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Dear Calvary Family,

Did you know that there are two different quotes going around from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis about Christian involvement in politics? In The Screwtape Letters, first published as a weekly series in 1941 and then as a bestselling book in 1942, Lewis has a fictional exchange between two demons—one a mentor and uncle (Screwtape) and the other a student and nephew (Wormwood). It’s essentially a fictional exchange of tips for how the demonic realm can discourage Christians.

So, back to the two quotes that you can find if you search about this topic on the internet. They’re both insightful and quite good, but only one is genuinely from C.S. Lewis. I actually think they both provide a perspective that might be good for each of us to pay attention to in this radically polarized and politicized moment in our nation’s history.

The first is the authentic quote—and it is an encouragement that Christian involvement in politics is an important and needed form of ministry and activity in our society, but also includes a warning to not treat Christianity and politics as means for personal gain and advancement. However, it goes even deeper than that. This quote shows that Christianity should not be used by people as a means to accomplish anything. Jesus is not a tool for us to implement. Jesus is not a path towards a good society. Jesus is God and King, Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only answer. Remember that each quote is from the perspective of a demon trying to harm the cause of Christ in humanity. The Enemy in these quotes is flipped from our perspective as Christians—it is God himself.

“About the general connection between Christianity and politics, our position is more delicate. Certainly we do not want men to allow their Christianity to flow over into their political life, for the establishment of anything like a really just society would be a major disaster. On the other hand we do want, and want very much, to make men treat Christianity as a means; preferably, of course, as a means to their own advancement, but, failing that, as a means to anything — even to social justice. The thing to do is to get a man at first to value social justice as a thing which the Enemy demands, and then work him on to the stage at which he values Christianity because it may produce social justice. For the Enemy will not be used as a convenience. Men or nations who think they can revive the Faith in order to make a good society might just as well think they can use the stairs of Heaven as a short cut to the nearest chemist’s shop. Fortunately it is quite easy to coax humans round this little corner.” - The Screwtape Letters, p. 123 (emphasis my own).

The second quote is a warning to not get too fixated and obsessed with political arguments and a constant state of frustration. This is helpful for all of us to consider. However, this is the quote that is not actually from C.S. Lewis.

My dear Wormwood,
Be sure that the patient remains completely fixated on politics. Arguments, political gossip, and obsessing on the faults of people they have never met serves as an excellent distraction from advancing in personal virtue, character, and the things the patient can control. Make sure to keep the patient in a constant state of angst, frustration, and general disdain towards the rest of the human race in order to avoid any kind of charity or inner peace from further developing. Ensure the patient continues to believe that the problem is "out there" in the "broken system" rather than recognizing there is a problem with himself.
Keep up the good work,
Uncle Screwtape

While it’s important to recognize and know which quote is authentic, I strongly recommend taking some time to reflect on the truth contained in both of these quotes. Where is your heart in relation to God right now? Are you more concerned for your friend’s salvation or for their agreement with you politically? Are you more interested in sharing your political arguments than the love and grace of Jesus? Are you constantly filled with angst and frustration with other people? Do you disdain those who disagree with you? Are you examining others to see if Jesus was proclaimed or is your mind focused on whether or not your specific political issue was proclaimed?

Let’s consider the words of C.S. Lewis and know that civic involvement can be good, but should not be primary in our lives as followers of Jesus. We have a greater calling to first, love. Fix your eyes and your heart on Jesus and allow him to remind you that he is sovereign. God is in control. God is primary. God is strong. God is love.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Eric Wakeling