Explore every episode of the podcast The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time – Practical Christian Living & Spiritual Warfare

Living as a Mature Christian. Colossians 3:15 - Calvary Chapel

Tim Phelps’s message focuses on Christian maturity and the deliberate decision every believer must make to grow in Christ. Drawing primarily from Colossians 3, he explains that becoming mature in Christ is not simply something that happens with time—it requires intentionally setting our hearts and minds on the things of God. Tim shares how a missions trip to Mexico challenged him to realize that, although he had applied himself wholeheartedly to his career, he had not been applying that same commitment to following Christ. That conviction became a turning point: if Christ has changed us, we must consciously choose to live like the new creation He has made us.

The message then contrasts the old life with the new life in Christ. Believers are called to put to death sinful desires and behaviors—including immorality, greed, anger, malice, slander, abusive speech, and lying—and to “throw them off” rather than continue carrying them. In their place, Christians are called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. Tim emphasizes that trying to live with one foot in the world and one foot in Christ leaves believers miserable because the world can no longer satisfy them. True transformation comes from deliberately choosing Christ over the desires and compromises of the flesh.

At the heart of the sermon is the repeated challenge from Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Tim explains that “rule” can also carry the idea of an umpire or referee—Christ should have the deciding voice in our thoughts, decisions, words and actions. Whether facing traffic, long lines, financial difficulties, temptation or everyday frustrations, Christian maturity means allowing Christ to govern our responses rather than allowing the flesh to take control. Mature Christians continue growing, encourage the spiritual growth of others, live under Christ’s lordship, and allow His Word to dwell richly within them. The message ends with a simple call: set your mind on the things above, be who you are in Christ, and let the peace of Christ rule in your life.

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The episode marks the return of The Screwtape Letters Podcast after the summer break, with Ian and Michael continuing their Lenses series by examining emotional repression and spiritual numbness. They explore how numbness can appear to be maturity when it is actually a form of self-protection. Suppressing pain may feel safe, but it also suppresses joy, connection, and spiritual awareness. Both hosts emphasize that true Christian joy is deeper than temporary happiness—it comes from knowing Christ and being content in His presence regardless of circumstances.

A major theme is the connection between emotional health, relationships, and spiritual life. Ian and Michael discuss how childhood experiences can teach people to suppress emotions rather than process them, eventually leading to isolation and difficulty being vulnerable with others. They point to David as an example of someone who experienced the full breadth of human emotion while continually turning back toward God. Social media is also examined as a potential source of emotional and spiritual numbness, providing temporary dopamine hits and external validation rather than the lasting fulfillment that comes from God. The episode encourages listeners to honestly examine what they may be avoiding or numbing rather than allowing small problems to grow into larger spiritual strongholds.

The conversation ultimately challenges Christians to pursue a fully engaged, seven-day faith, rather than treating Christianity as something reserved for Sunday or church. Spiritual awareness means being present with God, present with other people, and willing to enter into their struggles, joys, and pain. The hosts encourage listeners to move beyond isolation and self-focus, build genuine brotherhood, examine their hearts, and recognize that ministry happens everywhere—in workplaces, families, friendships, and everyday conversations. The goal is not simply to avoid pain, but to endure it with Christ and rediscover the deeper joy and peace that come from knowing Him.

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After a summer break, Ian and Michael are returning with new episodes, including the completion of our popular Lenses series and a deeper exploration of Confronting Evil in Our Time. With more than 500 copies of the companion book sold, we’re excited to continue exploring the Christian wisdom needed to recognize and confront evil in our time.

We’ll also be expanding our journey through the great works that have shaped Christian thought, including C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce and Mere Christianity, along with John Milton’s Paradise Lost. And on September 8, Ian’s new book, The Devil’s Story of Christmas, arrives—a fictional journey through the Christmas story that explores prophecy, Christ’s birth, spiritual warfare, and the battle between Heaven and Hell.

We also had a difficult conversation about the Lindsay Clancy case and what it forces us to consider about the relationship between mothers and children. When does love become possession? When does protection cross the line into control? And how do we distinguish compassion for someone’s circumstances from accountability for their actions? These are uncomfortable questions, but they matter because our culture increasingly struggles to define the boundaries between love, responsibility, autonomy, and protection. Interestingly, these same themes appear in The Devil’s Story of Christmas, particularly in the “Killing of Innocents” chapter, where Ian explores the darker side of what can happen when love and control become dangerously intertwined.

At the heart of it all is a question we can’t ignore: How do we confront evil without surrendering our responsibility to choose what is right? Spiritual warfare is real, but so is human free will. The answer begins with Christian wisdom, Scripture, community, and the courage to face difficult questions. Subscribe and follow along—the podcast is coming back this fall.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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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.

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Ian 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.

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In 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.

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This 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.

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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.

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This 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.

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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.

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This 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Introducing our new co-host, Micheal Blueitt, and the "Lenses" series

In 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Time

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Our Guest, David Bates, Pints with Jack Podcast https://www.pintswithjack.com/

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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.

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Ian Faith Co-Author of Confronting Evil in Our Time provides a reading of Chapter 15, "Breaking Anxiety's Grip.”

Introduction: In the quiet of his study, C.S. Lewis leaned forward, his fingers tracing the delicate lines of the manuscript that explores one of humanity's most profound spiritual struggles. Anxiety, he understood, was not merely an emotion but a demonic strategy, a subtle weapon designed to tear humans away from the sacred present.

The demonic realm understands something crucial: when our minds are fixated on potential disasters or imagined triumphs, we miss the sacred reality of today. This letter exposes how anxiety functions as a spiritual weapon, pulling us away from where God actually meets us, right here, right now. Lewis points out that the demonic will always try to get us to go in one of two directions: either tortured fear or stupid confidence. This revelatory tactic, once identified and confronted with a biblical strategy, will change how anxiety affects your life exponentially.

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This episode is an in-depth interview with Max McLean, an award-winning actor, producer, and founder of Fellowship for Performing Arts, whose career has been devoted to bringing Christian literature and Scripture to life on stage, screen, and audio. McLean is best known for his acclaimed portrayal of Screwtape in the stage adaptation of The Screwtape Letters and for portraying C. S. Lewis in The Most Reluctant Convert. He shares his own conversion story as an adult, describing how reading Scripture, especially the Gospel of John, and Lewis’s writings profoundly shaped his faith, awakening him to both the beauty of Christ and the reality of spiritual deception.

Beyond the stage, Max's voice has become a cherished companion to countless listeners through his narration of The Listener's Bible in multiple translations, earning him multiple Audie Award nominations. He's also recorded spiritual classics like Pilgrim's Progress and Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Max has been honored with the C.S. Lewis Foundation Award for his contributions to dramatic arts and faith-based storytelling. He lives in New York City with his wife Sharon and their two daughters, and continues to create work that bridges faith, literature, and the transformative power of live performance.

The conversation explores McLean’s creative journey, his philosophy of faithful adaptation, and the challenges of translating Lewis’s deeply word-centered works into theater and film without losing their theological weight. He explains how The Screwtape Letters was adapted as a predator–prey drama with clear spiritual arcs, remaining true to Lewis while making it accessible to modern audiences. The episode closes with reflections on Lewis’s enduring relevance, current and upcoming projects, including national tours and film development, and a shared conviction that Lewis’s work remains vital for confronting evil, cultivating humility, and pointing people toward truth in an increasingly deceptive age.

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In this episode of The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time, Ian opens with prayer and a teaching on the biblical relationship between faith and work, stressing that God calls believers to active obedience, not passive spirituality. Drawing from Scripture, he emphasizes integrity, diligence, and purposeful action, encouraging listeners to “sow seeds” through faithful effort rather than relying on prayer alone. Ian connects this message to everyday life, work, job searching, and spiritual growth, urging listeners to live out their faith through meaningful action aligned with God’s values.

The episode also highlights C. S. Lewis’s faith journey through The Most Reluctant Convert, the film starring and produced by Max McLean, which Ian strongly recommends for its thoughtful portrayal of Lewis’s conversion and the role of reason and faith. Ian ties the film to the current stage adaptation of The Screwtape Letters, noting its successful run in Phoenix and Tucson, and encourages listeners to attend. He closes with updates on the growing impact of his book Confronting Evil in Our Time, inviting the audience to share photos with the book, leave Amazon reviews, purchase the companion study guide, and look forward to an upcoming in-depth interview with Max McLean across the podcast’s platforms.

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In this special episode, Ian and Galen examine the recent freedom movement in Venezuela through a moral and biblical lens, challenging listeners to look beyond politics and international law to confront clear acts of evil. They frame the situation as a test of moral clarity, comparing inaction in the face of oppression to ignoring the abuse of an innocent victim. By drawing on contemporary and historical examples, Ian urges listeners to reassess how justice, sovereignty, and intervention should be weighed when human dignity is systematically violated.

Ian then traces the theme of freedom throughout Scripture, from God’s deliverance of Israel in the Exodus to the cycle of rescue in Judges, and ultimately to Christ’s mission to proclaim and bring true freedom. He emphasizes that God consistently hears the cries of the oppressed and acts to break both visible chains, such as political tyranny, and invisible ones, including sin, fear, shame, and spiritual bondage. Revelation, he notes, culminates this story by revealing and defeating the corrupt powers that enslave humanity.

The episode concludes with reflections drawn from C.S. Lewis and historical figures, stressing that courage is essential to freedom and that true liberation comes through submission to God, not autonomy from Him. Ian calls listeners to celebrate the hope and joy sparked by Venezuela’s deliverance while remaining vigilant and compassionate toward those still suffering under oppression elsewhere. Ultimately, he frames freedom as a core biblical and moral imperative, one that demands courageous action, moral discernment, and a willingness to confront evil wherever it appears.

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Ian Faith’s appearance on the Seth Leibsohn Radio Show, Dec 31st, 2025 where Leibsohn shares how deeply moved he was by Confronting Evil in Our Time, a Christian devotional inspired by Lewis’s work. The discussion centers on how a paraphrased Screwtape insight about “noise” drowning out the voice of God became a catalyst for the book and podcast. Faith explains that spiritual warfare is usually quiet and gradual, not dramatic, working through distraction, anxiety, and self-absorption rather than overt evil.

Throughout the conversation, Faith and Leibsohn reflect on themes such as anxiety, distraction, addiction, and the corrosive effects of constant noise and social media. Drawing heavily from Lewis, they emphasize that evil thrives by isolating individuals, turning their focus inward, and crowding out truth, faith, and community. The book and podcast ultimately call listeners to recognize these subtle battles, seek silence and truth, strengthen family and faith, and consciously live lives oriented toward God rather than the noise of the world.

The Seth Leibsohn Radio Show on AM960 The Patriot in Phoenix (Salem Radio Network) is a nationally respected talk radio program known for its thoughtful, principled analysis of culture, politics, faith, and public life. Hosted by Seth Leibsohn, an award-winning columnist, author, and longtime radio broadcaster. The show blends historical insight, moral clarity, and intellectual rigor with deep respect for the American tradition. Leibsohn is widely recognized for his work on conservatism, Jewish thought, and Western civilization, and he brings a rare combination of scholarship and accessibility to daily radio.

Broadcast primarily from Arizona and syndicated to a national audience, the program is distinguished by long-form conversations, literary and philosophical references, and a commitment to civil discourse. Leibsohn regularly engages authors, academics, clergy, policymakers, and cultural leaders, creating space for ideas that challenge listeners to think deeply rather than react emotionally. Above all, the Seth Leibsohn Radio Show is known for taking ideas seriously, whether discussing faith, freedom, education, or the moral foundations of society. For listeners seeking substance over sound bites, and wisdom over outrage, the show stands as a trusted and influential voice in American media.

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Hear the story about a family man who had stage 4 metastasized cancer in multiple forms, how he heard the voice of God and what He told him, and how he was healed through his faith in Christ.

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This interview with Dan Thompson is bonus content by Ian and Galen for the Screwtape Letters Podcast. Dan shares his powerful testimony of healing through faith in Christ after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Dan introduces himself as a family man, married for 17 years with three children, and recently found out he is to become a grandfather. He describes his background as a lukewarm Christian raised in the Roman Catholic faith. Dan’s faith was dramatically activated when he received a shocking cancer diagnosis two years and three days prior to the interview.

The diagnosis came unexpectedly when Dan visited an urgent care facility for back pain and difficulty breathing. A CT scan revealed small-cell lung cancer that had metastasized to his liver and lymph nodes. Additionally, he was diagnosed with unrelated colon cancer. Dan underwent surgery for colon cancer and received treatment for the other cancers, eventually achieving remission for the lung, liver, and lymph node cancers. Today he is “Cancer Free.”

Throughout his journey, Dan experienced a profound spiritual moment on the first night in the hospital. When he asked God “Why now?”, he heard an audible voice answer, “For my glory.” This experience became a cornerstone of his faith during his battle with cancer. Dan approached his diagnosis with the mindset that it was “not his fight” but God’s, refusing to accept a prognosis and instead trusting in divine intervention.

Dan’s story is marked by his unwavering faith, his use of both traditional and alternative treatments, and his conscious decision to avoid researching his condition online. The interview concludes with Dan acknowledging that his doctors have used the term “our miracle patient” to describe his recovery, highlighting the remarkable nature of his healing journey through faith.

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This final episode of the Christmas series concludes the Screwtape Letters–themed exploration of Jesus’ birth by focusing on the immediate aftermath and the first witnesses to Christ’s arrival. Ian explains the meaning of Jesus’ name, Yeshua, “Yahweh saves,” and shows how it encapsulates God’s redemptive purpose. Drawing primarily from Luke 2, he highlights the angelic announcement to the shepherds, emphasizing that the good news of great joy was first revealed to the humble and overlooked, affirming that Christ came for all people.

The episode also weaves in Matthew’s account of the Magi, showing how God revealed the birth of the Messiah not only to the poor but also to the wealthy and learned from distant lands. Ian explores how the shepherds’ worship and the Magi’s journey confirmed Mary’s faith and fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly the theme of light breaking into darkness. These parallel accounts demonstrate the universal scope of God’s revelation and the historical and spiritual weight of Jesus’ birth.

The narrative turns darker with Herod’s reaction to the news of a newborn king. Ian explains Herod’s paranoia and his brutal order to slaughter the children of Bethlehem, framing it as a demonic attempt to destroy God’s plan. He discusses Joseph’s obedience in fleeing to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, fulfilling prophecy and preserving the Messiah’s life. The episode closes by reflecting on the reality of evil and how we need to confront it, the mystery of suffering, and the certainty that God’s purposes prevail, encouraging listeners to share the Christmas story and find Victory in Jesus Christ.

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In this episode, Ian continues his Christmas series by walking listeners through the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. He explains the historical and biblical context behind Caesar Augustus’ census, which required Joseph to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Ian highlights Joseph’s obedience to earthly authority while remaining faithful to God’s plan, underscoring how divine purposes often unfold through ordinary, even inconvenient, circumstances.

Ian then explores the practical and geographical realities of the journey, describing the distance, terrain, and dangers Mary and Joseph likely faced, especially with Mary late in pregnancy. Drawing from Scripture, historical records, and even non-canonical writings like the Gospel of James and Pseudo-Matthew, he discusses ancient travel conditions, desert hardships, and early Christian traditions surrounding Jesus’ birth. While affirming the authority of the biblical account, Ian notes that historical and archaeological evidence supports parts of the Gospel narrative and its setting.

The episode culminates in a reflection on the humility of Christ’s birth in a stable, emphasizing the profound contrast between the divine nature of Jesus and the lowly circumstances of His arrival. Ian reflects on the miracle of God becoming human, born in a manger under the open sky, and the faith of Mary and Joseph amid uncertainty and hardship. He closes by pointing listeners toward the wonder of creation and the meaning of Christmas, setting the stage for the next episode, which will focus on the Magi and the shepherds.

Join us for EPISODE 4 — “Those Who Found Him: Shepherds and Magi”

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The episode opens with lighthearted conversation about Christmas memories before turning to its central message: Celebrate Christmas intentionally. The hosts thank listeners for their support throughout the year and emphasize that Christmas is a constant, an annual reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ. They encourage joy, gratitude, and smiling in a season that can otherwise be rushed or taken for granted, reminding listeners that Christmas holds deep spiritual and cultural significance beyond gifts and routine traditions.

The discussion highlights how Christmas uniquely places Christian truth into public culture through hymns, decorations, and shared traditions. The hosts argue that this visibility is a privilege and an opportunity, something many cultures historically or currently do not have. They defend Christmas customs like gift-giving, lights, caroling, and family gatherings as meaningful reflections of God’s gift in Christ, shaping memory, community, and culture. Christmas, they note, often transcends political and social division, drawing families, neighbors, and even non-believers together around joy, beauty, and shared celebration.

The episode also acknowledges that Christmas can be painful for those experiencing loss, loneliness, or grief. The hosts urge listeners not to withdraw, but to seek community through churches, service, and shared traditions, holding mourning and joy together rather than choosing despair. Serving others, especially during the holidays, is presented as a powerful antidote to sadness and isolation. Ultimately, the episode is a call to reclaim Christmas fully, to lean into its joy, preserve its traditions, use it as a witness of hope, and keep it alive for future generations as a bright and defiant celebration of Christ in a broken world.

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The heart of this story unfolds around two remarkable women, Elizabeth and Mary, whom God chose to carry the most significant children in human history. Elizabeth, long barren and advanced in years, receives a miraculous promise through the angel Gabriel that she will bear a son, John the Baptist. Her husband, Zechariah, encounters the angel while serving in the temple, and though he doubts the message, God’s plan moves forward. Elizabeth conceives and quietly withdraws for five months, overwhelmed by God’s mercy in removing her reproach and granting her a child who will prepare the way for the Lord.

Six months later, the same angel appears to Mary, a young virgin in Nazareth, announcing an even greater miracle, she will conceive Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Though troubled and unable to understand how this could happen, Mary responds with humble obedience: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” When Mary visits Elizabeth, the miracle becomes visible in a powerful moment of confirmation: John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, instantly recognizes Mary as the mother of her Lord. Their meeting becomes a sacred exchange of faith, joy, and divine purpose shared between two mothers chosen by God.

Together, Elizabeth and Mary represent a unified miracle, two women linked not only by family but by destiny. Their stories highlight God’s faithfulness, the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, and the personal courage required to embrace His calling. Elizabeth’s long-awaited child and Mary’s virgin conception stand as twin testimonies that nothing is impossible with God. Their obedience, trust, and shared journey form a powerful prelude to the coming of Christ and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for the world.

Join us for EPISODE 3 — “The Journey: Bethlehem and the Birth of Jesus”

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EPISODE 1 — “Longing for a Savior: Old Testament Prophecies”

This special four-part Christmas series opens with the story behind the story: the sweeping line of Old Testament prophecies that all point to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Tracing the narrative from the Garden of Eden, through God’s covenant with Abraham, and on to the promises made to King David, the episode shows how Christmas is not an isolated event, but the fulfillment of a plan God announced from the very beginning. Listeners see how the manger is already in view in Genesis, Samuel, and through the prophets.

From there, the episode dives into the most beloved prophecies about Christ’s coming, Isaiah’s promise of a virgin who will bear a son called Immanuel, the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” and Micah’s stunning prediction that a ruler whose origins are “from of old” would be born in Bethlehem. Along the way, the teaching connects these ancient words to the New Testament accounts in Matthew and Luke, revealing how carefully and precisely God kept His promises in history.

Finally, the episode invites listeners to see the Christmas story with fresh eyes: not just as a sentimental nativity scene, but as the climax of a centuries-long war between the seed of the woman and the serpent, and the turning point of all human history. By the end, listeners will better understand why the genealogy lists matter, why Bethlehem was chosen, and how Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection complete the picture painted across Scripture. It is both a rich theological journey and an accessible, heart-level preparation for Christmas.

Join us for EPISODE 2 — “Two Mothers, One Miracle: Elizabeth and Mary”

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BREAKING: The Screwtape Letters Podcast: Confronting Evil in Our Time announces their Man of the Year: Charlie Kirk, a man whose life, work, and faith shaped countless people. They reject the term “assassinated,” insisting he was murdered for what he stood for, and portray him as Christ-centered, family-devoted, and tireless in his political and ministry work. They emphasize the deep roots of his faith, his drive, and his willingness to confront evil ideas in a world they believe increasingly opposes Christian truth.

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”

— C. S. Lewis

Ian and Galen recount Kirk’s achievements, character, and legacy. They highlight his founding of Turning Point USA at a young age, his rapid rise to national prominence, his massive media presence, and his reputation for hard work and discipline. They portray him as a unifying Christian voice who kept theological essentials central, and they repeatedly frame him as a “martyr” whose final public words affirmed the core claims of the Christian Gospel. The hosts also address criticism of his polarizing nature, arguing that standing for truth necessarily creates opposition.

The episode concludes with reflections on Kirk’s influence and inspiration. They read the dedication from their book Confronting Evil in Our Time to him, discussing how his courage and conviction shaped their own work, and express hope that his legacy motivates listeners to live boldly and faithfully. They also note a commemorative Martyr’s Red wine project (See link below) supporting Turning Point USA and encourage listeners, especially during the Christmas season, to remember Kirk’s life, emulate his courage, and continue the mission he championed.

https://www.homecomingwinery.com/martyrs-red

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This episode talks about C. S. Lewis’s Journey of Faith. The Screwtape Letters: Confronting Evil in Our Time podcast hosts Ian Faith and Galen Balinski unpack each of C.S. Lewis’s letters to expose how demonic forces work to separate people from God today, encouraging listeners to reject these schemes and center their lives on Jesus. Ian highlights current events including Thanksgiving week in the United States, C.S. Lewis’s birthday and Reading Day. Ian will be appearing on the “Pints with Jack” podcast, and he talks about the strong early reception of their Christian devotional book Confronting Evil in Our Time, including an Amazon Kindle giveaway and high rankings in Christian social studies. Their aim is to invite listeners into an ongoing journey of spiritual formation through Scripture, Lewis’s work, and contemporary discussion.

Ian discusses C.S. Lewis’s journey from a Christian upbringing in Belfast through deep atheism, wartime trauma, and rigorous academic life at Oxford, to his eventual surrender first to belief in God and then to faith in Christ. The episode traces key influences: the loss of his mother, his harsh school years and World War I experience, his immersion in classical and atheist literature, and then the slow “hunt” of God through books by George MacDonald and G.K. Chesterton and friendships with Christian thinkers like J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson. Pivotal moments include the late-night walk on Addison’s Walk where Tolkien reframed myths as pointers to the true myth of Christ, and Lewis’s quiet realization, illustrated by his trip to Whipsnade Zoo, that he had moved from mere theism to full Christian belief.

From Lewis’s story, Ian draws on pastoral applications for listeners about God’s relentless pursuit, the importance of honest intellectual wrestling, and the role of Christian community in someone’s conversion. He stresses the primary gospel truths, Jesus as the Son of God who died and rose again, as the core that should unite Christians beyond secondary disagreements, tying Lewis’s conversion to broader themes of spiritual warfare that the podcast and book explore. The episode closes with reflective questions about listeners’ own journeys of faith, encouragement to be a “Tolkien or Dyson” in someone else’s life, and a prayer thanking God for pursuing sinners and for the way Christ fulfills the deepest longings of both mind and heart.

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Ian and Galen celebrated their book’s achievement of reaching #1 in an Amazon category, recognizing the significance to the Christian marketplace. They used this success as a springboard to deepen their podcast’s focus, tackling the profound biblical themes of heaven and hell inspired by C.S. Lewis’s "The Screwtape Letters." Their discussion centered around how heaven rejoices when a sinner repents, contrasted with the demonic inability to grasp God’s love, positioning these ideas as essential concepts for their audience to explore and understand.

The hosts examined Lewis’s literary inversion in Letter 31, where the agony of hell contrasts the joy in heaven at the salvation of a believer, a theme paralleling biblical passages like Luke 15. Ian detailed the depiction of the saved soul’s entrance into heaven, surrounded by the angelic host and the Trinity, while Galen reflected on the instant clarity and fulfillment of faith experienced by the believer in that moment. Their dialogue connected Lewis’s narrative strategies with broader theological teachings on spiritual warfare, salvation, and the eternal implications of human choices.

Delving into the topic of death, Ian and Galen emphasized that for believers, death marks a triumphant return to Christ, though it remains tinged with sorrow for those left behind. Drawing on scriptures like Psalm 23, they asserted the meaningfulness of every life and the responsibility to influence others for good while living. The duo also explored the demonic perspective: demons are locked eternally in their choices, whereas humans retain agency until life’s end, a notion reminiscent of Faust and other literary figures. Ultimately, they encouraged listeners to face the reality of loss with prayer and hope, grounding themselves in the assurance of eternal life.

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Ian opened the episode by explaining the document-signing process for their upcoming book and introducing The Screwtape Letters Podcast, which explores confronting evil in today’s world. He invited listeners to watch the video version on Rumble, where the podcast delves deeper into spiritual and cultural challenges through a Christian lens.

He announced that there is just one week left to order signed copies of Confronting Evil in Our Time, the 306-page devotional he co-authored with Galen Balinski. Ian shared their excitement about the book’s final proof copy and upcoming release, encouraging viewers to visit Rumble.com for updates. The book will soon be available in multiple formats, including paperback, e-book, and hardcover, with additional language editions in development.

Reflecting on Season 2 of the podcast, Ian highlighted powerful discussions on spiritual warfare, sexual sin, and divine healing, featuring guests like David Smallbone. Looking ahead, Season 3 will tackle theology and world issues with a Christ-centered focus, including a collaboration with Pints with Jack for C.S. Lewis Reading Day. Ian closed by urging listeners to order the book before the offer expires and to share prayer requests through the website.

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In the second-to-last episode of season two of The Screwtape Letters podcast, hosts Ian and Galen unpack the Easter egg in the penultimate letter, focusing on spiritual warfare amid literal wartime chaos. As World War II air raids intensify, the patient remains steadfast despite fear and self-perceived cowardice, frustrating demons Screwtape and Wormwood. The hosts connect this to Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might,” highlighting that true strength in crisis comes not from personal resolve but from reliance on God. They emphasize that courage is not the absence of fear but faithful action sustained by divine power, even when one feels weak or discouraged.

The discussion extends to real-life examples of endurance through fear and fatigue. Ian shares a listener’s story of a mother hospitalized, where the son acts courageously, coordinating with nurses and family, while inwardly terrified, sustained day by day through prayer and community support. Ian reflects on his own family experiences, including his mother-in-law’s passing and his son’s hospitalization, illustrating how leaning on Christ, rather than fleeting human hope, provides peace that surpasses understanding. They contrast empty hope (projecting desired outcomes) with biblical hope anchored in God’s sovereignty, which yields good even when prayers seem unanswered.

Finally, the hosts tie the letter’s wartime setting to Ian’s family history in Coventry, one of the most heavily bombed cities in Britain, where civilians like the patient served in the Home Guard amid relentless blitzes. This historical parallel underscores the analogy of spiritual warfare: sudden, unpredictable attacks by an enemy seeking to devour. The episode closes with excitement about their forthcoming book, Confronting Evil in Our Time, with the manuscript complete and physical copies expected imminently for final review and launch. Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned and spread the word.

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Season two of the Screwtape Letters Podcast: Confronting Evil in Our Time opens with hosts Ian and Galen diving into the biblical “Easter eggs” found in C.S. Lewis’s letters. They reflect on their work developing a companion book and turn to discuss the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, describing their grief and the courage he embodied as a man of faith. In his honor, they share the creation of Martyr’s Red, a commemorative wine from Homecoming Winery whose release symbolizes spiritual steadfastness and devotion to truth.

The conversation deepens into theological reflection on fear and courage, centering on Revelation 21:8, which lists cowardice first among condemned sins. They distinguish between feeling fear and acting from fear, asserting that fear itself is not sinful but becomes destructive when it dictates behavior. Drawing from Scripture, wartime imagery, and current events, they emphasize the Christian call to resolve fear through faith and obedience. The hosts link this lesson to broader moral issues, such as standing for Christian values without blending them with politics or succumbing to extremes like Christian nationalism.

To close, Ian and Galen turn to practical application for believers facing personal or societal fear. They encourage listeners to confront fear through action grounded in biblical conviction, arguing that courage grows when one chooses right conduct despite anxiety. They connect this spiritual discipline to everyday struggles, such as job insecurity or moral confrontation, and highlight how habitual fear can evolve into cowardice or hatred when left unchecked. The hosts end with a challenge to live by faith, not emotion, allowing obedience and courage to shape a life that resists evil while remaining rooted in compassion and truth.

https://www.homecomingwinery.com/martyrs-red

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Our conversation on this episode of the Screwtape Letters Podcast is a powerful interview with David Smallbone, music executive, father of Rebecca St. James and for King + Country, and the subject of the film Unsung Hero. Smallbone recounts the devastating collapse of a major tour in Australia that cost him everything and forced his family to relocate to the U.S. with little more than faith. In Nashville, they endured poverty, depending on prayer and the kindness of the local church to survive. This season of hardship, while painful, transformed him from being lukewarm in faith to passionately devoted to Christ. Smallbone highlights the role of his wife Helen’s steadfast support, his children’s resilience, and the church’s tangible love as the pillars that carried them through those dark years.

The interview explores how the Smallbone family rebuilt their lives through music, faith, and perseverance. Rebecca St. James’ early career paved the way for the family’s involvement in the industry, with each sibling contributing skills that later fueled the success of For King & Country. Smallbone reflects on how hardship deepened his marriage, reshaped his character, and gave him a lifelong mission to share the gospel boldly. He challenges listeners to embrace their testimonies, live loudly for Christ, and see adversity not as defeat but as a refining process that draws believers closer to God’s purpose.

The Screwtape Letters Podcast reflects on the mission behind season two and the soon-to-be-released book Confronting Evil in Our Time. Ian and Galen explain that the series examines the reality of demonic influence and spiritual warfare, and helps believers grow stronger in their faith, live with Christ at the center, and confront modern cultural and spiritual challenges with wisdom. They emphasize that the podcast is not just about discussion, but about “moving the needle” toward transformation in people’s lives.

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The hosts return to the Screwtape Letters Podcast to continue season two, reflecting on both personal trials and the weight of faith. Galen shares about his mother-in-law’s passing after a season of hospice care, tying this life event to the theme of “finishing the race” in faith. This naturally leads into the letter under discussion, where Screwtape warns Wormwood not to celebrate wartime death too quickly, since a faithful believer who dies in Christ is lost to the enemy forever. The focus instead is on the long game—using adversity or prosperity to pull a soul slowly away from God over the course of life.

The discussion identifies a clear Easter egg in this letter: Jesus’ parable of the sower found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Just as seeds fall on different soils, some people fall away from faith due to trials or worldly distractions, while others persevere and bear fruit. Lewis’s writing mirrors this dynamic, showing that Satan’s strategies are not only immediate temptations but also subtle, lifelong distractions meant to untether believers from Christ. The hosts stress how perseverance in faith—whether through trials or abundance—marks the difference between seeds that wither and those that endure to harvest.

Finally, the episode explores the sobering reality of salvation and perseverance. While doctrines like “once saved, always saved” are debated, the hosts emphasize that the true test of faith is finishing strong and remaining steadfast in Christ until the end. A transformed heart, daily surrender, and ongoing perseverance mark genuine faith. Life is long, the enemy plays the long game, but God’s mercy is new each day for those who continue to pick up their cross.

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This special episode begins with the weight of shock and grief over Charlie Kirk’s assassination, acknowledging the pain felt by many while holding onto hope in God’s nearness to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). The episode frames Charlie’s death not only as a personal loss but also as a moment to equip Christians to confront evil without sinning. His work with Turning Point USA challenged young people to think critically about faith, freedom, and life, making him a powerful force in the cultural and political arena. His influence was significant, and this tragedy raises deep questions about God’s purposes, justice, and the persistence of evil in the world.

Reflections on Charlie’s character and legacy. He was calm, compassionate, and courageous—someone who modeled engaging opponents with truth and grace rather than hatred or theatrics. His life embodied John 12:24, where a seed must fall into the ground to produce greater fruit. To honor him is to take up his mission: speak the name of Jesus publicly, live with integrity, and confront cultural lies with both conviction and compassion. His death, though tragic, serves as a call for Christians to continue in bold witness, resisting the temptation either to lash out in vengeance or to shrink back in fear.

Finally, the episode names the evil plainly: assassination is demonic in origin, and celebrations of it are evidence of darkness at work. But Christians are not called to despair or violence—they are called to resist and expose evil while trusting ultimate justice to God (Romans 12:17-19). Scripture affirms the responsibility to protect families, guard life, and confront wickedness with courage (Nehemiah 4:14, Psalm 94:16, Ephesians 6:10-13). The closing call urges listeners to live boldly like Charlie, protect what God has entrusted to them, and refuse both hatred and passivity. Through prayer and steadfast action, believers can carry forward Charlie’s legacy of truth, courage, and love in a broken and hostile world.

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This episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast focuses on sexual temptation, sin, and God's design for sexuality, featuring guest Michael Blueitt, who shares his personal journey and passion for men's ministry. The conversation explores why sexual temptation is such a critical issue for men, citing biblical commandments and the societal consequences of unchecked sexual sin, including broken families, addiction, and spiritual isolation. Michael and Ian emphasize the biblical vision of sex as a force for life, joy, and intimacy within marriage—contrasting it with the destructive impact when taken out of God's intended context.

The discussion moves through practical and spiritual challenges men face, especially in modern culture, where temptations are amplified and boundaries eroded. The podcast highlights the importance of discipline, self-control, and honesty about struggles, suggesting that early marriage and accepting responsibilities can provide healthy boundaries. The host, Ian addresses common questions about redemption and forgiveness after sexual sin, encouraging listeners that true repentance and submission to God can lead to restoration, regardless of past mistakes—a message supported by scripture.

Addressing the epidemic levels of sexual addiction and societal hypersexualization, Michael counsels listeners to find hope in spiritual discipline, community honesty, and obedience to God. The conversation notes how spiritual warfare operates through subtle temptations, referencing C.S. Lewis’s insights and urging believers to turn away from destructive habits, protect their families, and seek God’s purpose. The episode closes with encouragement to stand firm, put on spiritual armor, and embrace grace—reminding listeners that transformation and healing are possible when seeking God's design for life and relationships.

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In this sermon, Ian Faith addresses the reality of death, acknowledging the fear, grief, and anxiety it brings, especially when loved ones pass. Using Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 23:4, he reminds listeners that God is close to the brokenhearted and provides comfort even in the valley of the shadow of death. He encourages believers to understand life’s brevity, framed by Scripture like James 4:14 and Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, which call us to recognize the seasons of life and death and to live with purpose.

Faith then explores the nature of life, creation, and salvation, noting that while God grants life to all, the gift of eternal life comes through Christ (John 14:6, John 3:16). He wrestles with difficult questions about violence and death in the Old Testament, the fate of those who have not heard the gospel, and the justice and mercy of God, pointing listeners to Scripture like Romans 10:13–14 and Revelation 7:9–10.

He emphasizes that mourning is natural and healthy, showing that even Jesus wept at Lazarus’s death (John 11:35) and encouraging believers to grieve with hope and faith in God’s promises. The sermon brings hope and comfort through the promise of resurrection and eternal life. By reflecting on personal stories, like the passing of his mother and the scripture Isaiah 49:16.

Listeners are reminded that God remembers and cherishes every life. The call to live fully (John 10:10), love God and others (Matthew 22:36–40), and trust God’s eternal plan offers peace amidst grief, assuring believers that death is not the end, but a doorway to a greater story where God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

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This week, Ian will be flying solo, as Galen is away dealing with family matters, and I’d ask everyone to keep him and his loved ones in prayer for healing and peace. As we head into Labor Day, with summer winding down in the north and spring arriving in the south, it’s a natural moment to reflect on the season and the year ahead. But amid these rhythms of life, we can’t ignore the constant presence of evil in the world—a reality that inspired our Screwtape Letters podcast, rooted in C.S. Lewis’s reminder that dark forces seek to pull us away from God.

Scripture repeatedly warns us not to invite evil in but to expose and resist it. Too often, trouble begins with small compromises—relationships or habits that seem harmless but open the door to destructive influences. The Bible shows us, from Judges to the Psalms, that without Christ as our compass, evil flourishes and the strong exploit the weak. The tragedies we see in the news—school shootings, stabbings, hate crimes, trafficking, displacement, and violence across nations—remind us that demonic forces delight in sowing chaos and despair, pushing people to question God’s presence. Yet Romans tells us: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Confronting evil starts in our homes and hearts. We must guard against spiritual footholds, resist the devil through prayer and Scripture, and keep our families safe, both physically and spiritually. Small cracks—unchecked anger, harmful media, unwise choices—can become doorways for disruption. Leaders in the home must stay vigilant, while also practicing true charity, which weakens the grip of darkness and reflects Christ’s love. As Isaiah says, we are called to seek justice, defend the vulnerable, and care for the widow and fatherless. So as you enjoy this holiday weekend, remain mindful and faithful, standing firm against evil, and we look forward to Galen’s return next week.

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The discussion on the podcast episode centers around the enduring significance of the Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase “give us this day our daily bread,” as an essential part of Christian spiritual discipline. The hosts highlight Lewis’s perspective that prayer should not be reserved solely for moments of spiritual fervor or times of need. Instead, prayer is a command and a daily discipline that keeps believers connected to God, serving as a means of seeking not only material sustenance but also grace, wisdom, forgiveness, and spiritual protection. The hosts emphasize that even when life seems fulfilling or when distractions abound—such as the character in Lewis’s letter who is in love and happy—regular, intentional prayer is both necessary and transformative.

They further explain how C.S. Lewis, once a skeptic, used his analytical and literary talents to explore and unpack deep Christian truths in accessible ways. The conversation unpacks the idea that many of Lewis’s works, including The Chronicles of Narnia, are deeply Christian even if not always identified as such by the broader public. Lewis’s later-life conversion brought a profound scriptural insight into his writings, connecting biblical themes and showing that the Bible’s teachings are more interwoven and relevant than they might first appear. Especially within The Screwtape Letters, Lewis uses literary “Easter eggs” from scripture to illuminate the subtle ways spiritual adversaries try to distract believers from practices like daily prayer and obedience, reinforcing that prayer is an act of faith done in all seasons—good or bad, emotional or routine.

Finally, the hosts reflect on how prayer, as taught in the Lord’s Prayer, is not just about asking for life’s material needs but about trusting God’s wisdom in providing what is genuinely needed, including grace to forgive others and strength to avoid temptation. They share personal anecdotes illustrating that answers to prayer don’t always align with personal desires, but often lead to outcomes that are ultimately revealed as better through faith and trust in God’s provision. The episode concludes by encouraging growth in prayer, scriptural understanding, and spiritual vigilance in confronting the challenges and distractions of modern life.

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

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In this episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, the hosts dive into the nuanced, often misinterpreted biblical command to "love your neighbor as yourself," as discussed in one of C.S. Lewis's letters. They emphasize that the familiar phrase is frequently reduced to just "love your neighbor," overlooking the importance of healthy self-care and self-regard that the latter half of the command implies. The conversation draws a distinction between a balanced, non-narcissistic self-love, one in which individuals responsibly look after their own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and the egocentric attitudes often promoted in contemporary culture. The hosts argue that only by maintaining such a foundation can a person genuinely extend meaningful, active charity to others in accordance with the mind of Christ.

The podcast further explores how Lewis, through the lens of demonic distortion, exposes the pitfalls of misunderstanding selflessness and unselfishness in relationships, especially marriage. The demonic strategy, as described in Screwtape's letter, is to turn well-intentioned self-denial into a lose-lose dynamic: people sacrifice not to benefit each other, but simply to feel or appear selfless, resulting in mutual dissatisfaction and resentment. This false humility or passive self-erasure fails to foster genuine charity or unity. Instead, healthy relationships require clear communication of needs, the willingness to both give and receive, and an active pursuit of the other's well-being, not just a denial of one's own desires.

Ultimately, the episode challenges listeners to rethink both self-love and sacrificial love. The hosts warn against two extremes: selfish ambition, which leads to disorder and division, and a hollow unselfishness that produces bitterness and stagnation. Instead, they promote intentional, discerning charity, an active love that recognizes the individual needs and desires of both giver and receiver. By grounding their reflections in the teachings of Jesus and Paul, the hosts encourage listeners to seek wisdom in loving themselves and others, and to be aware of subtle traps that can undermine genuine Christian living.

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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

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis was first published in February 1942 as a series of epistolary satirical letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, instructing his nephew Wormwood on tempting a human soul. It was originally serialized in The Guardian during WWII. It was a weekly Anglican church newspaper based in London, founded in 1846. Not to be confused with today’s Guardian Newspaper.

Early editions of the Screwtape Letters never included the “Toast from Hell” or the other title, “Screwtape Proposes a Toast” Written in 1959 this short sequel takes the form of a devilish after-dinner address by Screwtape at the Tempters' Training College and was added to later editions of the book release.

C.S. Lewis himself never labeled The Screwtape Letters as “satire.” There is talk that he only wrote 31 letters as the subject matter was very heavy and weighed on him.

In his own introductions and letters, Lewis usually called it a series of letters or a fantasy in reverse, and sometimes just “a little fun” he had writing in the voice of a senior tempter.

Publishers quickly saw “satire” as a useful marketing hook.

By the time the omnibus editions with Screwtape Proposes a Toast appeared in 1961, back covers and dust jackets openly called it “a classic of religious satire.”

Lewis’s private correspondence shows that he was wary of the term “satire,” partly because satire implies ridicule of people, whereas his aim was to illuminate spiritual warfare and human frailty. He preferred to think of it as diabolical correspondence or “theology in reverse.”

When the Toast was added, the satirical label stuck even harder because of its social commentary on education and democracy. With John Cleese of Monty Python fame narrating it in 1999, the push for it not to be taken as seriously as C.S. Lewis intended continued.

The question has to be asked: Was it just a money decision by the publishers, or was it also an attempt to hide what Lewis was revealing about spiritual warfare in our lives and confronting that evil?

We remastered the recordings after we found them openly available online, but in poor audio quality. Here for your enjoyment is the Toast from Hell.

Subscribe and join us and our guests on this journey.

Show site www.screwtapeletterspodcast.com

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Facebook https://linktr.ee/screwtapeletterspodcast

Podcast management by www.globalcreativegroup.com

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

As you pray, remember the very important words and guidance in the Lord's Prayer. Think them through, every word is so important.

Recorded outside in Sedona, AZ. Apologies for the background noise.