[Liz]

We welcome your contributions to the thread.

Please don't take this as a criticism or a put-down....it's merely an observation. Many people who consider themselves believers go through periods of questioning and indecision.

One of the books I recommend to those looking for answers is The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. Offers an interesting perspective on what makes the world work, and the vagaries of human nature.

You don't have to be a believer to read it and it does not proselytize Christianity, or any religion for that matter, although Lewis was an Anglican Catholic convert.

[MineralMan]

"One of the books I recommend to those looking for answers is The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis. Offers an interesting perspective on what makes the world work, and the vagaries of human nature.

You don't have to be a believer to read it and it does not proselytize Christianity, or any religion for that matter, although Lewis was an Anglican Catholic convert."

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Thank you for your suggestion. I've read the entire works of C. S. Lewis over the years, as part of my study of world religions. He is an interesting writer and a good thinker about his faith.

Some, however, might just take the message from the Screwtape Letters and apply it directly to Mel Gibson and his film. Perhaps it's worth another read, if you haven't read it for some years.

[jonathonandjennifer]

The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis.

And, if you like to read and like science fiction; Lewis's trilogy ending with "That Hideous Strength". This trilogy depicted the idea of "God" closer to my idea than any other writing I have seen.

[Martin Tell]

I quite agree that Screwtape letters are a very good source for insight into the mind of evil. I understand that when Lewis released the letters in a series in a British newspaper some readers objected that the newspaper should not be printing such demonic writings. They did not get the joke! And I also agree that Cleese's reading is superb - he makes a great Screwtape. I also copied cassettes and then burned onto CD. Not sure they are available on CD. It does not take up much space as an MP3 if your car has a player.

I must nitpick at you in one area, however. You state, ...although Lewis was an Anglican Catholic convert." Lewis and his brother were born and raised as members of the Church of England (in Ireland). He fell away from the faith, but returned years later (a long conversation with Tolkien was key in the process). He never became a Roman Catholic, nor may he fairly be considered an Anglo-Catholic. He always believed in mere Christianity!

Yours faithfully,

Martin

[sweet_diane]

If I may also suggest "The Christ Commission" by Og Mandino. Very good read.