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

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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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Dusty and I continue our conversation, looking at how to parent our children (and re-parent ourselves) in the context of disagreements/extremism and loving others well. This is the last episode of the year, and I look forward to joining you again as we resume our deep dive into the Screwtape Letters in the New Year!

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Religion and politics: people's two favourite discussion topics at the Christmas dinner table, right? LOLZ.

As we look at the 7th Screwtape Letter, we dive into the topic of political extremism and how its toxicity corrupts even (maybe especially) the Church, as these savvy demons remind us: "All extremes, except extreme devotion to the Enemy, are to be encouraged."

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As Wormwood's patient prepares for the possibility of going to war, Screwtape narrows in on one of the best tools at their disposal: fear. In short, Screwtape thinks that the more we focus on WHAT we're afraid of, the more we forget that God wants to help us with the fear ITSELF. So how can we fight back? How should we pray when we're afraid? Turning this letter on its head might give us a few ideas...

Mentioned in this episode: Try Softer by Aundi Kolber https://www.amazon.co.uk/Try-Softer-Aundi-Kolber/dp/1496439651

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Screwtape's 5th letter looks at how faith is built up or torn down in times of war and conflict; and while it may have been written in the context of the Second World War, Lewis' work has not lost its potency or relevance for today's audience. News headlines remind us of the stark contrast of war and suffering against the hopeful invitation we're painted in the gospel. The numbers of lives lost are thousands of individual grieving souls, crying out in agony in this broken world. Does God see them? Does He care about our suffering? What's more – does He even understand it? I don't have all the answers, but I'm joined by theology graduate and retired Air Force Engineer, Steve Millington, as we engage these daunting but oh-so-relevant questions.

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Screwtape's clever tactics in Letter 4 break break down how we trick ourselves into thinking that our prayers aren't heard, that God doesn't care, or that prayer itself is fruitless. But as C.S. Lewis warned us in the Preface, "The devil is a liar!" So in this episode, let's dig into the truth: what is prayer, really? Does it matter? And does God care? (Spoiler alert: He absolutely does).

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Trigger warning: If you do not wish to hear Screwtape's mention of domestic abuse, skip ahead about two minutes from the time stamp of 15:45. If you are suffering in an abusive situation, please reach out to local law enforcement, a licensed therapist, or a trusted friend/pastor because you are precious and valuable, and you deserve freedom, safety, and healing.

What does love look like? Beyond the mushy rom com films, I mean. In Letter 3, Screwtape's goal is to make sure that the patient and his mother (who live together) are utterly hopeless to see each other for who they really are – or love each other well. By inflating their ego (and making them ignorant of the fact), these devils brew a troubling concoction of domestic chaos and tension. But the MOST troubling thing? I think most of us can see ourselves in these situations if we get real about what our home lives really look like...

Listen as we unpack all the nitty gritty ways that domestic bliss might fail to be so... well, blissful, in Episode 4 of Magic Like This.

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In the second letter from Screwtape to Wormwood, these two demons are devastated to find out that the patient has become a Christian! So what is Screwtape's first tactic? Make sure that this new Christian becomes swiftly disillusioned with the Church. This tactic, of course, is easily accomplished with two ingredients: pride (on the part of the patient) and brokenness (on the part of... well... all of humanity). So is the Church an accomplice to Hell? UCB 1 Radio Presenter, Becs Millington, joins us to share her story of walking away from God after being hurt by the church...