It is often said that great literature transcends its era. The classic work by C.S. Lewis that was published in 1942, “The Screwtape Letters,” is a striking example.
Initially intended as a satirical commentary on Christian faith and the subtle ways evil can tempt humanity, the short novel by Lewis remains eerily relevant. Though it was written amid the tumult of World War II, its insight into the human condition and the spiritual dimension of life resonates with contemporary readers.
With the shocking return of President Donald Trump to the White House for a second term, residents of Milwaukee — and Americans across the country — must grapple with a new standard of toxic corruption. Revisiting the timeless observations about faith made by Lewis can offer some lessons for navigating the convicted felon’s chaos.
AN OVERVIEW OF “THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS”
At its core, “The Screwtape Letters” is a series of fictional epistles written by a senior demon named Screwtape to his inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. The uncle’s mission is to teach the younger demon the most effective ways to lead a human soul astray from the Christian faith.
The letters cover diverse aspects of human life, like pride, fear, arrogance, and day-to-day trivialities, as prime gateways for temptation. Screwtape encourages Wormwood to exploit not only a person’s obvious sins or failings but also more subtle, socially acceptable ones, such as vanity cloaked in piety or anger disguised as righteous indignation.
Although the narrative unfolds through the perspective of devils, Lewis never glorifies evil. Instead, the format cleverly underscores how temptations can masquerade as benign or even virtuous. By writing from the voice of a demonic mentor, Lewis subverts the common expectations of readers. He shows how easily any individual can slip into self-justification and moral compromise without an external or internal check.
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO FAITH
One of the most distinguishing features of “The Screwtape Letters” is its use of satire and inversion to address faith. Rather than presenting a typical sermon or a straightforward doctrinal treatise, Lewis chose the epistolary format from a demonic vantage point. That allows the reader to recognize unflattering truths about human frailty in a less direct and often darkly humorous way.
Traditional religious writings might detail the importance of humility, prayer, and love by instructing readers in moral behavior. But Lewis does the opposite. He shows how evil agents strategize to corrupt those ideals. By painting the “enemy” of the devils as God and the “patient” as the unsuspecting human, Lewis flips standard moral guidance on its head.
Such a reversal forces introspection. Readers are prompted to ask, “How might I be deceived?” or “Where do my daily habits leave me vulnerable to manipulation?” The creative approach also pierces the boundary between sacred and secular contexts.
Lewis shows that the spiritual battle, for those who believe in such things, is not confined to church pews or prayer sessions. On the contrary, it unfolds in workplaces, living rooms, media consumption, and especially in the realm of politics. It is this broad applicability that has made “The Screwtape Letters” endure for decades.
MODERN RELEVANCE AMID TRUMP’S SECOND TERM
Critics today argue that the strategies Screwtape champions for sowing division, fueling pride, and distorting truth are manifested in the political sphere. With Trump’s return as Commander and Chief, many observers and activists point to his governing style, which echoes the authoritarianism he promised during his presidential campaign.
In addition, a lot of attention has been focused on Project 2025. The political blueprint Trump and his enablers claimed to disavow, the initiative has illegally centralized power within the executive branch. By doing so, Trump has reshaped various federal agencies in his corrupt image.
In Lewis’ vision, one of the devil’s favorite techniques is to keep individuals fixated on broad political abstractions and sensational headlines while neglecting personal responsibility and moral clarity. In an environment saturated with heated rhetoric, MAGA conspiracy theories, and combative social media exchanges, it is easy for Americans to lose sight of fundamental virtues like empathy and humility.
Trump’s second term may not be the literal stage of a cosmic battle against demonic forces, but from a Lewisian perspective, the environment can serve as fertile ground for anxiety, scapegoating, and the sort of smug superiority that Screwtape relishes.
TEMPTATIONS IN A POLARIZED CLIMATE
The fictional letters that Lewis wrote show that open hostility is not always the greatest danger. Subtle complacency or the sin of omission can be equally potent. The Milwaukee public’s exhaustion with political infighting can breed indifference or cynicism, which inadvertently bolsters authoritarian behaviors.
From controversies over election integrity to concerns about the concentration of executive power, citizens — especially in a swing state like Wisconsin — can easily succumb to apathy. Screwtape would advise Wormwood to encourage either blind loyalty to political figures or total disillusionment. Both extremes weaken communal resolve to uphold democratic checks and balances.
On the other hand, “The Screwtape Letters” suggests that constant, toxic outrage is just as problematic. Screwtape instructs Wormwood to keep his “patient” either overly fixated on personal grievances or consumed by hatred of an opposing faction.
The emotional frenzy obscures rational thought and fosters environments where manipulation thrives. Thus, in an America that has seen protests, partisan media battles, and vocal demonstrations for and against Trump, the book raises a cautionary note. Righteous anger can quickly devolve into destructive wrath, further eroding societal unity.
HOW PROJECT 2025 MIRRORS SCREWTAPE’S TACTICS
One of the autocratic goals of Project 2025 is to consolidate decision-making at the top echelons of government. Critics say it undercuts the checks and balances that are a hallmark of American democracy.
In the moral universe explored by Lewis, the smaller vices pave the way for bigger ones. Overreaching policy decisions, justified by grand promises of national greatness or security, can inch a society closer to authoritarian rule. Screwtape would likely commend any plan that undermines institutions quietly, making citizens believe they are doing the right thing while their freedoms bleed away.
The fact that Trump initially denied knowledge of Project 2025, only to later and forcefully advance its agenda, underscores how misinformation can serve as a political tool. In “The Screwtape Letters,” deception is celebrated by the devils. It is not only dishonest, but it fractures trust, fosters suspicion, and erodes the objective sense of truth. Once the public’s grip on what is fact and what is fiction weakens, manipulation becomes far easier.
MILWAUKEE FACES A PIVOTAL MOMENT
Milwaukee, like many American cities, finds itself at a crossroads. As a cultural and economic hub in Wisconsin, it has a diverse population that reflects multiple viewpoints on faith, politics, and social justice.
The region’s fluctuating political allegiance, sometimes swinging between conservative and progressive candidates, makes it a microcosm of broader American trends. Local communities face pressing questions about which federal directives to support and which to oppose, especially as some fear that Project 2025’s mandates will influence how local institutions receive federal resources.
In that context, “The Screwtape Letters” serves as a powerful reminder that moral clarity begins with the individual conscience. Milwaukee’s congregations of faith, civic organizations, and community leaders might find in Lewis’ work an invitation to examine their priorities.
As individuals, are we giving in to divisive rhetoric? Are we too complacent in our own beliefs or too quick to demonize those who disagree? Screwtape would argue that both pride and despair are potent pathways to moral corruption, especially in times of social stress.
LESSONS FOR RESIDENTS OF MILWAUKEE
Discernment in Media Consumption: Lewis repeatedly warns of how the devils use half-truths and distractions. Milwaukee residents can take a cue from this by carefully scrutinizing local and national news. Fact-checking and exploring multiple reputable sources can help combat the disinformation that so often plagues polarized climates.
Fostering Genuine Community: Milwaukee’s strength has long been its neighborhood identities and community institutions. By investing in local dialogues — through churches, mosques, synagogues, community centers, and civic clubs — residents can encourage a culture of mutual respect. Such grassroots efforts stand as a counterpoint to Trump’s top-down political maneuvering.
Maintaining Moral Agency: In “The Screwtape Letters,” the devils rejoice when individuals believe they cannot make a difference. Similarly, whether or not people feel the direct repercussions of Trump’s dictatorial proclivity, cynicism only deepens despair. When individuals engage in local governance, volunteer initiatives, and interfaith cooperation, they reaffirm their moral agency.
Humility and Empathy: Screwtape often warns Wormwood against allowing the “patient” to practice real humility or to develop genuine empathy, because those virtues short-circuit the devil’s influence. In the context of the Milwaukee landscape, fostering such traits can guard against the bitter factionalism that arises locally when national politics overshadow daily life.
WHY LEWIS’ VISION ENDURES
Few writers have managed to illustrate the tensions of faith and morality as vividly as C.S. Lewis did. “The Screwtape Letters” stands out because it uses the voice of evil to illuminate what is good. In an era when national discourse can feel dominated by shouts and accusations, Lewis’ wit, imagination, and moral insight can help readers step back from the fray and reflect on deeper truths about integrity and personal responsibility.
His satire remains relevant today because it taps into universal human weaknesses like arrogance, wishful thinking, tribalism, and fear. These are not bound by time or confined to any single political movement. Whether under an unhinged leader or under more conventional administrations, the temptations described by Screwtape remain the same. They whisper that the end justifies the means, that victory matters more than truth, and that our opponents must be vanquished rather than persuaded.
Lewis reminds us that the battle is not merely in the halls of power but in the private corners of our own lives. At a time when the Project 2025 book is more popular than the Bible, Milwaukee residents have an opportunity to embody the moral fortitude that Lewis championed. By embracing thoughtful discourse and prioritizing the virtues Screwtape detests, individuals can uphold the values that strengthen communities no matter who sits in the Oval Office.
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