• Letter #3: Biblical Easter Eggs in the Screwtape Letters: A Theological Journey
    Jan 23 2025

    The podcast discusses C.S. Lewis's "Screwtape Letters" and focuses on a biblical reference to the Parable of the Prodigal Son hidden within the text. The hosts explore how Lewis cleverly embeds this biblical story as an "Easter egg" in the narrative, specifically examining the dynamics between the prodigal son and his older brother. They highlight that the main point of the original parable is often overlooked - the reaction of the older brother who becomes jealous when the wayward son is welcomed back and celebrated.

    The conversation delves into theological themes of forgiveness, envy, and redemption. They discuss how demons (in the context of Lewis's work) are incapable of forgiveness and are perpetually stuck in a state of rebellion and unforgiveness. The hosts suggest that the demonic forces try to sow seeds of jealousy and resentment, attempting to prevent people from experiencing the joy of forgiveness and redemption. They challenge listeners to examine their own hearts and consider whether they harbor bitterness towards those experiencing spiritual renewal.

    In the final part of their discussion, the hosts draw parallels between the biblical parable and the narrative in "Screwtape Letters", suggesting that the patient's newfound Christian faith is similar to the prodigal son returning home. They emphasize the importance of celebrating others' spiritual journeys and maintaining a spirit of joy and forgiveness. The podcast concludes by encouraging listeners to look deeper into literary works and recognize the subtle theological and spiritual messages embedded within them.

    Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time" which will be released this year.

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    14 mins
  • Letter #2: Biblical Easter Eggs in the Screwtape Letters: A Theological Journey
    Jan 17 2025

    The podcast discusses the second letter in C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters", focusing on hidden biblical references and theological themes. The hosts explore the concept of "the fool" as used in the text, examining how the demonic perspective mocks a new Christian who has joined a church. They highlight how foolishness can be a pathway either to wisdom through repentance or to evil through continued mockery and cynicism.

    A key theological "Easter egg" they uncover is the idea of the universal church. The hosts discuss how the demonic character Screwtape is uncomfortable with the broader, eternal nature of the church - the connected body of believers across time and space. They reference Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus declares that he will build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it, emphasizing the powerful, transcendent nature of Christian community.

    The conversation also critiques modern cultural tendencies towards cynicism and mockery, particularly in media and social platforms. They argue that a critical, scoffing spirit can distance people from understanding and from God. The hosts encourage listeners to recognize the deeper spiritual significance of church membership and to avoid the trap of feeling superior or judgmental towards fellow believers, highlighting the diverse and inclusive nature of Christ's original disciples.

    Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time" which will be released this year.

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    14 mins
  • S02 - E01: Letter #1: Biblical Easter Eggs in the Screwtape Letters: A Theological Journey
    Jan 10 2025

    Season 2 of the Screwtape Letters podcast explores biblical "Easter eggs" hidden in CS Lewis's "Screwtape Letters", focusing specifically on the theological concept of incarnation in the first letter. They aim to provide short, insightful episodes that unpack the subtle scriptural references Lewis embedded in his work, highlighting how he cleverly integrated theological concepts into his narrative about demonic strategies.

    Ian and Galen delve deeply into the theological meaning of incarnation, explaining how God became human through Jesus Christ while maintaining divine essence. They reference biblical passages from Isaiah, Philippians, Matthew, Luke, and John that illustrate this profound theological concept, emphasizing how Jesus took on human form to empathize with humanity and ultimately provide salvation. They underscore that Christianity's unique characteristic is God descending to humanity, rather than humans attempting to ascend to God through rituals or works.

    Season 2 serves as an invitation for listeners to reexamine the "Screwtape Letters" with a new lens, looking for biblical references and theological nuances. The hosts encourage audience engagement, asking listeners to share their own discovered "Easter eggs" from the text and offering to potentially incorporate these insights into future episodes and express excitement about unpacking the deeper layers of Lewis's intricate writings.

    Look out for our upcoming book "Confronting Evil in Our Time" which will be released this year.

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    14 mins
  • Reserve Your Signed 1st Edition Copy Today of "Confronting Evil in Our Time"
    Jan 21 2025

    We have some exciting news for our listeners: this summer, 2025, we will be releasing our book “Confronting Evil in Our Time” Unpacking the Screwtape Letters Podcast, Inspired by C.S. Lewis. We are making signed 1st edition copies available for you leading up to its release. To secure your 1st edition copy, sign on to https://screwtapeletterspodcast.com/confronting-evil-in-our-time-the-book/ and fill out the form for the book. You will find it both meaningful and inspiring.

    Confronting Evil in Our Time is a Christian inspirational self-help book that helps illuminate the challenge that the devil and his minions play in our world today to separate us from God. If you have someone in your life struggling, this is the book for them. Each chapter helps address the influences of demonic forces with its unique perspective on spiritual warfare and demonic influence, I believe this book will resonate deeply with Christians seeking an understanding of the war that rages on in the spiritual realm and how it is having an effect on their lives.

    Confronting Evil in Our Time is an advanced commentary expanding on the inspiration of C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters. It becomes a mirror for each of us to examine the demonic influence in our own lives and how we can fight back and find a happier place closer to God. Through the 31 letters, which cover themes of temptation, seduction, greed, pride, suffering, redemption, and so much more, we unpack them, leaning on scripture and anecdotal experiences to make them relevant today. This book aims to awaken, encourage, and uplift its audience to improve their life.

    Sign up today to reserve your signed 1st edition copy of “Confronting Evil in Our Time.” Go to https://screwtapeletterspodcast.com/confronting-evil-in-our-time-the-book/ and fill out the form for the book for you and for your friends.

    From Galen and I, we want to thank you for your support and Jesus Christ who makes all things possible. God Bless.

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    2 mins
  • Christmas Special from the Homecoming Winery in the Poconos, PA: Screwtape Letters Podcast
    Dec 20 2024

    Merry Christmas, everyone! We want to thank all of our listeners for making this a wonderful year in sharing our passion for Christ and providing helpful insights for a better life. This special Christmas episode is a celebration of everything we love about the Christmas season. We find it amusing how some people claim certain things aren't appropriate for Christmas, yet there's a unique joy that surrounds this time. It feels like a season when Christians can openly discuss God, especially in public spaces. The entire month is devoted to celebrating Christmas, which originates from "Christ Mass," specifically honoring the birth of Jesus. We take full advantage of this opportunity to make it all about Him, enjoying the decorations, lights, music, and the overall festive atmosphere.

    Galen notes he doesn’t mind Santa Claus or Father Christmas as long as they don’t overshadow Christ. While I don’t actively teach my kids to believe in Santa, I appreciate the spirit of giving that he represents. Jesus is the ultimate gift from God, and our tradition of gift-giving signifies that amazing gift we received. Some people get caught up in discussions about winter solstice celebrations and other cultural elements, but we believe we can redeem every aspect of culture that isn't explicitly evil and redirect it towards celebrating Jesus. The warmth and joy of Christmas should be all about Him. Galen notes, that now that I am back in Pennsylvania, I love creating new memories with my family by picking out live Christmas trees together. This year feels particularly special because my oldest son is old enough to appreciate the experience.

    Setting up Christmas lights with my kids has become a cherished tradition, Ian says. They love to hang ornaments and lights, creating unforgettable memories together as a family. My boys often remind me about decorations we still need to put up! Living in a neighborhood where we host an annual Christmas party to raise money for underprivileged kids adds to the joy. These moments provide fantastic teaching opportunities about the true meaning of Christmas as we discuss the story of Jesus’ birth while decorating our nativity scene. Reflecting on my childhood Christmases in England, I remember how we would display trees in our windows since we couldn’t hang lights outside our terraced house. Caroling was a big part of my upbringing; we would knock on doors singing for money, which was both fun and rewarding!

    In closing, one listener asked why we say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Christmas." The phrase dates back to letters from Bishop John Fisher and has been popularized through carols like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." It’s fascinating how language evolves, but what remains constant is the joy we share during this season!

    Video available on RUMBLE https://rumble.com/v619mjn-christmas-special-from-the-homecoming-winery-in-the-poconos-pa-screwtape-le.html

    Listen to "Living in God's Light" on your favorite music service https://orcd.co/kp8q919

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    40 mins
  • Christmas song "Living in God's Light" and Homecoming Winery
    Nov 22 2024

    The Screwtape Letters Podcast hosts Ian Faith and Galen Balinski share significant updates about their lives and projects as they approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

    Galen introduces his new venture, Homecoming Winery, located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He describes the journey of launching this family business, which involved extensive renovations of a historic building. The winery aims to reflect their personal story through its branding and wine labels, each representing different aspects of their lives together. Galen expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support received during the grand opening and highlights the importance of community engagement in revitalizing the area. https://www.homecomingwinery.com/

    Ian then shares his new Christmas song “Living in God’s Light”, emphasizing his transition towards worship music after a successful career in various facets of the music industry. He discusses "Living in God's Light," which is out now everywhere for Christmas. This song aims to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by focusing on Jesus rather than commercial aspects. Ian reflects on how his music has evolved to glorify God and connect with listeners on a deeper level.

    “Living in God’s Light” is an ode to the Christmas carols, songs, and hymns that bring so much happiness and joy to people during the Christmas Season and create such great memories. Too many popular Christmas songs leave out that Jesus is the reason for the season and the gift is Jesus, the savior of the world. All the trappings of shopping for gifts, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and gift-giving are all metaphors for God giving the world his son to fulfill the scriptures. https://orcd.co/kp8q919

    The conversation highlights both hosts' commitment to using their talents—Galen through winemaking and Ian through music—to inspire and uplift others during the holiday season, reinforcing their shared mission of faith and community connection.

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    14 mins
  • Letter #31 Finale: Screwtape Letters - Confronting Evil in Our Time
    Dec 19 2024

    The latest episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, hosted by Ian Faith and Galen Balinski, marks the conclusion of their exploration of C.S. Lewis's work. Recorded at the Homecoming Winery in Pennsylvania, the hosts reflect on their journey through the letters, expressing gratitude for their collaboration and the profound insights gained along the way. They emphasize the significance of the final letter, which depicts the death of the patient and his subsequent encounter with divine presence, highlighting themes of hope and redemption.

    As they discuss the patient's death, they speculate on the circumstances surrounding it, suggesting he may have died while helping others during a crisis. The hosts poignantly describe the moment when the patient meets Jesus, illustrating it as a transition from earthly struggles to spiritual glory. They note how John Cleese's narration adds a layer of emotional depth to this scene, evoking a sense of beauty amid the pain experienced by the demonic characters. This contrast serves to reinforce the podcast's overarching message about perseverance in faith and the ultimate triumph over evil.

    Furthermore, Ian and Galen delve into theological concepts such as the perseverance of the saints, emphasizing that one's final moments are crucial in determining their faith journey. They reject labeling Lewis's work as mere satire, instead viewing it as a divinely inspired narrative that sheds light on spiritual truths and demonic tactics. The conversation highlights how understanding these themes can lead to a more fulfilling life and offer protection against negative influences.

    The hosts also share personal anecdotes, including a powerful experience involving Ian’s brother witnessing angels during their mother's passing. This story underscores the podcast's aim to inspire listeners to seek signs of hope and connection with loved ones who have passed away. They conclude by encouraging listeners to revisit Lewis's letters for deeper understanding and reflection on their own faith journeys.

    Looking ahead, Ian and Galen express excitement for future episodes, including a Christmas special that will further explore themes of confronting evil in contemporary times. They reaffirm their commitment to guiding listeners toward a closer relationship with Jesus and fostering a community centered on faith and hope.

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    24 mins
  • Letter #30: Screwtape Letters - Confronting Evil in Our Time
    Dec 12 2024

    The latest episode of the Screwtape Letters Podcast, focusing on Letter 30, delves into the ongoing spiritual battle faced by the characters, particularly Wormwood and his patient. The hosts discuss how Wormwood is struggling to manipulate his patient, who remains resilient despite the escalating war and personal fears. This situation highlights a significant theme: the demons are running out of tactics, illustrating that they do not always succeed in their endeavors. The conversation emphasizes that understanding and adhering to real truth—as defined by scripture and the teachings of Jesus—is crucial in resisting deception.

    The hosts Ian and Galen elaborate on the concept of courage, noting that true bravery is not the absence of fear but rather acting rightly despite it. They draw parallels to biblical narratives, such as the disciples' fear during a storm while on a boat with Jesus. The patient in this letter perceives himself as a coward due to his fears but still fulfills his duties, showcasing a form of courage that is often overlooked. This discussion leads to broader reflections on how fatigue and weariness can be exploited by demonic forces, yet these moments can also drive individuals closer to God.

    Additionally, the hosts touch upon the importance of hope and its distinction from mere wishful thinking. They argue that genuine hope should be rooted in faith and reliance on God rather than waiting for external circumstances to change. This perspective is particularly relevant for those facing challenges in life, such as parenting or financial struggles. The conversation underscores that while empirical realities may present obstacles, spiritual truths provide solace and strength.

    In concluding their discussion, they emphasize the necessity of discerning between empirical facts and spiritual realities. The hosts caution against allowing demonic influences to blur these distinctions, which can lead to confusion about good and evil. Ultimately, they advocate for a deep relationship with God as the source of true peace and understanding amidst life's uncertainties.

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    34 mins