Magic Like This – A C.S. Lewis Book Club

What if we could make Screwtape so angry with our faith that he spontaneously combusts into a centipede? Well, the patient is in love, and his beloved is so on fire for Jesus that it sends Screwtape into a rage that actually transforms him into the vermin that he is.To discuss Letter 22, I'm joined by Sara Parsons, a church youth leader in Oxford who did her Master's degree on C.S. Lewis and the beauty of imagination (so jelly over here). Sara brings some incredible perspective to this letter, including a little sneaky (and perfectly linked) cross-reference with The Great Divorce that you won't want to miss.In this episode, we discuss gender, purity culture, the idea of total depravity, and the fact that with Christ, maybe we can actually eat our cake and have it too. But most importantly, we ask the question, "Is God really a 'hedonist at heart'?" the way Screwtape so often describes Him? And if He IS, what does that say about the beauty we have available to us in this life?Mentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisThe Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis5 Things the Bible Does (and Doesn’t) Say About ModestySupport the showBecome a patron of Magic Like This for £5 a month here.OR leave a review for us on Apple Podcasts!Read my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome?Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsEnrol in Pick Up Your Sword, my writing course for aspiring Christian writers who want to write their first book: https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon?Join Swordsmanship, my free 21-day punctuation mark email course: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship.Wanting personal support to develop your writing practice?Book a Writer’s Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Or if you just want a little magic sent straight to your inbox each month to encourage and inspire your writing practice, you can get my free monthly newsletter, The Grammarian, here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/newsletterClick here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

This Screwtape letter was a real kick in the pants for me. Because y’all, I really struggle to relinquish control of my own time. But Screwtape reminds us that even the idea that our time is our own is an illusion. Why does this feel like such an assault? Why is it so hard to just release my sense of control? Paula Bostock is a missionary from Brazil who moved to the UK for what she thought would only be a year of missionary work in Belfast. 8 years later, she’s now married and a brand new mamma, still living in the UK, and she joins me to share her story of discovering the freedom which came when she released control of her time, her body, and her entire life to God.Mentioned in this episodeOur wedding story on The Remarkable OrdinaryMy private podcast for paid subscribers of The Battle CryMy podcast with Dusty HeggeConnect with Dusty Hegge (a business consultant who supports Kingdom-minded writers, coaches, therapists, and leaders)Support the showBecome a patron of Magic Like This for £5 a month here.OR leave a review for us on Apple Podcasts!Read my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that! You can enrol in Pick Up Your Sword at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon?Join Swordsmanship, my free 21-day email course to help you master punctuation: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship.Wanting personal support to develop your writing practice?Book a Writer’s Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Or if you just want a little magic sent straight to your inbox each month to encourage and inspire your writing practice, you can get my free monthly newsletter, The Grammarian, here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/newsletterClick here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Listening to this episode around children is not advised.Letter 20 of Screwtape takes an even deeper look at the mechanics of spiritual warfare in terms sexuality — specifically in the context of society’s portrayal of beauty. There are SO many avenues that I could have explored in this chapter, and as someone who grew up in purity culture, I initially bristled at the idea of discussing the topic of beauty, the reason being that so often, women are targeted by messages of beauty in Christian evangelical ministry in such a way as to imply that beauty is the only thing that concerns us. And I simply don’t believe this to be true. That said, it would be foolish to ignore the oh-so-prevalent fact that society tries to define beauty for us — often in the most damaging and harmful ways.Because Lewis mentions this phenomenon explicitly in Letter 20, I knew it would be a perfect opportunity to get my amazing mamma on the show. She has an incredible story of recovering from breast implant illness, and as someone who works in the beauty industry in Southern California, she has an informed and wise perspective on how we can pursue beauty without surrendering the true picture of beauty which God has sewn in us from the very beginning.As a warning, this episode does touch on the topic of fertility and infertility, which we try to handle with the utmost care, but if that’s not something you feel prepared to engage with right now, I invite you to skip the latter half of this episode.Mentioned in this episode:Isaac’s essay on C.S. Lewis and beauty.Psalm 34:5Magic Like This episodes with Anna Shuman: Part 1 & Part 2Further resources:The Yuka app helps you to scan cosmetic products to determine whether they are clean or whether they have ingredients which can impact your endocrine system: https://yuka.io/en/Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!You can enrol in Pick Up Your Sword at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Join Swordsmanship, my free 21-day email course to help you master punctuation: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship.Wanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer’s Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Or if you just want a little magic sent straight to your inbox each month to encourage and inspire your writing practice, you can get my free monthly newsletter, The Grammarian, here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/newsletterClick here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

No matter how much we try, it seems like Christians never quite know how to “deal” with the topic of sex. Not just in the creation story but in the grander story of humanity. We are hounded by noise: porn on one side and purity culture on the other.Fear. Pride. Lust. It all muddles our understanding of God’s design, and Screwtape couldn’t be more pleased.But Anna Shuman invites us to look at the sex story with fresh eyes, and it’s nothing short of transformative. Because we’re not asking the same tired questions like “How far is ‘too’ far?” and “What’s the ‘right’ way to engage our sexuality?” No, Lewis prompts us to ask a far deeper question — one that haunts every human heart when they find themselves alone in the dark: faced by my utter, vulnerable, exposed nakedness, can God really love me as much as He says he does?Just editing this episode brought me to tears. Whether you’re single, dating, or married, I really hope you’ll have a listen…Follow Anna on Substack here:Mentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-screwtape-letters-letters-from-a-senior-to-a-junior-devil-c-s-lewis-signature-classic-c-s-lewis?variant=32555414224974Sheila Wray GregoireJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!You can enrol in Pick Up Your Sword at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Join my free 21-day email course to help you master punctuation: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship.Wanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Or if you just want a little magic sent straight to your inbox each month to encourage and inspire your writing practice, you can get my free monthly newsletter, The Grammarian, here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/newsletterClick here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

I met Anna Shuman at the Edinburgh Writing Retreat with Kristen LaValley this past April, and she was immediately one of those people who made me go “Can I be your friend?” She has a Doctorate in Global Leadership and a Master’s in Biblical Literature, but this impressive resumé isn’t why I asked her to join me for letters 18 & 19 of Screwtape.As we really start to “go there” by plumbing the depths of spiritual warfare and sexuality, I knew that Anna, who has such a gift for teaching and a stunning passion for marriage, relationships, and community for all people (which includes single people!) In this episode, we specifically look at what it means to understand our identity not just as sexual creatures but as creatures made for community — regardless of marital status.How do we defy Satan’s attempt to bid us believe that our identities exist in competition rather than in communion with one another? This conversation is one that I’ve been thinking about for weeks since recording it, and I can’t wait for you to listen.Follow Anna here on Substack here: https://annashuman.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsMentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-screwtape-letters-letters-from-a-senior-to-a-junior-devil-c-s-lewis-signature-classic-c-s-lewis?variant=32555414224974Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Join the waitlist for Pick Up Your Sword at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseGet my free 21-day email course to help you master punctuation: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship.Wanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

As we cover Screwtape Chapter 17, author and current seminary student, Jonathon M. Seidl joins me for a deep dive into disordered relationships with consumption, from food and drink to digital content to lust to work (and everything else in between). Jon beautifully distills the tactics of Screwtape into one simple statement: “Misordered is disordered.” Yeah yeah, we know that “misordered” is not an actual word. But once you listen, it will all make sense.Connect with Jon SeidlOn Substack: https://jonseidl.substack.com/Pre-order Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: https://christianalcoholic.comConfessions of a Christian Alcoholic Podcast: https://www.jonseidl.com/confessions-of-christian-alcoholic-podcastMentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-screwtape-letters-letters-from-a-senior-to-a-junior-devil-c-s-lewis-signature-classic-c-s-lewis?variant=32555414224974The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-great-divorce-c-s-lewis-signature-classic-c-s-lewis?variant=32555842895950Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/mere-christianity-c-s-lewis-signature-classic-c-s-lewis?variant=40027293941838Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/surprised-by-joy-c-s-lewis-signature-classic-c-s-lewis?variant=40026292584526The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-abolition-of-man-c-s-lewis?variant=40027843887182The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Many-Lives-Mama-Love/dp/1804190500My C.S. Lewis essay for HarperCollins: https://cslewisofficial.substack.com/p/joy-is-just-the-beginningJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry:https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Join The Writer’s List to get writing tips rooted in Scripture and exclusive access to Swordsmanship, my free 21-day email course to help you master punctuation: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship.Wanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

In this special free, extended episode of Magic Like This, I’m joined by my friend, Lauren, who is a devout Catholic and clergy wife with a history growing up in the Evangelical church. As Screwtape encourages Wormwood to entice the Patient into “church shopping,” (i.e. a dissatisfaction with any one church community), Lauren and I look at what it really means to love the Bride of Christ in light of a Christian culture which, in today’s political atmosphere, can make church feel like an unsafe place.Mentioned in this episode:How the Eucharist Changed Me: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/p/how-the-eucharist-changed-meHow to join the exclusive Book Club meetings:Join the Magic Like This Book Club by becoming a paid subscriber and get access to our exclusive monthly meetings (and the meeting recordings if you ever miss one!):https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeOR get a free year’s subscription to the Magic Like This Book Club when you become a paid subscriber of my main Substack, The Battle Cry. It’s a buy-1-get-1-free kinda deal!https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever felt like your Christian faith is always chasing the rainbow’s end? Like the promise of eternity feels too distant and far away to matter right now? What if I told you that this chapter of The Screwtape Letters might single-handedly change your relationship with eternity and by extension, God Himself? That’s not an exaggeration. Current Oxford theology student, Blair Milo, joins me for this episode of Magic Like This as we discuss what is objectively my favourite of all of Screwtape’s letters.Mentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisThe Weight of Glory by C.S. LewisMy essay on my Oxford interview: I tanked my Oxford interview, and this is what it taught me...Surprised by Hope by Tom WrightClick here for the Spotify Link for Paid SubscribersJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comMagic Like This on InstagramFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Oh dear. The Patient is becoming humble. Not artificially humble – no, but truly humble in a way that has Screwtape quaking in his boots. But ahh… for the counterattack. How can Satan sideswipe the rest and ease of true humility in exchange for something… manufactured and exhausting? In this episode, we dive deep into the mechanics of humility, and you might find that the invitation to be truly humble brings more ease and rest than you ever realised.Magic Like This on InstagramMentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisMy essay on jealous: Dear jealous creative, what if this was the answer all along?Beauty is NOT “in the eye of the beholder.” C.S. Lewis on Beauty by Isaac Angel MezaGentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

In Letter 13, Screwtape admonishes Wormwood for a fatal mistake: he allowed the Patient to enjoy a book and go on a lovely country walk, all on his own, for no other reason than to experience pleasure. Once again, Lewis beautifully explores not only the ways in which Satan tries to tempt us but the ways in which we can fight back against him. And one of the most beautiful, underrated ways to exercise the victory already won for us in spiritual warfare is that of joy – not just the joy that comes from suffering (which we’re so great at talking about), not just joy separate from happiness, but real, sweet, simple, bubbling joy.Spotify Link for paid subscribersLinks and episode mentions:Currently reading The Screwtape LettersDusty’s websiteDusty on InstagramDusty’s Voice Memos podcastMy HarperCollins essay on C.S. Lewis’ Surprised by JoyGentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundMagic Like This on InstagramJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

This episode looks a little different from our usual Magic Like This content, and I realise that many of you have actually just discovered Magic Like This through the essay which I’m about to share (if so, hi and welcome! I encourage you to go back and start listening to our deep dive of the Screwtape Letters). But for those who have been here a while and don’t follow me over on The Battle Cry, here’s what you should know: from the moment that God revealed this recent spiritual truth to me, I knew that I needed to take the audio narration from my essay over on The Battle Cry and turn it into a Magic Like This bonus episode. I feel called to talk about this on every platform which the Lord has seen fit to give me, and thankfully, it’s extremely relevant to what we study here on the podcast.Don’t worry, we’ll be back to our usually scheduled programming next week, but there is also a hefty chunk of C.S. Lewis in this essay, not only from Screwtape Letters but from Lewis’ beautiful autobiography, Surprised by Joy.You can, if you wish, read the essay which is narrated in this episode by clicking below. I really pray that you feel the Holy Spirit with you as you listen and that you find a deeper sense of freedom as a result of the work that the Lord has called me to do here.Read the essay: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/p/the-truth-about-the-enneagram-thatHow to join the exclusive Book Club meetings:Join the Magic Like This Book Club by becoming a paid subscriber and get access to our exclusive monthly meetings (and the meeting recordings if you ever miss one!):https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeOR get a free year’s subscription to the Magic Like This Book Club when you become a paid subscriber of my main Substack, The Battle Cry. It’s a buy-1-get-1-free kinda deal!https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Screwtape’s 12th Letter feels like the most hard-hitting yet as he reminds Wormwood that the road to Hell, rather than overt and swift, is often a gradual one. Because Hell is not Satan’s first objective; his first objective is simply to move us further from God’s presence, and what better way to do that but subtly, right under our noses?If you haven’t yet, I’d urge you to grab your copy of Screwtape and re-read Letter 12 before listening to this episode. While less dramatic in some ways, I find it more alarming in others because it draws our attention to just how easy it is to drift from intimacy with God without even realising is.Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFor fellow writers:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

The relationship between sex and humour was Screwtape’s particular focus in this letter, and while I personally have no prudish resistance to a “That’s what she said” joke, I did consider the YouTube documentary I’d just watched a few days ago: laughter was used as a buffer to minimise the reality of what was taking place here – namely, that society will happily exchange the beauty of sex for a cheap counterfeit, objectifying the human body in the process.This phenomenon isn’t new, and it isn’t the point of Letter 11. The point is that there is power in our subtle behaviours. Never once had I considered the way that laughter (a gift from God which Screwtape himself admits is rooted in heavenly mirth) could be used as a way to permit a societal denial of true joy, true empowerment, true beauty. Humour can mask cruelty. Humour can make a coward look like a comic. One can deny the dignity of their own body, and with the right giggle in place, it becomes charming.Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastFind out about my writing resources:Battling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanshipWanting personal support to develop your writing practice? Book a Writer's Audit, 1:1 writing mentorship calls with Christina.Click here to find me on Fable. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

If we looked at the people we choose to surround ourselves with, what would it say about us? How do we allow our relationships to shape our minds, our beliefs, even our sense of humour? In Letter 10, Screwtape is determined to lure the patient into a false sense of "security," believing that he is both worldly and pious, spiritually deep and practically experienced, all the while being two different versions of himself: the "fun guy" who hangs out with his non-believing friends on a Friday night and the "righteous man" who kneels in prayer next to the local grocer on Sunday morning. Pride blinds him to his own hypocrisy.This letter might seem like it's telling you who not to be friends with, but it's really about something much deeper than that: it's about examining our motivations behind WHY we choose to surround ourselves with certain people and HOW we choose to be human in the midst of their company.Mentions in this episodeBible references: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." - 2 Corinthians 10:5Matthew 28:1-8Psalm 28Get weekly newsletters from Christina's OTHER Substack, The Battle Cry here: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comRead my article on idolatry, Taylor Swift and Our Inky Black Mire, here.Listen to the Magic Like This episode about "jargon" here. (There are links on the Substack post to listen on your preferred platform).Support your local book store by buying a copy of The Screwtape Letters!Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comBattling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Back in November, I stumbled upon a bit of Screwtape Fan-Fiction that was honestly some of the most compelling takes on Lewis' writing that I've ever read. Dominick Baruffi, in his Substack essay Screwtape Endorses a Candidate, plumbs the depths of spiritual war tactics that creep every 4 years during the U.S. election cycle (and honestly, let's be real: these issues don't go away once a candidate is chosen). After reading this, I just knew that I had to get Dominick on the podcast, and we ended up chatting for THREE HOURS about the various nuances, pains, and points of discernment that Christians ought to be aware of, not just during election season but in any conversation regarding politics.Read Dominick’s essay, Screwtape Endorses a Candidate, here:How to join the exclusive Book Club meetings:Join the Magic Like This Book Club by becoming a paid subscriber and get access to our exclusive monthly meetings (and the meeting recordings if you ever miss one!):https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeOR get a free year’s subscription to the Magic Like This Book Club when you become a paid subscriber of my main Substack, The Battle Cry. It’s a buy-1-get-1-free kinda deal!https://christinalynnwallace.substack.com/subscribeBattling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

It felt like the right time to share my story with you. Happy Easter, friends.Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comBattling imposter syndrome? Purchase my 7-day journalling devotional for aspiring Christian writers: https://www.christinalynnwallace.com/shop/p/invited-by-joy-digital-devotional-for-aspiring-authorsFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Screwtape's 9th letter is a hot take on all the crappy ways that we choose to cope with seasons of depression and dryness. Buckle up for Christina's spicy opinions on purity culture, pleasure, and the more fleshy delights of life (spoiler alert: this episode isn't REALLY about any of those things). Also, she gets a little dramatic, but it wouldn't be a podcast hosted by an Enneagram 4 if she didn't, right?Mentioned in this episode:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (always)A look at "Deny thyself" by Phylicia MasonheimerEnough Hope Left to Torture: Substack by Breanne RodgersInto the WildJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Aaaand we're back! Diving straight in to Letter 8 (my favourite letter in the book). This letter covers so much: the Law of Undulation (i.e. the peaks and valleys of our faith), suffering, submission, freedom, and I maaaay also segue into a full break down of the gospel (sorry not sorry).Books mentioned in this episode (apart from The Screwtape Letters, obviously):God on Mute by Pete Greig (a fabulous book to read as we begin Lent about connecting with God when we feel He is being silent)Even If He Doesn't by Kristen LaValley (pre-order this week to REALLY help support the author – this is a fabulous resource to address some of the trite advice we receive as Christians in seasons of suffering).Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship*I am in no way affiliated or paid to promote these books – I just believe in them and hope that they help you too!* This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Dusty and I continue our conversation, looking at how to parent our children (and re-parent ourselves) in the context of disagreements/extremism and loving others well. This is the last episode of the year, and I look forward to joining you again as we resume our deep dive into the Screwtape Letters in the New Year!Join the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe

Christmas is such a magical time for us as children, but then adulthood hits, and we often lose the magic of the Christmas season (along with the magic in almost everything else – thank you adulting, ha!). But Jesus invites us, literally, to have faith like a child. So as we enter approach Christmas (a season that often carries as much pain as it does joy), I'm joined by mum of three, Dusty Hegge of The Business Brewery, to look back on some of the themes we've read in The Screwtape Letters so far – but through the lens of parenting. How can we embrace a magical faith-filled life like a child? And how can we, literally, disciple our children when they face their little Screwtapes? Both Part 1 and Part 2 are available now as a little Christmas gift!Mentioned in this episode:Storybook Bible recommendations from Dusty (Note – these are the US affiliate links, and Dusty will receive a small affiliate sale if you purchase through this link): https://www.amazon.com/shop/dustyhegge/list/G58XLDVOI9M0?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsflist_aipsfdustyhegge_QKEWC2GRP5R64GDY6CJY&language=en_USEven if He Doesn't by Kristen LaValley: https://www.kristenlavalley.com/evenifhedoesntJoin the Magic Like This Book Club:https://magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribeRead my essays and join my Celtic Prayer Writing Workshops at The Battle Cry: https://christinalynnwallace.substack.comFind me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/magiclikethispodcastWanting to write a book about what God’s done in your life, but don’t know where to start? I teach a course to help with that!Enrol in Pick Up Your Sword today at https://christinalynnwallace.com/courseAlways wondered about the difference between a colon and a semi-colon? Sign up for Swordsmanship, my free punctuation mark email course, to get 21 days of free, bite-sized lessons teaching you all about the beauty of punctuation.Get it here: https://christinalynnwallace.com/swordsmanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit magiclikethis.substack.com/subscribe