Lessons from Uncle Screwtape

A summary/analysis from a portion of C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters

Uncle Screwtape is a henchman of the devil whose occupation involves writing letters to his nephew, Wormwood. Through these letters Screwtape is mentoring him in the ways of deception and damnation. Under Screwtape’s tutelage Wormwood is tasked with deceiving a particular mortal man. In one letter, Screwtape reminds his nephew of a phenomenon coined in hell called the Law of Undulation. Screwtape describes this law, in reference to it being a human behavior, as the completely natural experience of having periods of peak motivation, inspiration, expansiveness but also low periods of sluggishness and lack of motivation. In other words, the emotional peaks and valleys that humans experience throughout their lives. Screwtape then reminds his nephew that the low periods or valleys are not caused by their influences but are, however, an opportunity to exploit the human in question.

Blurring your human vision to the reality of this natural undulation of emotion and setting you to thinking that life consists mostly of low points is one of their tactics to lure you into their clutches. To make you think life is always a slog through the mud and break your spirit.

God (described only as “The Enemy” by Screwtape and cohorts) has given us free will: the power to make our own choices. We can choose to move any direction whether that be toward God or away. Every choice is an opportunity for growth, and we are never forced or coerced in to choosing God (hence Freedom of Will). This is why God’s presence can seem rather subtle. If we could remember and experience the True nature of God, then our opportunities to learn would not be as impactful. We feel confusion, separation, and it is through this experience of perceived separation from God that we all inevitably find our way back, but only of our own accord. And God would have it that when you find yourself in a valley that is the period to Trust more deeply. For it is in the valleys of life where growth is most potent.