Questions for Discussion - Letter XV

1 - What is the difference between humans and spirits in relation to time?
2 - What is the problem with peacetime activities and preoccupations?
3 - Discuss “the present is the point at which time touches eternity”
4 - Do you agree with the statement that the biological necessities make all our passions point in the direction of the future, and how can one counteract such inclinations?
5 – How does we take both past and future in consideration and live and work and be obedient to God in the present?

Questions for Discussion - Letter XIV

1.What are the different “states of mind” that Lewis develops in the first paragraph? Does this correspond to real life?
2.Why is a virtue “less formidable to us once a man is aware that he has them?
3.How can the knowledge of humility be transformed in pride?
4.Discuss the true end of humility. How can I rejoice in my neighbor’s talents as frankly and gratefully as in my own?
5.How can we develop a sense of humor and proportion so we can laugh at ourselves?
6.What is God’s true end to humility?
7.Discuss “make him value an opinion for some quality other than truth (how does this relate to postmodernism?
8.How can dishonesty or “make believe” play a role in what “otherwise, threatens to become a virtue”?
9.What, according to Lewis, is the state of mind God wants us to be?
10.Discuss: “to restore to them a kind of self love - a charity and gratitude for all selves, including their own”
11.Which would you think the most humble: the woman who, when complimented on the choice of her beautiful new dress, says, “Yes, it is beautiful, isn’t it?” or the woman who exclaims, “Oh, this is old thing! I had it for ages!”

Questions for Letter XIII

1. What would you consider the “asphyxiating cloud” and how can we live as to become “permanently surrounded by it” as to become inaccessible to the devil?

2. Screwtape hopes to corrupt the patient by causing him to abandon what?

3. Why is any real pain or pleasure a good way to keep us from God?

4. How and why does God wants to detach men from themselves? Why is it necessary for us first abandon the clamor of self-will?

5. Why would a “strong personal taste which is not actually a sin” be discourage?

6. Discuss the meaning of “No amount of piety in his imagination and affections will harm us if we can keep it out of his will”

7. What is the negative relationship between feeling and acting?

Wakulla River Kayak Trip - Images of a Memorable Day - 3/3/07

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