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 to 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.
–C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
How wonderful, Kendall, that you are leading a Lenten program on the Screwtape Letters. I always try to re-read that yearly, as well as Genesis.
Pairing magic and materialism draws on a fascinating (but slightly obscure) passage in The Abolition of Man in which Lewis argues that technology and magic come to the same thing — more or less, That Hideous Strength in prose.
However, the last time I read through Screwtape I was disappointed. There are great passages, but overall it’s a very small book — not in the sense that it’s everyday, but that the everyday life set forth is one impoverished of really important relationships or personal challenges. No marriage, no children, no service, no study . . .
I believe Screwtape whet on to say that psychology had a lot of possibilities.
I’ve quoted this often. It’s a wonderful quote on the topic.
Jim Elliott <>< Florida