Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Some people are fascinated by the devil. I'm not particularly. Perhaps I should be, but I find it more helpful and rewarding for me on my spiritual journey to reflect on other Truths: the Trinitarian God, Christ, Grace, living an empowered Christian life. I do believe, however, as C.S.Lewis tries to make clear in this book, that Satan (the devil) exists. This is certainly part of Catholic teaching. See, for example, "Devil; Satan" in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. But also see "God," "Jesus Christ" and "Holy Spirit." This is where the focus is in Catholic teaching. But the Church doesn't neglect Satan. Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of the Summa Theologica with me now, or I'd check to see what Thomas Aquinas has to say on Satan. He is always, at least I find it so, informative. The point of the book is that Satan acts in subtle ways in human lives. Don't think he is likely to knock you over the head with a manifestation of his power and contrariness. He is much more subtle, and thus much more successful. And that is where the danger lies. If we are aware of and sensitive to spiritual things, we no doubt have seen this. At least that is my experience. When we read this book in our parish book club, it did not receive a raving review, although it received a solid one. (Some, being unfamiliar with this type of literature, found it a bit confusing.) I'd recommend it, as part of the Christian canon of books. And more. After all, it is not good to ignore what can destroy the life and love of God in us.