What thoughts occur when reading the words: spiritual warfare? Perhaps persecution comes to mine, or possession, or mental illness. In C.S. Lewis’s book: The Screwtape Letters, Lewis brings to life a spiritual battle where the demon’s attacks are subtle and constant: “Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts” The Apostle Paul mentions spiritual warfare as struggling “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph.6:12). It is a spiritual battle that takes place every day in our lives.

The Screwtape Letters looks at theological issues mainly focused on temptation and resisting temptation. Studying a book focused on spiritual warfare and the corruption of humans is not enjoyable, it is convicting. There is the temptation to stop the study and put aside the complex reality of our continuous combat. However, we are called not to be “ignorant of his [Satan’s] designs” (2 Cor.2:11). Christ’s prayer for us is: “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13). Therefore, we must “be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet.5:8). Satan is on the prowl, but Christ is with us and will give us the power to overcome Satan and his devices.

Please join us as we use The Screwtape Letters as a springboard to dive into theological ideas of temptation, resistance to temptation, and spiritual warfare.