I recently received in the mail a copy of Fr. Dwight Longenecker's latest book, The Gargoyle Code. The cover bills it as "A book in the tradition of The Screwtape Letters," and that's what I found it to be - equally as challenging, engaging, and excellent as C.S. Lewis' classic. There is one key difference: it deals not only with "classic" sins and spiritual dilemmas, but also specifically modern problems (modern liturgies, reality television, etc.). Written as a series of letters from an experienced demon to his protege, this book details their strategies for leading souls astray, including spiritual laziness, bitterness, and criticism.
The book is divided into 40 chapters - generally 2-3 pages each - with one designated for each day of Lent. This makes it easy to fit into your schedule if you're too busy to read it all in one or two sittings (though that's also totally doable). Each day will challenge your spiritual life and habits, and ultimately lead you to Easter with lots to think about. The book is written in such a way that it's accessible and relevant to a broad audience: young and old, pious and less-so. Read it yourself and consider giving a copy to someone else. It may seem critical at times of conservatives, liberals, Anglicans, rad-trads, priests, men, and women, pointing out flaws and weaknesses. But then again, we're all targets of temptation, aren't we?
The Gargoyle Code can be purchased here.
1 comment:
this is one awesome book. The bookstore I bought it from said more than one person has come in looking for it. My daughter (17 yrs old) has been enjoying it as well. After we're done-too soon unfortunately- I'll check out the ScrewTape letters. Thanks for the referral
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