Screwtape: Chapter 5
The war has just begun—both inside and out...
Chapter 5
TL;DR
In Chapter 5, Screwtape acknowledges the beginning of a war (likely World War II) and discusses how it can be used to Wormwood's advantage—but also how it can backfire. While war brings fear, death, and suffering (all of which are things demons delight in), Screwtape warns that it may also push people to turn to God or consider eternal things.
He encourages Wormwood to focus on undermining faith and preventing the formation of virtues. By all means, he should not allow his Patient to reflect on courage, sacrifice, or repentance. Screwtape explains that death, especially when someone is right with God, is actually a loss for their side. Better that humans live a long life of believing lies and indulging their every desire.
Chapter 5 shows how sometimes it's the painful and chaotic times that draw us closer to God—if we choose to seek Him.
"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." —Romans 5:3-5
Discussion Questions
- Screwtape says that war can be dangerous for demons because it forces humans to think about things bigger than themselves. During times like the pandemic or global conflicts, have you ever found yourself thinking more deeply about life and faith? What did you discover?
- Screwtape wants the Patient to focus on fear of the unknown rather than his own spiritual journey. How do you usually respond when the world feels uncertain or scary—and what helps you shift your focus back to God?
- How does news of others' suffering affect you and your faith? How about when you or your loved ones are the recipients of suffering? What is a Christlike response to suffering?
- Screwtape suggests that the Patient being either an extreme patriot OR an ardent pacifist is preferable. Why do both positions leave us vulnerable to the enemy's lies?
Join the discussion in the comments below or on our Discord server.
ALSO SEE:
- Why do people die?
- How can I overcome the fear of death?
- Was Jesus a pacifist?
- What does the Bible say about sadness?
- Why does God allow the innocent to suffer?
- Finding Peace During a Pandemic
Writer/Editor: Catiana (Cat)
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
