The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time

By: Ian Faith Galen Balinski C.S. Lewis
  • Summary

  • Welcome to our podcast “The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time” Your hosts Ian Faith and Galen Balinski in each episode will dissect C.S. Lewis’ 31 letters and illuminate the challenge that the devil and his minions play in our world today to separate us from God, so we can expose them, reject them, and put Jesus at the center of our lives.

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    https://www.screwtapeletterspodcast.com

    Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

    Copyright GCG 2024 All Rights Reserved
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Episodes
  • Letter #23: Screwtape Letters - Confronting Evil in Our Time (Part 1)
    Oct 10 2024

    The conversation in the Screwtape Letters podcast, Confronting Evil in Our Time revolves around a detailed examination of Letter 23 from C.S. Lewis's work, focusing on the theme of confronting evil in contemporary society. The hosts, Ian and Galen, discuss various aspects of community, friendship, and the spiritual implications of these relationships. The hosts express their excitement about the letter, which was not included in the unabridged version read by John Cleese. They emphasize its significance, suggesting that it may warrant a two-part discussion due to its depth and relevance.

    The conversation highlights the theme of community among Christians, as Lewis's letter describes how the patient’s circle of friends is strengthening, making spiritual corruption increasingly difficult for demonic forces. Ian reflects on a recent men’s group meeting where they discussed Genesis and God’s intention for humans not to be alone. The hosts agree that being part of a faith community is essential for spiritual protection and growth.

    The hosts discuss how Screwtape instructs Wormwood to masquerade as an angel of light, emphasizing that this requires going into enemy territory—where God is actively defending his followers through their fellowship.

    The conversation shifts to the tactic of portraying Jesus as merely a historical figure. They argue that this approach diminishes faith by framing Jesus within an empirical context, stripping away his divine nature and reducing him to just another philosopher or humanitarian. The hosts express concern over how contemporary narratives often attempt to humanize Jesus while neglecting his role as the Son of God and downplaying key aspects of his life, such as his resurrection.

    The discussion also touches on how demonic forces can twist virtue into legalism or false righteousness, leading believers away from their true path. They note that this strategy involves muddying the waters around how Christians should engage with societal issues and politics, ultimately creating a distorted image of Jesus that misapplies the gospel message.

    As they delve deeper into these themes, they critique modern portrayals of Jesus in media and advertisements, particularly those that emphasize social justice without acknowledging his divine authority. The hosts express frustration with campaigns like "He Gets Us," arguing that such representations detract from Jesus's true identity and mission.

    In conclusion, they emphasize the importance of understanding Jesus holistically rather than selectively highlighting certain traits while downplaying others. By doing so, they argue, one risks creating a distorted version of Christ that undermines his role in redemption and salvation. The conversation serves as a reminder of the need for believers to maintain a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what he represents in their lives and communities.

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    Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.com

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    #screwtapeletters #podcast #merechristianity #church #cslewis #wormwood #Love #sex #Historical #stewardship #demonic #patient

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    29 mins
  • Letter #22: Screwtape Letters - Confronting Evil in Our Time
    Oct 3 2024

    The hosts of the podcast Ian and Galen delve into the latest chapter 22 of C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters," exploring the intricate dynamics between the demonic characters and the human patient. Galen has relocated from Phoenix to Pennsylvania, where he shares exciting news about launching a family business, Homecoming Winery, and starting Vessels Ministry, establishing a church in the Pocono Mountains. This personal update sets a positive tone as they transition into discussing the chapter.

    In this chapter, the patient has unexpectedly fallen in love, which blindsides the demonic forces. The hosts highlight that this relationship is particularly troubling for them because the girl embodies virtue and purity, qualities that threaten the demons' influence over the patient. Screwtape expresses frustration over Wormwood's incompetence, feeling betrayed as their plans unravel. The demons are so focused on their internal conflicts that they fail to recognize the significant transformation occurring within Wormwood's patient, leading to a sense of chaos and defeat in their ranks.

    The hosts draw attention to themes of joy and freedom, emphasizing how the patient's newfound love brings genuine happiness that the demons cannot comprehend. They discuss how this joy stands in stark contrast to the demons' chaotic existence and their inability to understand true contentment. The conversation also touches on modern parallels, such as societal surveillance and control, likening these issues to the demonic realm's turmoil. They argue that any system or ideology that restricts freedom ultimately serves to separate individuals from God, which aligns with the demons' objectives.

    Moreover, they emphasize the importance of creating a sacred home environment filled with peace and spiritual authority. The hosts advocate for practices like blessing one's home to invite divine presence and protect against negative influences. They reflect on how a home saturated with love and prayer becomes an impenetrable space against demonic forces, illustrating this point with personal anecdotes about their own experiences.

    Overall, the podcast blends theological insights with personal reflections, illustrating how love, joy, and spiritual authority can triumph over demonic influences in people's lives. The hosts encourage listeners to cultivate deeper relationships with God and create homes filled with peace and joy, thereby resisting the chaos that threatens to invade their lives.

    Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.

    Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.com

    Truth @screwtapeletterspodcast

    X @screwtapepodcst

    IG @screwtapeletterspodcast

    Facebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcast

    Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

    #screwtapeletters #podcast #merechristianity #church #cslewis #wormwood #Love #sex #Entitlement #stewardship #demonic #patient

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    32 mins
  • Letter #21: Screwtape Letters - Confronting Evil in Our Time
    Sep 26 2024

    The discussion revolves around C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters," particularly focusing on Letter 21, which addresses themes of temptation, entitlement, and stewardship. The hosts, Ian and Galen, joined by guest Corey Hirsch explore how sexual temptation serves as a gateway for deeper issues related to a sense of entitlement and personal injury when desires are unmet.

    Key Themes

    • Sexual Temptation: The conversation highlights how sexual temptation can amplify feelings of entitlement and dissatisfaction. The hosts note that this theme has been prevalent throughout biblical history, referencing figures like King David and Adam and Eve.
    • Sense of Entitlement: They discuss the innate human tendency to feel entitled to certain desires or outcomes. This feeling often leads to disappointment when expectations are not met, emphasizing that the more claims one makes about life, the more disappointment one will experience.
    • Injury and Anger: The hosts reflect on how feelings of personal injury—when one feels wronged or deprived—can lead to anger and subsequent sinful actions. Understanding this concept can help individuals manage their reactions and relationships more effectively.
    • Stewardship vs. Ownership: A significant point made is that humans ultimately own nothing; everything is a gift from God. The hosts argue that recognizing this can lead to a healthier perspective on possessions and life itself. They reference the biblical truth that one comes into the world with nothing and leaves with nothing, reinforcing the idea that life’s true value lies in spiritual inheritance rather than material wealth.

    Actionable Insights

    • Living with Purpose: The discussion encourages listeners to focus on what legacy they leave behind rather than accumulating material possessions. Each day is viewed as a gift, prompting individuals to consider how they use their time and resources for the greater good.
    • Changing Mindsets: The current generation is seen as increasingly aware of their lack of ownership in a material sense, which may lead them to seek fulfillment in eternal rather than temporal things. This shift in perspective can foster hope and purpose amid societal pressures.
    • Stewardship Framework: The hosts advocate for a stewardship mindset, where individuals recognize their role as caretakers of what God has provided rather than owners of it. This approach encourages responsible living that honors both God and the community.

    This exploration of Lewis's work serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of his insights into human nature, temptation, and the quest for meaning beyond material possessions.

    Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.

    Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.com

    Truth @screwtapeletterspodcast

    X @screwtapepodcst

    IG @screwtapeletterspodcast

    Facebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcast

    Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

    #screwtapeletters #podcast #merechristianity #church #cslewis #wormwood #Love #sex #Entitlement #stewardship

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    44 mins

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Loving the discussions!

I stumbled upon this podcast because I wanted to listen along to the audio of the Screwtape Letters while following in my book. But this find was a fantastic bonus. The discussions after each chapter were relatable, easy to follow and a great summing up of the chapter before. Highly recommended!!

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