes that we can fulfill them with Him in mind?
Just a little food for though!! :)
Enjoy!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)