From the Editor’s Trash Can

In 1942, C.S. Lewis wrote a fictional, satirical book entitled, “The Screwtape Letters.” This book was about a seasoned demon named “Screwtape,” who was trying to advise his nephew, “Wormwood,” an inexperienced demon, how to be an effective tempter.

In the spirit of C.S. Lewis’ classic work, I began to wonder, “What if the events of 2020 were the results of a demonic dialogue that took place behind the scenes between Screwtape and Wormwood in 2019?” Here’s how I would imagine it, with one change from C.S. Lewis’ format. Screwtape and Wormwood are no longer writing letters to each other. Instead, they are texting. After all, this fictional dialog takes place in 2019, not 1942.

Of course, I also want to offer my apologies to C.S. Lewis and his readers. There is a reason why these thoughts are entitled, “From the Editor’s Trash Can.” It was not my intent to “improve” upon C.S. Lewis, but to use his genius approach to address a modern concern.

Wormwood: Dear Uncle Screwtape, it’s been some time since we last communicated, and if you aren’t too busy, I would like to seek your advice once again. Satan has honored me by commissioning me with the task of disrupting the church in America. He has asked me to create chaos, unrest, and division that will weaken and overthrow the faith of Christians and hurt the reputation of the church before the world. Since you have so much more experience than I, would you be willing to help your favorite nephew with some sinister ideas? I would value your advice.
Screwtape: Great hearing from you, Wormwood, and what an honor for you to be selected for this task! Congratulations are in order! Certainly, I’d be happy to help you out in any way I can. Could you tell me what ideas you already have?
Wormwood: Great! Thanks for being willing to help me out! As for ideas, I was thinking of manipulating a massive persecution against the church, like has not been seen since the days of the Roman Empire. The faith of Christians in America has never really been tested. They need to know the fear that comes from the steely, sharp edge of a sword! While the implementation of such a persecution may require a little time, it won’t be nearly as long as most would think. Judging from how quickly long-held moral values have been jettisoned by America, I don’t think our wait will be too long. I think history bears this out. Remember how the unthinkable became a reality in Germany during the last century? That’s what I want to recreate, only this time making Christians the object of the hatred and persecution. With just a little patience, I believe I can change the way the nation thinks, blind their eyes, callous their hearts, and stir within the general population a violent hatred of Christianity. So, what do you think of my idea? Please speak freely and offer any suggestions. I value your input.
Screwtape: While I think your heart is in the right place, it is my opinion that your plan is destined to fail. The reason is that it is too direct, too “in your face,” and the persecution comes from without and not within. These factors have typically strengthened the resolve of Christians. When faced with “deny or die” ultimatums, Christians have historically embraced martyrdom, and their martyrdom strengthened and rallied other Christians to greater boldness and faithfulness. I will say this, your plan will certainly cause a great exodus of many nominal Christians from the church, but our master already has them. There is no “net” advantage in driving them away. In fact, have you considered that with their departure, we will lose the powerful impact of their leavening influence within the church? No, my nephew, for these reasons, I think your plan would be an utter failure.
Wormwood: Uncle Screwtape, this is why I wrote to you for help. I knew with your experience and good judgment; you would be able to help me. I’m a little embarrassed, but I must admit that I never even considered the counterpoints you made, but having considered them, I believe you are right. So, it’s back to the drawing board for me. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Screwtape: Well, if it were me, I’d plan something far more indirect, less consequential, and instigated from within and not from without. This approach will catch the church off-guard and with her defenses down. I think this approach will be far more effective.
Wormwood: I think I may understand what you’re saying, but can you give me some concrete examples?
Screwtape: Sure, I’d be happy to. As you know, Americans tenaciously embrace personal liberty and freedom, value their traditions, and are allowed to vocally dissent against those in positions of authority. If it were me, I would use these very traits against them. For instance: What if you started a global, airborne, pandemic and made sure that this pandemic was benign enough that most who contract it will survive, but deadly enough that hundreds of thousands of people will die? Then within this cultural context, the stage is set to deploy our secret weapon. No, it’s not a steely, sharp sword, hungry, wild beasts, or execution squads. This weapon has never been used before in the battle of evil and good. But within this cultural context, this weapon will create chaos and division within the church. The weapon? An insignificant, benign medical facemask.
Wormwood: A medical facemask? I was with you up to this point, but now you’ve lost me. Can you explain how a facemask can be used as an instrument of evil?
Screwtape: Certainly. I was just about to explain. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the vulnerable, church leaders will require Christians to wear these facemasks to public worship assemblies. But because personal liberties run so deep within Americans, many Christians will be blinded by the infringement upon their “personal rights and liberties,” and will fail to consider the needs of the vulnerable. Then, couple these strong feelings of personal liberties with the right Americans have to vocally dissent against authorities and watch the trouble begin to brew. Add to that some changes to some long-standing traditions (i.e. canceling in-person Bible classes and worship services and opting for online Bible studies). Then top it all off by connecting these changes to a political agenda (and remember, this is an election year in America), and you will have the makings of a chaotic, vocal, rebellion against church leaders. And the beauty of it all is that it is all self-inflicted! We get blamed for nothing! There will be no call to “circle the wagons” against the enemy of the church, because the enemy is the church!
Wormwood: Brilliant, Uncle Screwtape! Just brilliant! I knew I could count on you, and you proved me right. Thank you so much for your advice. I plan to get right on it!