Letter 24: Spiritual Pride

Review:
Letter 23 talked about creating a historical Jesus. Did you think about who Jesus is this week instead of who he was or what the World would tell us he was?

 Outline:
  • Screwtape has found a weak area in the patient's young woman. She looks down on those that do not share her belief. She thinks them less intelligent. She believes it based on faith, but it is more that she is a product of her environment.
  • This spiritual pride is not of much use against her, but it could be used against the patient.
  • Since the patient is a young Christian, it is easier to make him proud in this area.
  • The group tends to add to the possibility of spiritual pride:
    • The group is better educated and more intelligent than any other he has encountered
    • He is mistaken about his place in the group. He is beginning to believe he is truly worthy of this group.
  • The patient really thinks he knows what all the others are talking about. But those people are very forgiving and understanding to bring him along.
  • Wormwood is told to use the "enchantment" of the young woman and the fun of being with the group to make him feel proud when he is out among the masses.
  • He should make the patient feel how special he and the other Christians are, but keep him from describing how they are different. Let him congratulate himself, but never let him ask what he is congratulating himself about.
  • Screwtape scolds Wormwood about talking so much about the war.
Terminology:
  • Pedantic - uninspired thinking, making a show of thinking, thoughtful.
  • Venial - capable of being forgiven.
  • Complacent - self-satisfied with things or conditions.
Questions/Discussions:
  1. What is the flaw of this woman the patient loves? Spiritual Pride See Matthew 18:1-6
  2. While it can't be used against the woman, why can it be used against the patient? Acts 8:9-13, 18-24.
  3. What do you think about the others in the group? They appear to be helping the patient along, and are reaching out, pulling him up cause he wants to be at their level. Is there anyone that has helped pull you up? Have you helped anyone else?
Scripture:
Homework:

  • Think about what makes Christians different and why that is the truth.
  • Praise God for the people in your life He has used to pull you up. Ask for the opportunity to lift others up.

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