Ashley Frost
Outside Reading
"The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis
"Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts" (Chapter 12).
When I first read this in C.S. Lewis' novel The Screwtape Letters, I was stopped dead in my tracks. I has struck by the honesty and simplicity that it brings. In class we have discussed how myths are a way of bringing the truth and bringing reality to life. While reading the Narnia novels this is a beautiful truth to understand, but while reading this line from the Screwtape Letters, it is a really hard truth to understand. No, the letters between Screwtape and Wormwood are not real; it is a myth. A story. But, the truth that their letters revel is not a myth. Sin is not always as obvious as murdering someone. In fact, sin is usually much stealthier and much more hidden. It is easy, and often times enjoyable. I think the reason that this chills me so much is because I am able to relate to it. Some of my greatest struggles with my sin nature have been the easiest things for me to do... I have never broken the law, I respect my parents, I don't smoke or drink or party, etc. So the things that I do struggle with, my pride for example, are much easier to mask and it is definitely a gentle slope leading me right where I don't want to go... Thankfully we have a redeemer that lifts us up off that slope consistently and constantly.
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