Screwtape's Toast

So, to finish up the book, Screwtape is at some sort of party where many "gentledevils" are gather to celebrate a special event. Screwtape is pretty eloquent and talks about many different topics and ideas having to do with the devil and God alike. The most interesting portion I found was on page 200 when Screwtape is talking about democracy and humanity. He led up to this portion talking about people being equal, and those who say "I'm as good as you" actually don't believe this statement. They must say it to feel better about themselves. However, this idea of "equality" posed by democracy restricts some to a certain extent, from reaching a true "humanity." They are forced to withdraw from the idea of "full humanity" because it may be "undemocratic" according to Screwtape.

Screwtape likens this phenomenon to a person who might draw away from something they like, such as "classical music or good literature" for fear of not being a part of the "group." We see this a lot in society today, more than we may realize. This occurs in young girls and boys who must dress in the latest fashions, listen to the "hip" music, and own all of the latest technology. They are not individuals, they are products of a corrupt society. Many people are afraid to be different because they may not "fit in." But as individuals, we are who God made us to be. Even if we are different, we are loved by God, and there will be someone in the world that will appreciate our difference, even if they aren't a part of the "in-crowd." And if the "in-crowd" won't let an individual, whom God loves in, what's the good of being a part of that group anyway? I think of the quote "Dare to be Different." I really liked this idea; it is honestly true and is a good message to us all; we need to be ourselves and not worry about what others think about us.

Letter 31

This final reading was pretty confusing, more so than even the first letters. Screwtape is criticizing Wormwood for something terrible he has done in letter 31. It seems that Wormwood has "lost" the patient, although it is never clarified what "lost" was actually alluding to. Did the patient die, or did he just realize that he was being tempted by one of the devil's minions, Wormwood. This was a very confusing concept, and many of us did write about this letter, indicating our confusion on the idea of being "lost" to the devil. The devil obviously wants us alive to help in the corruption of others, and ultimately to ruin the plan that God has for bring His people closer to Him. On the same plane, God wants us alive to work against the devil, carrying out His words and helping people see Him. So, in being "lost" to the devil in a dead sense, would that lead to God winning? Because, it seems like God had the patient's soul throughout the book, at least partially, if not fully. I was confused by this letter; Screwtape refers to Wormwood by very endearing names at the beginning then tears him to shreds. Did anyone have any insight to this letter?