Screwtape Chapter 2
Chapter 2 opens with good news. The tempter’s charge has become a Christian which changes everything. Wormwood, the tempter, is instructed to change his strategies; he is told to leverage the church against the patient’s faith!
What does this mean? How can the church be used against us? Screwtape, the mentor, describes the church as “spread out through all time and space and rooted in eternity, terrible as an army with banners.” He goes on to state that it “… is a spectacle which makes our boldest tempters uneasy. but fortunately it is quite invisible to these humans.”
All we see is a snapshot. In that snapshot, we see the current state of the church with all its weaknesses, strengths, and flaws. We see a building that is filled with our neighbors; the same neighbors who don’t mow their lawn often enough. This is how Wormwood is supposed to use the church against his charge’s faith!
Screwtape tells him to direct the mans focus to what his fellow church goers are wearing, what they do for a living, their vices, their race, their opinions, and anything else that will stop him from seeing the truth. I think we are all guilty of falling into this trap, at least I know I am. Lewis points out the truth though. If we, being as we are can claim to be Christians, why do we criticise our fellow Christians and say they are hypocrites (albeit we all are) and aren’t the “real deal.”
Lewis states through his narrative that we as humans are prone to become disenchanted with our endeavours after a time and give up. This occurs in all things whether it be a new car or the start of a new saga in our life. The perfect example is love and relationships.
When a relationship begins it starts with infatuation or ‘puppy love’. It continues in this fashion for a time until the infatuation fades away. At this time, many relationships end because it takes work to make them persist. Love is nothing short of conscious decision to want the highest good for another person and to work towards that goal but it is not easy. Hence, when the infatuation ends and it becomes difficult for the relationship to persist, we give up and break it off.
This is what Screwtape wants Wormwood to pursue; to distract his charge until he becomes disenchanted with Christianity.
Once again, the key is distraction. If we can keep our eyes pointed in the right direction, on the truth behind the glamor, we will never be disappointed. Instead, we will find ultimate satisfaction. Going to church and getting the “feel goods” pales in comparison to really throwing yourself at God’s throne, to abandoning your life into His hands for His will. In that moment when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will feel a euphoria that is unmatched.
If salvation is anything like that euphoric feeling, than you can sign me up. I am all in.
