The Art of Spiritual War

When was the first time you read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis? For me, it was in high school, then again in college, and then again more recently just a few years ago. That unique Christian work—a book written from the perspective of demons—is as thought-provoking as it is convicting, and I recommend it to everyone. This updated version by Andrew Farley, Operation Screwtape, serves its purpose just as well and I also highly recommend it.

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Screwtape himself—that devilishly devious demonic teacher— is no longer with us, but how grateful Hell’s minions are that his teachings and advice were recorded for the benefit of so many struggling devils! In Murray’s introduction, some human has found and translated a digital recording of some sort, a recording that we listeners get to hear for the first time. It’s the war-plan of Hell to thwart the advance of Christianity and the fervor of individual believers. Updated to suit the times, these new strategies are sure to curb the spread of the Kingdom and blunt that double-edged sword once and for all.

OK. I can’t keep writing from the perspective of God’s enemies! But the plot, albeit a familiar one, succeeds in its attempt to show from the enemy’s perspective his own tactics at weakening the Church and distracting the believers. It’s a convicting read that I most certainly will feast upon again.

Certainly, some of the points are disagreeable or, perhaps, blown out of proportion. In fact, there were times that I thought that perhaps author Farley were merely writing out his bucket-list of Christian annoyances. But for the most part, his depiction of demonic tactics against the Cross are evident and Scripturally based.

I especially was challenged by the concepts of Life and of total forgiveness. In our Christian attempts to describe the reality of total forgiveness, we often use jargon or similes that aren’t entirely accurate. Farley calls out these fallacies by suggesting that they make the devil happy! For example, I was reminded in a powerful way that I need not keep trying to pursue God’s standard, for Jesus has already reached this for me. I was reminded that I am righteous, not just “appearing righteous” or “becoming more righteous.” Justification is no longer “just as if I had never sinned”, for that terminology is theoretical and still implies my sin. Instead, despite my actions, I am sinless, a new creature, able to appear in the very presence of God.

This perspective is the source of my being able to “abide in Christ” and to let Him be my strength. I am no longer my own, for I was bought with a price. Therefore, I must glorify God in my spirit and my body which are His. And that means no more trying to “do” but rather to “be.” First Corinthians 10:31, for example, doesn’t mean that with every bite and sip, I need to repeat the mantra “this is for the glory of God.” Instead it means that every action, be it the mundane or the purposeful, must stem from a life that glorifies God. Everything I am must glorify Him before anything I do can. This book has reminded me of this truth.

I listened to this as an audio book read by David Cochran Heath and purchased from Christianaudio.com, and I must say that it’s far more emotional listening to it than simply reading it. Heath tends to read with a perpetual sneer, often laughing at us fools and spitting out the names of “the Ghost”, “the Enemy”, and “the Book.” I found it a very entertaining few hours, and I’m sure you’ll do that same.

©2018 E.T.