Chapter 4

Screwtape describes quite well how Christians can easily be led astray when they actually believe they are a devote member of their faith. The first way in which Screwtape advises his nephew to distract his patient is through prayer. I can see how this strategy could work very well because I could see someone believing they are praying or talking with God, but in fact they are so distracted. Often people pray or speak to God simply to ask for things, make themselves feel better, or feel sorry for themselves. Instead of praying to be close with God, they are being selfish. The type of prayer that Screwtape describes is an interesting way to look at the misuse of prayer, for he describes prayer through reflection or silence. However, a lot of Christians do not have the faith and devotion to pray in this manner, so instead of being closer to God they are being pushed farther away.

Screwtape then switches to the misuse of the image of God as a way to separate man from his faith. I see where he is going with this strategy, for if you do not think of God our creator and Father, but instead you think of God as a picture or the crucifix you can create a huge gap between Him and yourself. God is more than an image but a being who is our protector who cares and loves for us. Although Screwtape suggests this to his nephew he warns him that God is always there, so if his patient begins praying and seeing God in the right light God will be there waiting with open arms. I think that it is very true that no matter when someone turns to God he will always be there.

Chapter 2

The Screwtape Letters were very interesting to me but a little confusing at first. The chapter that truly touched me was chapter two.This chapter touched on a lot of problems seen in the past and presently within different Christian churches. If an individual makes the decision to become religious that does not ultimately mean he or she will follow this lifestyle forever. If they have not been exposed to the church before, the initial shock of the traditions, others their, and the way it makes them feel can quickly turn them away. When attending mass I get very distracted by others and their different identities that I am often not fully participating. There is a difference between being a part of a religion physically by going to church and spiritually allowing yourself to connect with God. If one is able to get pass these common set backs and awkward feelings and allow themselves to be apart of the faith it can be a great thing in their lives. However, individuals can try to pretend they are committed to their religion, but deep down they will know the truth and will eventually fall to the dark side. This is a struggle for many people trying to decide on a faith and following a specific religion.