Screwtape: Chapter 6
The Patient begins to lose touch with reality...
Chapter 6
TL;DR
In Chapter 6, Screwtape advises Wormwood to use fear and anxiety about the unknown future to distract the Patient from trusting God in the present moment. He wants the Patient to overthink imaginary dangers and possible negative outcomes rather than focus on real responsibilities, God's will, or self examination.
Screwtape explains that stress and fear of the unknown keeps a person in a state of instability and makes them more vulnerable to temptations. He emphasizes that God wants people to live in the present—where they can obey, "be still," and love Him. This chapter highlights how worrying about "what might happen" can rob us of God's peace today.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 4:6-7
Discussion Questions
- Screwtape wants the Patient to focus on the suspense of unknowns and warns that their Enemy (God) wants people to focus on what they are actually doing instead. What's the difference between these two trains of thought?
- Why do you think God wants us to focus on reality rather than considering the "what-ifs"? Why is it beneficial to focus on present circumstances—even if unpleasant or scary—vs. hypothetical fears?
- Screwtape recognizes that the Patient is going to inevitably have some feelings of benevolence. Why does he advise Wormwood to make the Patient push those feelings outward to the edge of distant fantasies?
Join the discussion in the comments below or on our Discord server.
ALSO SEE:
- How can I overcome anxiety?
- What does the Bible say about panic attacks?
- What does the Bible say about stress?
- What does the Bible say about overthinking?
- How can I learn to trust God?
- How can I know God's will for my life?
- Faith vs. Fear
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.
