Screwtape Letters Chapter 5

Excerpt 1:

"Consider too what undesirable deaths occur in wartime. Men are killed in places where they knew they might be killed and to which they go, if they are at all of the Enemy's party, prepared."

Question 1: How does being spiritually prepared for death shape one’s view of life and faith during challenging times like war? Scripture: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." — Psalm 23:4

Excerpt 2:

"In wartime not even a human can believe that he is going to live forever."

Question 2: Why might wartime or hardship bring a greater awareness of mortality, and how can this be spiritually transformative? Scripture: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." — Psalm 90:12

Excerpt 3:

"The Enemy has guarded him from you through the first great wave of temptations. But if only he can be kept alive, you have time itself for your ally."

Question 3: What spiritual dangers arise from complacency over time, and how can they be resisted? Scripture: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" — 1 Corinthians 10:12

Excerpt 4:

"There is nothing like suspense and anxiety for barricading a human’s mind against the Enemy."

Question 4: How does anxiety prevent people from experiencing God’s peace, and what practical steps can be taken to combat it? Scripture: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." — Philippians 4:6

Excerpt 5:

"We want him to be in the maximum uncertainty, so that his mind will be filled with contradictory pictures of the future, every one of which arouses hope or fear."

Question 5: Why is living in the present moment more spiritually grounding than dwelling on an uncertain future? Scripture: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." — Matthew 6:34

Excerpt 6:

"The Enemy’s human partisans have all been plainly told by Him that suffering is an essential part of what He calls Redemption."

Question 6: How does the concept of suffering as a part of redemption align with Christian teachings, and how can it be embraced? Scripture: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." — Philippians 3:10

Excerpt 7:

"We make the human want not to do, but to think about what will happen to him."

Question 7: What are the spiritual consequences of focusing more on self-centered worry than on active obedience? Scripture: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." — Matthew 6:33

Excerpt 8:

"Suspense and despair about the future are the conditions we want."

Question 8: How does maintaining hope in uncertain times help counteract despair and spiritual weakness? Scripture: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." — Romans 15:13

Excerpt 9:

"The whole question, for us, is whether we can keep the patient out of the hands of the Enemy."

Question 9: What does this statement reveal about the spiritual battle for one’s soul, and how can believers remain steadfast? Scripture: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." — James 4:7

Excerpt 10:

"He [The Enemy] wants men to be concerned with what they do; our business is to keep them thinking about what will happen to them."

Question 10: How does focusing on actions over outcomes help in aligning one’s life with God’s will? Scripture: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." — James 1:22