Chapters V-VIII Questions

1. What is Screwtape’s idea on the best way for humans to die?  Why?

Screwtape wants all humans to die from those who lie and do not tell the truth. He also wants people to die from others who have been influenced by Satan himself. Therefore, the person who dies needs to have the thought of "staying alive or surviving" because of a promise by a doctor or friend. The assurance of survival gives that person a stronger belief in himself, which causes his heart to be more vulnerable to the evil.

2. How does “...malice thus becomes wholly real and the benevolence largely imaginary” (Lewis, 28)?  How does this apply to your life?  

When your heart attracts the wrong attention, the demons or Satan himself may cause you to have more hatred and less kindness. In my life, I sometimes feel the temptation to show malice towards others because of what my heart takes in; but when I pray and increase my connection with God, I show more benevolence to others.

3. How do you picture the devil?  What does this chapter challenge you about regarding the spiritual warfare over your soul?

After reading this chapter, I picture Satan as being a very evil and sneaky predator. He finds ways to slowly guide Christians off of their paths in a furtive way. This chapter challenges me to be alert and ready in everything that I do. I need to be able to pin-point the small temptations that the devil may bring unto me, and know how to steer clear of those seductions.

4. What is the “law of Undulation” (Lewis, 37)?  Give an example of this in your life. 

 The "law of Undulation" states that humans are in constant change in their spiritual battle. There are peaks and troughs in this change, which represents the highs and the lows (similar to economic graphs). An example of a peak in my life was when I found out the spiritual truth and dedicated myself to the Lord wholly. I attended church once or twice a week, and continued to have the desire to learn more about Him. An example of a trough in my life was when baseball season started. The busy schedule caused me to miss church several times, which made me drift away from God.

5. “Our cause is never more in danger, than when a human, no longer desiring, but intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys. (Lewis 40).  What are your thoughts on this?  

I personally think that Satan is idiotic for trying to compete with God for the attention of people. He needs to realize that God is the CREATOR of the universe, and there is no way that he can even compare himself to Him. God created mankind to glorify and worship Him!