The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time – Practical Christian Living & Spiritual Warfare

Afleveringen

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  The Paradox of Patriotism. Surrendering Independence: C.S. Lewis’s Guide to True Freedom 03.07.2026 18min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLIn this special milestone episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, host Ian explores C.S. Lewis’s nuanced perspective on patriotism, democracy, and freedom to mark America's 250th Independence Day. Drawing from Lewis’s Christian philosophy, the discussion centers on balancing a natural love for one’s homeland with the critical warning against political idolatry. While healthy patriotism fosters community and a willingness to sacrifice for one's neighbors, Ian notes that Lewis strongly cautioned against extreme nationalism. True patriotism, through a Lewisian lens, requires historical honesty, celebrating founding ideals while humbly acknowledging past systemic injustices rather than succumbing to historical amnesia.The podcast deeper connects the American Declaration of Independence to objective moral law, highlighting Lewis’s belief that "unalienable rights" are inherently derived from a Creator God rather than mere social convention. Ian explains Lewis’s paradox of freedom: while political independence is worth celebrating, true spiritual freedom is found not in absolute self-will, but in surrender to God. Furthermore, Lewis viewed democracy not as a testament to human perfection, but as a necessary safeguard against mankind's fallen nature, protecting society from the unchecked tyranny of flawed leaders who might otherwise abuse total power.Concluding on a reflective note, Ian imagines a casual July 4th barbecue with the Oxford scholar, envisioning conversations centered on home, community, and Christ. The episode serves as a call to celebrate national liberties with profound humility, recognizing that human rights ultimately stem from a divine source. Ian closes the broadcast by encouraging listeners to cherish time with family over the holiday weekend while lifting up prayers for individuals globally who are still yearning for true freedom from oppression.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Listener Questions, Our Journey, Stories, Prayer & What's Coming 27.06.2026 24min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLIn this special listener feedback episode, Ian Faith reflects on the growth of Confronting Evil in Our Time and shares updates on the podcast's co-hosts, including Galen Balinski's exciting expansion into a historic winery and Michael Blueitt’s Montana cowboy adventures. Ian explains why prayer requests from listeners are taken seriously, emphasizing that prayer is an act of sincere faith submitted to God's will rather than a means of controlling outcomes. He encourages listeners to make prayer an everyday part of family, work, and community life, trusting that God often answers in ways greater than we could have imagined.The episode also answers several listener questions about The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis, and the ministry behind the podcast. Ian reflects on his interview with renowned Lewis scholar Dr. Michael Ward, highlighting the importance of genuine conversation, careful listening, and understanding how small thoughts can shape habits and ultimately our spiritual lives. He also announces a new book, The Devil's Story of Christmas, scheduled for release this fall, while asking listeners to support the ministry by reviewing Confronting Evil in Our Time and helping its message reach more people through word of mouth rather than profit.Finally, Ian responds to heartfelt letters from listeners who share their struggles and aspirations. He encourages aspiring Christian writers to use storytelling to communicate biblical truth, discusses the dangers of churches becoming exclusive or cliquish instead of welcoming, and reminds listeners that "the ground is level at the foot of the cross." The episode concludes with practical answers about podcast sponsorship, the Screwtape Letters stage production, and raising children in a culture that exposes them to mature influences too early. Above all, the message is one of gratitude, encouragement, and a renewed commitment to helping believers deepen their faith, discern spiritual warfare, and proclaim Christ with humility and hope.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  The Safest Road to Hell: Inside The Screwtape Letters with Dr. Michael Ward 15.06.2026 53min

  Ian Faith interviews Dr. Michael Ward , Oxford scholar, Catholic priest, and leading C.S. Lewis expert, about the depth and relevance of The Screwtape Letters. Dr. Ward traces his lifelong immersion in Lewis's work from childhood, through living at The Kilns, to his Oxford PhD and beyond. The conversation opens with the book's dual purpose: mocking the devil (drawing on Luther and More) while simultaneously holding spiritual warfare in deadly seriousness, a balance Lewis maintained by focusing on ordinary, accumulative sin rather than dramatic evil, captured in the famous line that "the safest road to hell is the gradual one."The discussion moves through several of Lewis's central themes: the church-pew temptation of spiritual pride, the psychological age's tendency to medicalize what may be spiritual, and the connection between The Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce, particularly the lizard-of-lust passage as Lewis's most vivid portrait of the painful but transformative cost of holiness. Dr. Ward also shares his thesis from Planet Narnia, that the Narnia books are structured around the seven medieval planets, reflecting Lewis's conviction that no corner of the universe is spiritually neutral.The interview closes with Dr. Ward recommending The Horse and His Boy or Till We Have Faces for spiritually exhausted modern readers, and identifying social media's role in diabolical polarization, the scattering, dividing work of diabolos, as what a modern Screwtape would most exploit today."Michael Ward has established himself not only as the foremost living Lewis scholar, but also as a brilliant writer" (N.T. Wright in The Times Literary Supplement). Dr Ward is Associate Member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford and Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University, Texas. On the fiftieth anniversary of C.S. Lewis's death, Ward unveiled a permanent national memorial to him in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey. He presented the BBC television documentary, 'The Narnia Code', made by Bafta-winning director, Norman Stone. He handed a pair of X-ray spectacles to Pierce Brosnan in the James Bond film, 'The World Is Not Enough', and played the part of C.S. Lewis's vicar in 'The Most Reluctant Convert', starring Max McLean and Nicholas Ralph. A Catholic priest in real life, Ward assists at Hinksey Parish in Oxford, alongside his work as an academic. He read English at Oxford, Theology at Cambridge, and has a PhD from St Andrews. More details at www.michaelward.net. Michael Ward - Amazon BooksPlanet Narnia https://amzn.to/4omcemhThe Narnia Code https://amzn.to/3SmbstAAfter Humanity https://amzn.to/3S5qyUnSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  When is it Time to Leave My Church? 05.06.2026 19min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLIan emphasizes the importance of church leadership, community, and transparency. He noted that scandals, financial concerns, and poor leadership have caused many people to question organized religion and seek more authentic faith communities. He advocates for churches centered on Christ, sound biblical teaching, and strong local community rather than individual personalities. Additionally, he stresses the need for transparency in church finances, accountability for misconduct, and open communication with church members, encouraging people to investigate concerns and leave a church if leaders are unwilling to be transparent or align with Christ’s teachings.Ian discusses the common decline in church attendance during the summer, noting that travel and vacations do not necessarily indicate a weakening of faith. He encourages believers to maintain a consistent relationship with God throughout the week through practices such as prayer, Bible reading, worship music, and midweek studies rather than relying solely on Sunday services. He also addresses reasons people leave churches, emphasizing the difference between questioning faith itself and becoming dissatisfied with a particular church or institution.A major theme of the discussion was concern about modern church trends that may be driving people away from authentic faith. Ian criticizes entertainment-focused services, celebrity pastors, megachurch culture, and churches that, in his view, prioritize inclusivity or cultural trends over biblical teaching. He contrasts churches that emphasize repentance, spiritual growth, and accountability with those that offer a more comfortable, feel-good message. He argues that excessive technology, prerecorded sermons, and formulaic worship experiences can weaken genuine community and distract from true worship.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  A Spiritual Warfare Bible Study for Individuals or Small Groups | Confronting Evil in Our Time 26.05.2026 22min

  Amazon Purchase Link $9.99 https://amzn.to/4v9E0ouIn this episode of The Screwtape Letters Podcast: Confronting Evil in Our Time, Ian Faith introduces the Spiritual Warfare Study Guide that accompanies Confronting Evil in Our Time and explains why summer can be a meaningful season for spiritual growth, personal study, and group discussion. Ian shares how the guide was designed to work for individuals, accountability partners, or small groups, with space for journaling, reflection, and prayer built directly into each chapter. He encourages listeners to approach the study honestly and intentionally, setting aside time, engaging Scripture thoughtfully, and allowing God to reveal areas of growth. Whether studying alone or with others, the emphasis is on moving beyond information and into transformation, letting faith become active through reflection, prayer, and obedience.Ian then walks through practical advice for leading or participating in a study group. He highlights the importance of choosing a leader marked by discernment, compassion, and wisdom, someone able to create a safe environment where people can speak openly without fear of judgment. He encourages groups to establish commitment and confidentiality from the beginning, remain consistent each week, and make room for people at every stage of faith, from longtime believers to those just beginning to explore Scripture. Throughout the conversation, he reminds listeners that spiritual growth doesn’t happen by “fixing” everyone around us, but by listening well, encouraging one another, and allowing God to work uniquely in each person’s life. The study guide, he says, becomes a tool for deeper community and honest conversations about the realities of spiritual warfare.The episode closes with a deep dive into chapter one, “Breaking Through the Noise,” which focuses on distraction, fuddlement, and jargon as common strategies the enemy uses to keep believers spiritually shallow. Ian unpacks how busyness, confusion, and even overly complex religious language can create distance between people and God, often without them realizing it. He explores reflection questions from the study guide, asking listeners to identify their greatest spiritual distractions, areas of confusion, and ways knowledge about faith can sometimes crowd out simple devotion to Christ. The goal of the study, Ian emphasizes, is not merely academic understanding but spiritual readiness: learning to recognize distraction, hear God clearly, and stand firm in faith with the confidence that victory is found in Jesus Christ. He closes by previewing an upcoming interview with Michael Ward and inviting listeners to continue the journey deeper into faith and spiritual warfare.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Conflict, Fear, and Faith: Learning to Speak the Truth in Love` 12.05.2026 23min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLThis episode of The Screwtape Letters podcast explores the tension between conflict, silence, and the slow emotional drift that happens when people suppress honesty instead of engaging in truthful conversation. Building on the previous discussion about the “illusion of strength,” the hosts examine how bottling up emotions, avoiding difficult conversations, and staying silent in relationships can create resentment, disconnection, and spiritual stagnation. They challenge the idea that avoiding conflict is always holy, emphasizing that real growth often comes through honest dialogue, correction, and “iron sharpening iron.”The conversation dives deeply into how fear drives silence—fear of rejection, fear of losing relationships, fear of confrontation, and fear of not being liked. Through personal reflections, the hosts discuss codependency, people-pleasing, and the struggle to express opinions openly without guilt or shame. They connect this to faith, warning against shallow Christianity that discourages questions or disagreement. Instead, they encourage listeners to engage scripture deeply, think critically, and pursue truth with humility rather than simply conforming to groupthink or social expectations.Ultimately, the episode reframes peace not as the absence of tension, but as the result of truth handled with love and courage. Silence may feel safe in the moment, but over time it disconnects people from authenticity, intimacy, and healing. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on the conversations they are postponing, the emotions they are burying, and the fears driving their avoidance. Through scripture, counseling, and Christ-centered relationships, they emphasize that peace comes not from suppressing truth, but from facing it faithfully and lovingly.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  The Illusion of Strength: Why Self-Reliance Can Weaken Your Faith 05.05.2026 23min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodL This episode explores the “illusion of strength,” arguing that what people often celebrate, self-reliance, toughness, and independence, can actually create distance from God. The hosts suggest that pride in personal strength may become a barrier to faith, as it encourages individuals to depend solely on themselves rather than trust in God. Scripture’s emphasis on humility and meekness reframes strength not as dominance or control, but as reliance on something greater than oneself.They highlight how cultural expectations, especially for men, promote an image of strength that avoids vulnerability. This leads to comparison, competition, and isolation, rather than connection and growth. True strength, they argue, is not about appearances, achievements, or physical capability, but about surrender, humility, and openness. Personal stories of suffering, illness, and hardship illustrate that real resilience often emerges when individuals acknowledge their limitations and lean into faith rather than resisting it.Ultimately, the discussion centers on redefining strength as dependence on God rather than independence from Him. Vulnerability, confession, and community are presented as pathways to healing and authentic growth. The hosts encourage listeners to examine where self-reliance may be masking deeper struggles and to embrace humility, trusting that strength is made complete through surrender, faith, and alignment with God’s will.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Hope for Our Next Generation with Pastor Brandon Walton - Charlie Kirk, TPUSA, and Faith in Our Youth 27.04.2026 38min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLThis episode opens with a reflection by Brandon Walton on 1 John 4, grounding the conversation in the idea that true love originates from God and is demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. Ian introduces a young guest, Brandon Walton, and they talk about faith and the revival in the youth community that Charlie Kirk bears attribution for. He shares his upbringing in a nominally religious environment, influenced more deeply by his grandparents than his parents, and describes the shift from simply knowing about God to pursuing a personal relationship with Christ. His journey includes moving from a structured Catholic school setting into a secular, fast-paced lifestyle centered on sports, which pulled his focus away from faith before eventually drawing him back.Brandon reflects on the broader spiritual landscape among young people today. He suggests that many in his generation are searching for truth after finding the world’s promises unfulfilling, contributing to what he sees as a growing revival, especially among young men. The discussion touches on cultural pressures, identity formation, and the influence of social media, as well as the tension between cultural norms and biblical truth. They explore why faith can feel isolating, the difference between solitude with God and spiritual isolation, and how authentic Christian community, like small, engaged Bible studies, can anchor and grow faith. The role of hypocrisy, both inside and outside the church, is identified as a major reason some young people turn away.The episode concludes with a deeper look at spiritual growth and discipleship. Brandon emphasizes the importance of Scripture, prayer, and community as essential foundations for a lasting faith, while also acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare and the challenges of living on the “narrow path.” He encourages young believers to root their identity in God’s love rather than in cultural validation, and to actively pursue relationships that strengthen their walk with Christ. Ultimately, the conversation highlights a hopeful message: despite cultural confusion and personal struggles, many young people are rediscovering faith, seeking truth, and building lives grounded in Christ.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Fear of Disapproval: Breaking Free from the Need to Be Liked 20.04.2026 29min

  This episode of The Screwtape Letters podcast explores the “fear of disapproval” as part of the Lenses series, shifting from the previous topic of controlling others to examining what controls us—specifically, the need for validation. The hosts unpack how this fear often begins in childhood, where the desire to belong can lead to compromising personal values. Whether it’s peer pressure, performance-based acceptance, or the need to fit into a group, these early patterns can carry into adulthood, shaping decisions around relationships, work, and identity.The conversation highlights how fear of disapproval can subtly lead to a life of performance rather than authenticity. From striving for approval in social groups to overperforming in careers or relationships, the pressure to be liked can distort judgment and lead to unhealthy compromises. The hosts share personal stories of navigating identity, emphasizing how easily people can drift from their values when approval becomes the goal. They contrast this with a Christ-centered identity, where decisions are guided by faith rather than the shifting expectations of others.Ultimately, the episode calls listeners to pursue God’s approval over man’s, even when it leads to rejection or loss of relationships. True freedom, they argue, comes from standing firm in faith, trusting God’s direction, and letting go of the need to be validated by others. While this path can be painful—especially when it distances you from certain people—it leads to healthier relationships, deeper peace, and a more authentic life aligned with Christ. The message is clear: obedience may not bring immediate rewards, but it produces lasting transformation and purpose.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Identity in Christ, Not in Usefulness: Breaking Free from the “Needed” Trap 13.04.2026 29min

  If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLThis episode of The Screwtape Letters podcast builds on the previous discussion of urgency by introducing a new lens: “the need to be needed.” The hosts explore how this desire can masquerade as care, purpose, or love, while actually being rooted in control, pride, or identity-seeking. They emphasize that while helping others appears virtuous on the surface, it becomes problematic when a person’s sense of worth is tied to being indispensable. This misplaced identity can subtly shift someone away from Christ-centered living and into self-centered validation.The conversation highlights how being “needed” can create dependency in others and distort relationships. Instead of empowering people to grow, it can lead to enabling behavior, preventing others from developing resilience and independence. The hosts also expand this idea into everyday interactions, pointing out how people often reduce others to what they do rather than who they are. Through examples like customer service interactions and community relationships, they stress the importance of seeing and loving people as individuals, not as roles or utilities. True connection, they argue, comes from genuine care and presence, not transactional or identity-driven behavior.Finally, the episode reframes love through a biblical lens, contrasting ownership with selfless giving. Modern culture often portrays love as transactional or possessive, but the hosts argue that Christ-like love is sacrificial, patient, and liberated from control. They encourage listeners to shift from needing to be needed toward developing a servant’s heart, loving others without expectation, embracing vulnerability, and releasing the pressure of status, materialism, and control. The central message is that identity should be rooted in Christ, not in usefulness, and that true fulfillment comes from giving love freely rather than deriving worth from being essential.Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  URGENCY Lenses: Why Slowing Down Leads to Clarity and Peace 06.04.2026 31min

  This episode of The Screwtape Letters podcast continues the “lenses” series by exploring the “lens of urgency” and how it fuels anxiety. The hosts reflect on how modern culture equates speed with significance, creating a false sense that constant busyness equals productivity or success. They challenge this idea, emphasizing that rushing often leads to poor decisions, mistakes, and lack of clarity. Instead, they argue that true effectiveness comes from slowing down, practicing due diligence, and resisting the pressure to act immediately. The conversation frames urgency as a deceptive mindset that can distort judgment and disconnect people from thoughtful, intentional living.The discussion then moves into the spiritual and psychological roots of anxiety, drawing heavily from Letter 15 of The Screwtape Letters. Anxiety is described as living outside the “sacred present,” either fixating on past regrets or fearing future outcomes. The hosts connect this to modern influences like social media, which amplify comparison, urgency, and dopamine-driven behavior, eroding impulse control and inner peace. They share personal experiences with anxiety, highlighting how fear, people-pleasing, and imagined expectations create unnecessary pressure. Ultimately, they emphasize that many of these timelines and fears are self-imposed illusions rather than reality.Finally, the episode offers practical and spiritual solutions centered on stillness, trust, and intentional living. Through biblical principles, such as living one day at a time, embracing rest, and “being still,” they encourage listeners to replace urgency with clarity and wisdom. Practices like prayer, silence, community accountability, and asking reflective questions (“What am I afraid of?” and “What can I actually control?”) help reframe anxious thinking. The core message is that peace comes from trusting God, slowing down, and letting go of control, rather than striving to manage every outcome or live in constant urgency.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  The Humble King: Lessons from Palm Sunday and the Road to Easter 30.03.2026 13min

  In this episode of the Screwtape Letters Podcast, Ian celebrates Easter week and talks about Jesus accepting what God had laid before him. Ian reflects on the importance of establishing “constants” in life that keep us grounded. Drawing inspiration from The Screwtape Letters, he explains how steady rhythms, such as regular church attendance or small group gatherings, can ground a person spiritually and emotionally. He shares from personal experience, noting how his Wednesday morning men’s coffee group has served as a stabilizing habit, and encourages listeners to build similar traditions that endure even when life feels uncertain.Ian also provides updates on his book, Confronting Evil in Our Time, celebrating its success in reaching the top of its category on Amazon and its wider availability through other retailers. He introduces Micheal Blueitt as a new co-host who is contributing to the “Lenses” series, aimed at helping listeners interpret life through a Christ-centered perspective. Alongside this, Ian continues to address themes of anxiety and faith, offering practical encouragement and resources to help listeners trust in God’s provision.The central focus of the episode is the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as recorded in Matthew 21. Ian highlights the significance of Jesus choosing to ride a donkey, symbolizing humility rather than earthly power, and challenges listeners to follow God’s calling even when it involves personal risk or discomfort. The episode closes with a prayer for Easter week, asking for healing, peace for the anxious, and renewed faith for those struggling, urging listeners to live out their beliefs with visible action and trust.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  The Familiarity Trap: How Comfort Is Quietly Stunting Your Growth 23.03.2026 34min

  This episode centers on the “familiarity trap,” the subtle danger of becoming too comfortable in life, relationships, and faith. The hosts reflect on how people often tie their identity to performance and then drift into routines where nothing feels wrong, but growth quietly stops. In a world of endless choice and convenience, especially in modern American culture, people can build comfortable echo chambers that eliminate tension, challenge, and ultimately awareness of spiritual or personal decline.They emphasize that true growth requires friction, which they describe through the biblical idea that “iron sharpens iron.” Healthy relationships, whether in friendships, marriage, or faith communities, should include honest challenge, not just agreement. Surrounding yourself with people who only affirm your views leads to stagnation, while engaging with those who challenge you fosters humility, deeper understanding, and transformation. This applies not only to personal relationships but also to broader issues like tribalism, social media echo chambers, and even church environments where agreement is often mistaken for truth.Ultimately, the conversation argues that comfort is often the enemy of growth, while discomfort, through truth, correction, and difficult conversations, is the path to maturity. The hosts encourage listeners to examine who challenges them spiritually, whether they avoid tension, and how comfort may be shaping their lives. Their conclusion is clear: avoiding hard conversations and surrounding yourself with agreement leads to stagnation, but embracing challenge strengthens faith, relationships, and personal development.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Beyond the Mask: Who Are You Without Your Achievements? 17.03.2026 33min

  This episode centers on the concept of “lenses”—the internal frameworks through which people interpret life, and how those lenses shape relationships, identity, and spiritual health. A key focus is the “gap” between people, especially in a father-son relationship: the unspoken thoughts, emotions, and misunderstandings that can quietly define connection. The hosts, Ian and Micheal, emphasize that vulnerability, honesty, and shared struggles are essential to closing that gap. Through stories of simple but powerful moments of affection and the biblical example of the prodigal son, they highlight that true strength in relationships comes not just from authority, but from humility, forgiveness, and openness. The conversation then shifts to how subtle spiritual “drift” occurs when identity becomes rooted in performance rather than in Christ. Drawing from culture, sports, and fame, the hosts explain how success, achievement, and recognition can slowly replace a person’s true identity, creating a dangerous illusion of self-sufficiency. They stress that while excellence and using one’s gifts are good, they become harmful when they define who we are. This drift is often gradual and unnoticed, fueled by comparison, pride, and external validation, making people vulnerable to envy, division, and ultimately spiritual emptiness.Finally, the episode becomes deeply personal, exploring transformation through hardship, addiction, and surrender to God. One host shares his journey of losing himself in people-pleasing and performance, only to be rebuilt through faith, developing conviction and boundaries that others may not accept. The message culminates in a call to examine identity honestly: not by roles, success, or reputation, but by whether one reflects Christ through love, humility, and service. The ultimate takeaway is that God is not seeking performance, but transformation, and that true peace comes when individuals lay down their “masks,” embrace their God-given identity, and live with gratitude, dependence, and purpose.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Survival Lenses: How Childhood Shapes Who We Think We Are 12.03.2026 29min

  In this episode of Confronting Evil in Our Time, hosts Ian and Micheal continue their “Lenses” series, exploring how the ways we interpret life are often shaped long before we realize it. A lens is not simply what we believe; it is the framework through which we interpret every experience. Many of these lenses are formed in childhood, through family dynamics, stability or instability at home, and the examples set by parents. When those early environments are inconsistent or emotionally confusing, people often learn survival strategies that help them adapt in the moment but can quietly shape their identity for years to come.The conversation focuses on the formation of what the hosts call the “false self.” This false self is not necessarily deception or intentional hypocrisy; rather, it is an adaptive identity created to survive circumstances. Children are highly impressionable, absorbing patterns of behavior, emotional responses, and beliefs about love, pain, and success from the people around them. Over time, these patterns can lead individuals to build their identity around performance, control, or emotional suppression. Drawing from The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, the hosts also discuss the “law of undulation,” the spiritual peaks and troughs of life, and how the troughs often reveal the survival habits formed much earlier.Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that spiritual growth requires honest self-reflection and the courage to remove the masks we wear. The hosts discuss how many destructive behaviors, addictions, or relational struggles can trace their roots back to unresolved childhood pain and survival responses. True healing begins when individuals stop numbing those struggles and instead face them with faith, accountability, and community. Rather than building identity on temporary roles or achievements, the episode encourages listeners to ground their identity in Christ, whose stability offers a foundation that cannot be taken away.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Broken Lenses: How Spiritual Distortion Shapes Our Lives 03.03.2026 34min

  Introducing our new co-host, Micheal Blueitt, and the "Lenses" seriesIn this episode of The Screwtape Letters podcast: Confronting Evil in Our Time, host Ian Faith introduces new co-host Micheal Blueitt, launching a year-long deep dive into Lenses. The conversation centers on the subtle strategies of spiritual warfare first explored by C. S. Lewis, particularly distraction. Rather than dramatic evil, they examine how the enemy works quietly, shaping the way believers interpret reality and slowly separating them from God. The episode sets the tone for a more personal, vulnerable series focused not only on theology but lived experience.A major theme introduced is the concept of “lenses,” the internal filters through which people interpret life. Micheal shares how fear-based, scarcity-driven lenses formed in childhood shaped his leadership, relationships, and marriage. These lenses, often built for survival, can distort reality if left unexamined. The hosts explore how trauma, upbringing, culture, and sin contribute to these distortions, and how unchallenged perspectives can lead to isolation, addiction, relational breakdown, and even despair. In contrast, Christian community, confession, and intentional reflection serve as corrective tools that realign vision with truth.The episode ultimately calls listeners to courageous self-examination. Recognizing broken lenses is the first step toward healing. Growth requires removing distractions, embracing discomfort, confessing sin, and surrounding oneself with faithful community. Change may cost comfort, relationships, and pride, but it leads to spiritual clarity and deeper intimacy with Christ. The hosts close with reflective questions designed to help listeners identify hidden distortions in their own lives, inviting them into a year-long journey of spiritual recalibration and renewed faithfulness.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Battlefields, Boardrooms, and the Brink of Heaven. An extraordinary testimony of grace, forgiveness, and the sovereign hope of Christ. 24.02.2026 39min

  The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time podcast, hosted by Ian Faith, explores the real-world spiritual battles affecting families, faith, and peace. Born out of a desire to confront evil honestly rather than pretend everything is fine, the podcast blends biblical teaching, personal testimony, and practical encouragement to help listeners recognize spiritual deception, reject it, and pursue Christ wholeheartedly.In this episode, guest David Mulldune shares his powerful life story, from poverty and years in orphanages to a childhood encounter with Billy Graham that planted early seeds of faith. Despite that experience, David’s teenage rebellion led to crime, expulsion from school, and eventually service as a combat Marine in the Vietnam War. There, exposed to violence and moral conflict, he wrestled deeply with guilt, fear, and the tension between survival and faith. Though he strayed into destructive choices, the internal spiritual struggle never left him, and he ultimately returned to Christ, recognizing that peace could not be found in the world’s offerings.After the war, David rebuilt his life, pursuing higher education, entering the business world, and later leading companies while openly integrating his faith. He experienced both extraordinary financial success and devastating personal loss, including divorce and bankruptcy, yet saw God’s sovereignty in both prosperity and hardship. Eventually earning a seminary degree, David became passionate about encouraging Christian business leaders in the C-Suite to live boldly and authentically in the workplace. Now facing terminal cancer, he speaks with striking peace and clarity about forgiveness, eternity, and hope in Christ, viewing his diagnosis not as a tragedy but as an opportunity to witness, extend grace, and reflect the transforming power of faith.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Review of The Screwtape Letters On Stage Theatre Production 09.02.2026 15min

  Ian Faith offers a thoughtful and appreciative review of The Screwtape Letters on stage, presented by Max McLean and Fellowship for Performing Arts at the Herberger Theatre in Phoenix. Approaching the production with both deep familiarity and cautious expectation as a longtime student of C. S. Lewis, Faith finds that the adaptation successfully honors Lewis’s original intent. Rather than leaning into satire or comedy, the play focuses on spiritual warfare, subtle temptation, and moral reflection, using irony and inversion exactly as Lewis intended. The result is a contemplative experience that provokes self-examination rather than shock or humor.The production itself is praised for its discipline, design, and execution. With only two actors on stage for a continuous 90 minutes, Gregory Allen Jackson and Anna Reichert deliver commanding performances marked by precision and endurance. The staging, featuring a tilted platform, symbolic set elements, and restrained but effective lighting and sound, creates a vivid vision of Hell without overshadowing the text. Faith, not typically a theater enthusiast, emphasizes that the talent and craftsmanship alone make the performance exceptional, rating the acting a perfect ten.Faith concludes that the play succeeds across a wide audience, from devoted Lewis readers to those entirely new to The Screwtape Letters. While the most immersed fans may wish for greater depth, he considers this a natural limitation of the medium rather than a flaw. The production works especially well as an entry point into Lewis’s ideas, inspiring reflection, conversation, and further study. Ultimately, Faith views Screwtape on Stage as an important and faithful work that challenges Christians to grapple seriously with temptation, faith, and salvation, and strongly encourages audiences to see it when it comes to their city. Rating 9.5 out of 10 well worth the time and money. It will enrich your life.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLFor tickets and show times: www.screwtapeonstage.comSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com
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  Mere Christianity in Real Life: Confronting Evil, Unity, and Wisdom with David Bates - Pints with Jack 05.02.2026 34min

  This episode of The Screwtape Letters Podcast: Confronting Evil in Our Time features an in-depth interview with David Bates, co-founder and host of the long-running C.S. Lewis podcast Pints with Jack. Ian Faith and Galen Balinski open by sharing the heart behind their own devotional and podcast, born out of real spiritual battles, and welcome David as both a friend and an early supporter of their work. David shares his personal faith journey, describing how a childhood exposure to Christianity became a deeply personal commitment during university through prayer, Scripture, and formative encounters with God, particularly through practices like Lectio Divina that continue to shape his family life today.David then traces the origins of Pints with Jack, which began organically as a small in-person reading group centered on Mere Christianity and unexpectedly grew into a nine-year podcast journey through much of Lewis’s major works. He explains how his early love for The Chronicles of Narnia reignited in adulthood, eventually leading him to Lewis’s apologetic, philosophical, and fictional writings. The podcast’s mission, he emphasizes, is to serve as an “on-ramp” for readers, helping modern audiences understand Lewis’s language, historical context, and interconnected ideas so they can more fully access the depth and coherence of Lewis’s thought.The conversation closes with a thoughtful discussion of C.S. Lewis’s early life, loss of faith, and eventual conversion, shaped by suffering, war, and intellectual honesty. David highlights Lewis’s commitment to “mere Christianity” as a unifying core of the faith, transcending denominational divisions, an especially poignant theme given Lewis’s Irish upbringing amid sectarian conflict. The episode underscores a shared conviction between hosts and guest: that authentic Christianity should be evident in one’s life, marked by prayer, charity, and unity. Listeners are encouraged to explore Pints with Jack and continue the journey of confronting evil not through division, but through deeper faith, wisdom, and love centered on Christ.Listen to the full episode on the Screwtape Letters Podcast - Confronting Evil in Our TimeIf you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLOur Guest, David Bates, Pints with Jack Podcast https://www.pintswithjack.com/Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcast
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  Catharsis Rage. Confronting These Evil Outbursts. “Are you done?”  29.01.2026 25min

  The episode centers on the idea of catharsis, its roots in Greek tragedy and how it shows up today in social media outrage, reality TV, and public emotional outbursts. Ian and Galen contrast classical and modern understandings of catharsis with Christian wisdom, arguing that while emotional release is often celebrated as healthy or therapeutic, unrestrained emotion can become destructive when detached from truth, reason, and moral order. They frame catharsis as something that, when unchecked, stands in opposition to civilization itself.Drawing from C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, particularly Letter 22, the hosts explore how evil reacts violently to genuine goodness. Galen explains that Screwtape’s explosive response to a wholesome woman illustrates how evil cannot tolerate what is pure, ordered, and joyful. This insight is connected to modern cultural and political reactions, where perceived wrongs often provoke irrational fury rather than thoughtful engagement. They also reference contemporary thinkers and events to show how emotional manipulation, through media, fake news, and outrage cycles, fuels chaos and societal breakdown.The conversation concludes with a call for wise emotional restraint and civil discourse, especially among Christians. Citing Scripture such as Proverbs 29:11, Ian and Galen emphasize that wisdom governs emotion rather than venting it freely. They discuss the role of social media as a catalyst for unhealthy catharsis and stress the importance of responding with love, discernment, and truth instead of rage. The episode wraps with reflections on the mission of the podcast and the encouraging reception of their book, Confronting Evil in Our Time, reinforcing their aim to help listeners navigate a culture increasingly driven by unchecked emotion.If you’re tired of pretending everything is fine, this is the book you need. Confronting Evil in Our Time - Now on Amazon https://amzn.to/3XgCodLSubscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.comTruth @screwtapeletterspodcastX @screwtapepodcstIG @screwtapeletterspodcastFacebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcastPodcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com