Block Day, Sept. 28 ~ Screwtape made personal

Discuss J14

Journal 15
Letter 16
1. Why does Screwtape want Wormwood’s patient to become a church “connoisseur”?
2. One church near Wormwood’s patient serves up a diluted Christianity. What does Screwtape especially like about it?
3. Another church has a minister who is a passionate protester against almost everything. What does Screwtape especially like about this one?
4. Above all, Screwtape likes “party” churches in which members takes sides and are attached to causes. What do you think Screwtape might like about your church or Monte Vista?

Letter 17
1. We seldom think of gluttony as sin today; however, the devils do. What’s the difference between the gluttony of Excess and the gluttony of Delicacy?
2. Toward which type of gluttony are you inclined?
3. It is clear that Delicacy, as present in the patient’s mother, is extremely irritating. How does it shape her life and affect those around her?
4. Toward what expressions of gluttony are men inclined?
5. The impact of gluttony is to make food a primary preoccupation which governs our lives. What role do you think food occupies in your life?

Letter 18
1. God has placed humanity in a dilemma concerning sex—either complete abstinence or unmitigated monogamy. How do the devils seek to twist sex so that we don’t live according to God’s standards?
2. Why is God’s creation of love offensive and irritating to Screwtape?
3. The devils not only twist sex but love as well. How have they twisted love to destroy God’s intentions?
4. What do we learn about God’s true intention for sex and love from Screwtape’s instructions to Wormwood?
5. How might the observations of Screwtape change the way you think about both sex and love?


HW: Finish J15 and write a rough draft of your own infernal letter in the name of your own personal tempter. It should be at least a page long and designed to tempt yourself.