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.
2 comments:
Good summary for the last chapter of Screwtape. They way you explained Screwtape’s point of view of democracy and humanity really touched me. I definitely agree with you. The paradox of belonging to a group and being accepted creates a subgroup within a society. To give up who we really are instead of standing and be proud of ourselves is detriment.
I really like your example of boys and girls having to dress like the in-crowd, listen to their music, and own the coolest technology to be considered cool. It is truly disturbing some of the things people will do to be cool. Even worse are the things that people may force others to do if they want to be considered part of their group. People should be who they are, even if that includes following Jesus to make themselves happy.
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