Customer Reviews

Affectionately Yours, Screwtape: The Devil and C.S. Lewis

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In considering the worth of this video, one must look at the purpose and audience it was intended for. This is directed at a church audience, and it is not for entertainment. It is for the purpose of engendering discussion on topics such as evil, temptation, the problem of free will, what the Bible has to say about heaven and hell, how the church can become a breeding ground for corruption, how to make choices, and the question of whether good can overcome evil.

Along the way it has something to say about C.S. Lewis, his life and writings, and the influences on him in writing this gem of a book. It doesn't assume that you have read the book, but it made me get out the book to read again, years after my initial introduction to it. And I presume that others would be stimulated to read it as well.

If you want a production worthy of the local multiplex, this certainly isn't it. But it does achieve its purpose in both informing people and stimulating discussion, and though it's a bit hokey at times, as in the echoing voice of Screwtape, well, that's forgivable. The discussion guide for small groups that comes with it is a good one too. I think that using it as a 5-part series is probably better than viewing it all at once.

The DVD "Affectionately Yours, Screwtape: The Devil and C.S. Lewis" is a contemporary review of C.S. Lewis' timeless classic, "The Screwtape Letters" which is based on fictional correspondence between Screwtape, a senior devil, and Wormwood, his nephew and junior apprentice. This wonderful DVD will give those who are new to The Screwtape Letters and those who are long acquainted with it a new appreciation of Lewis' allegory. The DVD includes a biography of Lewis and background for the story. It explores the Biblical, historical and cultural depictions of Satan and hell and helps us gain a deeper understanding of the nature of temptation and redemption. It discusses such difficult and theological questions as good and evil, or good versus evil, and how each person receives free will. The portrayal of Lewis in the biography and the players acting the parts of Screwtape and Wormwood help bring the story to life. Two academics and a pastor, each a Lewis scholar, give fresh insights on the subject. Sessions are divided into five units for discussion purposes. Extras include expanded interviews with Lewis and theological scholars, Questions for group discussions, PDF file of the script and Special music by Steven Bias. This is an excellent study of Lewis' book. The DVD is thoroughly enjoyable, easy to watch, and may be used as a 5-part study guide or as a documentary. Highly recommended!

This DVD is OK for very young believers. But the production is horrible (corny acting, bad camera angles, awful sound). And the points they communicate are very basic. I wouldn't waste my time or money on this. Reading The Screwtape Letters will be much more worth your time.

This documentary is awful. The production values are low. The music is terrible. The "special" effects are hoakey. The script is unilluminating. In fact, very little attention is devoted to the book itself. It must have been made on a very low budget and was certainly put together with a minimum of talent.

Not bad, but not great. Would work in a Christian Education setting. Outside of the church it might not fly far.