Is "Screwtape Letters" Good?

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A while back, I gave CSL’s Screwtape Letter to my cousin who I can say is a confirmed catholic-turned liberal protestant-turned Atheist.

On hindsight, I am wondering if it’s a bad idea?

Even back when I was with left wing politics, I have not seen someone who have such an allergic reaction about religion – even just a hint of not doing something due to religion is enough to have him request a talk and discussion, always ending with “talk with people”; when he could have easily just go with a neutral answer, make a joke, etc. In fact, the reason I ended up giving the book is that the First Letter really resonate – had he didn’t insist going to strip club is not violating 6th commandment and make it into a discussion, I may have remained away from the faith if not goign further

I love the book. It actually helps me think about my sin a lot more. But i am wondering if it’s a bad thing for my cousin?
 
imho, it is not CSL’s best book by a long shot

i read it as a teenager

it seemed overplayed

nb: i like CSL overall body of work
 
I’ve not finished reading it (and even Lewis criticised it, by the way), but no, if you can get someone to read it, I don’t seen the problem.
 
Read it and re-read parts from time to time. It is fun and worth reading.
 
I just finished it a couple of weeks ago. It is good, I think it is an excellent choice in your particular scenario.
 
Yeah, it’s definitely a good book. I read it about two years ago. It’s portrayal of how demons work is quite profound.
 
Lewis said that it was his hardest book to write because he had to get himself into a diabolical mindset to write it from a demon’s perspective. It’s great for getting some insight into the “wickedness and snares of the devil” and all his stuff is enjoyable and full of insights.
 
Thanks for the replies. It made me felt assure of my gift to him, as I have a feeling it would be the lats meeting for a while. he’s “busy”.

To be honest, when I gave the book, I am thinking that the book will help him in one of the two ways:

  1. *]As Lewis intended – that is, how all these venial sins can be dangerous, as well as having a good general Christian opinion on chastity (I mean, seriously – it’s one thing to say strip club is “fine” in secular world, but to outright say it’s not a sin and not against commandments??? And you (ex)girlfriend agree with you???)
    *]As a devil advocate: if you insist those sins are “fine”, at least do it well – don’t try to drag into discussion, which gave me conviction to renounce my sin and return to Church. (I do not doubt that a spark of grace happen right there, but at that minute I did not completely agree to it until he decided to talk through it a minute later)
    *]Using “listen to people” in a logical argument does not work well because anyone who knows their bible knows it’s usually “people” who lead one to sin and is the last thing you want to use, especially when you know the person is introvert and consider religious fanatical in your eyes.
 
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