My dear Wormwood,
You mentioned casually in your last letter that the patient has continued to attend one church, and one only, since he was converted, and that he is not wholly pleased with it. May I ask what you are about? Why have I no report on the causes of his fidelity to the parish church? Do you realize that unless it is due to indifference it is a very bad thing? Surely you know that if a man can’t be cured of churchgoing, the next best thing is to send him all over the neighborhood looking for the church that ‘suits’ him until he becomes a taster or connoisseur of churches.
. . . the search for a ‘suitable’ church makes the man a critic where the Enemy wants him to be a pupil. What He wants of the layman in church is an attitude which may, indeed, be critical in the sense of rejecting what is false or unhelpful, but which is wholly uncritical in the sense that it does not appraise¾does not waste time in thinking about what it rejects, but lays itself open in uncommenting, humble receptivity to any nourishment that is going. . . . This attitude, especially during sermons, creates the condition (most hostile to our whole policy) in which platitudes can become really audible to a human soul. There is hardly any sermon, or any book, which may not be dangerous to us if it is received in this temper. So pray bestir yourself and send this fool the round of the neighboring churches as soon as possible . . . .
Your affectionate uncle
SCREWTAPE
4 responses so far ↓
Mark Richardson // Nov 1, 2008 at 9:14 am
How relevant to receive this post the morning following one of the occult’s highest calendar days!
As a pastor I can relate to unusual opposition by church leaders in leading the church to man-up regarding biblical expectations and responsibilities concerning church membership. It’s perplexing to say the least.
Lewis’ words make me wonder how much the church concentrates on catering to demonically inspired whims instead of preparing a biblical feast for the gathered.
We must pray more.
BTW, just finished Graham H. Twelftree’s “In the Name of Jesus: Exorcism among Early Christians.” It’s scholarly, biblical, and historical in its approach.
I recommend it because the subject is largely neglected in the academy…except, of course, when DeVine’s around!
Mark R.
Mike // Nov 1, 2008 at 4:30 pm
ha ha, very good outside resource for this discussion. sadly, i think this throws light on “church-hopping,” the dreaded virus which has infected the SBC and, i suspect, other denominations.
still, it doesn’t answer the question of a more sober-minded, well-thought-out decision to leave one’s denomination or church over difficult issues. let’s say a couple about to have a child starts questioning their denomination’s policy on infant sprinkling. if it violates their conscious to have their infant sprinkled, and in their investigation they determine that baptism should be by immersion, should they stay?
that’s just one scenario. i don’t know how frequently doctrinal issues cause people to switch, but i know for a fact it happens sometimes. i like c.s. lewis (check out my blog and you’ll see that!), but not everything is black and white.
Mike // Nov 1, 2008 at 4:31 pm
er, i meant conscience
Jon Smith // Nov 3, 2008 at 8:13 am
I stand amazed at the depth of insight and enduring relevance with which Lewis so often wrote. Reading his work I am oft reminded of Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Leave a Comment