The Withertongue Emails: A Pastor's Satanic Temptation, with Apologies to C.S. Lewis

By Donavon Riley

Inspired by C.S. Lewis' classic work, The Screwtape Letters, The Withertongue Emails encourage readers in the twenty-first century to take seriously once again the dangers of ignoring the demonic and assuming that, because we are Christians, we cannot be tempted into sin and unbelief. In this work, Donavon Riley leads the reader through a young pastor's demonic temptation, seeming downfall, and final conversion to faith in Christ Jesus alone for his redemption and salvation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 1517 Publishing
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781948969871

Book preview

What is truth?

Subject Line: The Truth isn’t true anymore

My dear Filthpit,

Your young pastor lives at a time when people are barely aware of their fractured relationship with the Truth, science, and morality. This phenomenon provides you with a unique opportunity few demons have ever enjoyed. The social, economic, and sexual trends that govern peoples’ behavior at present can so easily be turned to disturb, frighten, and challenge your young pastor. You must turn his attention to these things that are out of his control. Before you know it, he will be so focused on changing peoples’ mindsets, he won’t recognize that he’s turned his back to the Truth.

Your proud teacher,

Withertongue

Professor and Chair, Department of Pastoral Abuse

Ext: 666

email: [e-mail]

Subject Line: A reflection of horrifying infidelity

My dear Filthpit,

Your young pastor has been trained by his professors to believe that peace with the Enemy and happiness can be gained through force of will. What an ironic assumption! Since birth, his will has been captive to sin and death. But, this belief in his power to believe will be an easy point of attack for you. Many earnest Christians have been driven to atheism through the failure of their will. This desire to earn the Enemy’s favor can be exploited to drive your young pastor into self-denouncement, denial, and resignation. It won’t be long before he sees his choices as he imagines the Enemy sees them; a reflection of horrifying infidelity.

Your proud teacher,

Withertongue

Professor and Chair, Department of Pastoral Abuse

Ext: 666

email: [e-mail]

Subject Line: Contentment is preferable to struggle

My dear Filthpit,

So, your young pastor has trouble distinguishing between the world as he wants it to be and the world as it truly is. This is typical of his generation. His fear of pain and hardship compels him to flee suffering. It is why he will not permit himself to take seriously the Enemy’s abysmal display of pain and suffering at Calvary. And how could he take it seriously? Your young pastor prefers a life of contentment to what the Nazarene teaches about taking up his cross. To reinforce this perspective, encourage his pursuit of any desire that helps him to avoid struggle, especially if you can frame it as God’s will. It won’t be long before he grinds his teeth whenever God’s will is evoked because you have doomed him to an endless pursuit of impossible goals. In this way, you can be certain he will never wake up to