The ScrewTape Letters: Chapters IX-XII

1. Chapter IX: Why do our “trough periods” make us so vulnerable (Lewis, 43)? Is this applicable to you? We become vulnerable because we are not as resistant to temptation as we would be during a "peak" period. Our our outlook on Christianity may become boring or pointless; this can lead to people letting their guards down to temptation. Yes, it is applicable to me because, as a Christian I go through "trough periods" too. So I should try to keep my guard up to counter being vulnerable.

2. Chapter X: What are your thoughts regarding “parallel lives” (Lewis, 51)? What does this mean to you? "Parallel lives" can probably lead to a lot of inconsistencies between friends and the values placed on things in life. I think a person with parallel lives can expect those lives to leak over to one another in some way or form. My thoughts on parallel lives makes me want to stay clear of them more; because I would probably get very tired if I had to constantly switch between two different lifestyles.

3. Chapter XII: What is the “safest road to Hell” (Lewis, 61)? Do you agree or disagree? It is a gradual and, possibly, unnoticeable road. I think that this is true and makes sense. If a person does not realize that they are going to Hell, and may even think they are going to heaven; they will see no need change from how they are living and where they are heading.

4. Chapter XI: What are your thoughts on music and joy after reading this chapter? When music was brought up in this chapter; the question, "Why do we like music?" came into my head. Reading about all the different reasons for laughter in this chapter made me think that joy was the most pure out of the other reasons. I also began to think that it was pretty interesting how joy and music were being compared to each other as something puzzling as to why it makes us feel good.

5. Chapter XII: What is the role of “nothing” (Lewis, 60) and “small sins” (Lewis, 60)? What does that mean for you?  They both are distractions for people to become distant to God. They may not be as noticeable as murder, but they still can cause Christians to stumble in their relationship with God. This should let me keep in mind that any kind of sin can cause conflicts.

Work Cited

Lewis, Clive S. The ScrewTape Letters. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2001. Print.