The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

9/10

Absolutely fantastic. Probably the most creative work in regards to Christianity ever written. Completely memorable and extremely insightful. The premise is that there is a junior devil who has yet to master the art of tempting his subjects. He solicits the help of his Uncle Screwtape who knows and understands human nature better than even humans themselves do. The book is a compilation of letters from Screwtape with suggestions and advice on deviltry. When reading this book it is very easy to notice flaws and weaknesses in ourselves that aren't too recognizable. This book is amazing, witty, funny, revealing, and even inspiring, believe it or not. All rolled into one, folks.

Also, one of my favorite book covers of all-time. This is the only picture I could find of the cover that I have.

C.S. is the master of the quotes: (Keep in mind that the quotes will be in the context from a devil's viewpoint. Tips on how to tempt and overcome us. When he mentions "the Enemy" he is speaking of the enemy of devils, a.k.a. God.)

This quote, however, is found in the preface and therefore shouldn't be read in the devil narrator context. "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 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."

Now to the devil letters. "It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out."

"All extremes except extreme devotion to the Enemy are to be encouraged."

"He wants them to learn to walk and therefore must take away His hand; and only if the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles."

"A moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all - and more amusing."

"The safest road to Hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

"The more often he feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel."

"Your patient has become humble; have you drawn his attention to the fact?"

"Our best weapon - the belief of ignorant humans that there is no hope of getting rid of us except by yielding."

"They, of course, do tend to regard death as the prime evil, and survival as the greatest good. But that is because we have taught them to do so."

"Pilate was merciful till it became risky."

"He did not become one of them and die among them by torture - in order to produce candidates for Limbo, 'failed' humans. He wanted to make Saints; gods; things like himself."

You don't get that many great quotes within a 172 page book all that often, no sir.