Summary

If we looked at the people we choose to surround ourselves with, what would it say about us? How do we allow our relationships to shape our minds, our beliefs, even our sense of humour? In Letter 10, Screwtape is determined to lure the patient into a false sense of "security," believing that he is both worldly and pious, spiritually deep and practically experienced, all the while being two different versions of himself: the "fun guy" who hangs out with his non-believing friends on a Friday night and the "righteous man" who kneels in prayer next to the local grocer on Sunday morning. Pride blinds him to his own hypocrisy.

This letter might seem like it's telling you who not to be friends with, but it's really about something much deeper than that: it's about examining our motivations behind WHY we choose to surround ourselves with certain people and HOW we choose to be human in the midst of their company.

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Mentions in this episode

Bible references: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5

Matthew 28:1-8

Psalm 28

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Read my article on idolatry, Taylor Swift and Our Inky Black Mire, here.

Listen to the Magic Like This episode about "jargon" here. (There are links on the Substack post to listen on your preferred platform).

Support your local book store by buying a copy of The Screwtape Letters!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping

07:01 Exploring the Screwtape Letters

15:13 Understanding Relationships and Spiritual Impact

29:24 Navigating Intellectualism and Friendships

39:08 Navigating Faith and Friendship

42:02 The Dangers of Inauthentic Relationships

Extended Book Club Version

01:02:27 The Call to Wholeness in Faith

Summary

In this fourth and final section of Christina Wallace’s interview with Dominick Baruffi, they explore the intersection of faith and politics, the role of victimhood in political discourse, and the importance of prayer for leaders. The conversation emphasises the importance of understanding the political landscape through a Christian lens, with hope being the end conclusion every time. Dominick shares insights on how Christians can navigate the complexities of modern politics while maintaining a focus on God's promises.

Read Dominick’s essay, Screwtape Endorses a Candidate, here:

Takeaways

* Dominick's essay draws parallels between Screwtape's manipulations and modern political tactics.

* Christians are called to care for the vulnerable, but must be wary of how this is politicised.

* Prayer for leaders is essential, regardless of personal political preferences.

* The discussion highlights the need for Christians to engage thoughtfully with political issues.

* Hope in Christ is a central theme, especially in times of political chaos.

* The importance of recognising the spiritual battle behind political discourse is emphasised.

* Christians should focus on their calling to love and serve others, rather than getting caught up in political divisions.

* The conversation encourages listeners to remain grounded in Scripture amidst political anxiety.

* Ultimately, the hope of eternity should shape how Christians engage with the present political climate.

Chapters

* 00:00 Reintroduction and Context Setting

* 08:24 Voting with the vulnerable in mind

* 45:54 Final thoughts

Summary

In this conversation, Christina Wallace and Dominick Baruffi explore the intersection of Christianity and political discourse, emphasising the importance of engaging with politics from a biblical perspective. They discuss the nature of politics as a good, the role of governance in Scripture, and the challenges of anti-intellectualism and jargon in contemporary discussions. The conversation highlights the need for Christians to actively participate in political life while maintaining a focus on love and understanding, rather than retreating into isolation or apathy.

Read Dominick’s piece, Screwtape Endorses a Candidate, here:

Takeaways

* Politics is the practice of ordering public life.

* God has an interest in how public life is ordered.

* We cannot eschew politics as a form of practicing virtue.

* Anti-intellectualism is a significant issue in political discourse.

* Jargon can hinder deep thinking and understanding.

* “Love your neighbour” must be defined in context.

* Isolation is a tactic of the enemy.

* Engagement in politics is a Christian responsibility.

* Anxiety should not be validated; we must cast our cares on God.

Chapters

00:00 Reintroduction and Context Setting

02:10 Engaging in Political Discourse

46:58 Navigating Christian Witness in a Divided World

Magic Like This is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Summary

In this conversation, Christina Wallace and Dominick Baruffi explore the intersection of faith and politics through the lens of C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters – primarily in response to Dominick’s Substack piece, Screwtape Endorses a Candidate. They discuss the importance of dialogue among Christians with differing political views, the demonic agenda in political discourse, and how to engage in meaningful conversations while maintaining grace and respect. Dominick emphasises the need for self-awareness and humility in recognising our blind spots, while also highlighting God's long-term plan for personal growth and sanctification.

Read Dominick’s piece here:

Takeaways

* One election does not a doomsday make.

* Navigating politics requires intention and care.

* Dialogue among Christians in politics is crucial.

* Hell's agenda is to confuse and distort our perceptions.

* God's long game focuses on our sanctification.

* We must recognize our blind spots in political discourse.

* Engagement in politics should be approached with grace.

* It's important to stand firm in our beliefs without being rude.

* Jesus modelled how to honour humanity in disagreement.

* Personal growth often comes from uncomfortable experiences.

Chapters

* 00:00 Christina reintroduces herself and gives updates on the book club

* 29:34 Dominick's Background and Faith Journey

* 34:23 Exploring the Relevance of The Screwtape Letters

* 39:31 The Demonic Agenda in Election Season

* 44:16 Engaging with Politics as Christians

* 52:11 The two Extremes of Political Involvement

* 59:57 God's Long Game and Our Transformation

* 01:06:11 Engaging in Political Discourse

* 01:11:58 Outro

* 01:12:50 Part Two Sound Bite: Political Engagement and Love

Magic Like This is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

It felt like the right time to share my story with you. Happy Easter, friends.

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Screwtape's 9th letter is a hot take on all the crappy ways that we choose to cope with seasons of depression and dryness. Buckle up for Christina's spicy opinions on purity culture, pleasure, and the more fleshy delights of life (spoiler alert: this episode isn't REALLY about any of those things). Also, she gets a little dramatic, but it wouldn't be a podcast hosted by an Enneagram 4 if she didn't, right?

Mentioned in this episode:

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (always)

A look at "Deny thyself" by Phylicia Masonheimer

Enough Hope Left to Torture: Substack by Breanne Rodgers

Into the Wild

Join the Book Club conversation on...

Substack

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Aaaand we're back! Diving straight in to Letter 8 (my favourite letter in the book). This letter covers so much: the Law of Undulation (i.e. the peaks and valleys of our faith), suffering, submission, freedom, and I maaaay also segue into a full break down of the gospel (sorry not sorry).

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Books mentioned in this episode (apart from The Screwtape Letters, obviously):

God on Mute by Pete Greig (a fabulous book to read as we begin Lent about connecting with God when we feel He is being silent)

Even If He Doesn't by Kristen LaValley (pre-order this week to REALLY help support the author – this is a fabulous resource to address some of the trite advice we receive as Christians in seasons of suffering).

*I am in no way affiliated or paid to promote these books – I just believe in them and hope that they help you too!*

Christmas is such a magical time for us as children, but then adulthood hits, and we often lose the magic of the Christmas season (along with the magic in almost everything else – thank you adulting, ha!). But Jesus invites us, literally, to have faith like a child. So as we enter approach Christmas (a season that often carries as much pain as it does joy), I'm joined by mum of three, Dusty Hegge of The Business Brewery, to look back on some of the themes we've read in The Screwtape Letters so far – but through the lens of parenting. How can we embrace a magical faith-filled life like a child? And how can we, literally, disciple our children when they face their little Screwtapes? Both Part 1 and Part 2 are available now as a little Christmas gift!

Storybook Bible recommendations from Dusty (Note – these are the US affiliate links, and Dusty will receive a small affiliate sale if you purchase through this link): https://www.amazon.com/shop/dustyhegge/list/G58XLDVOI9M0?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsflist_aipsfdustyhegge_QKEWC2GRP5R64GDY6CJY&language=en_US

Even if He Doesn't by Kristen LaValley: https://www.kristenlavalley.com/evenifhedoesnt

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