Part of an ongoing web serial perhaps inspired by The Screwtape Letters. Unless otherwise noted, “the Ex-CEO” refers to God, “the opposition” to the side of the angels, and so on.
Read the previous installment here.
To: Deception, Overseer of Ekron Initiative (American Evangelical Division)
From: Malice, VP of 8th Circle of Hell (Global Initiatives Branch)
Date: [Exact Date Redacted, Circa 1970]
Subject: Response to Personal Request
Deception,
You are entirely right to send me your last request. In fact, I don’t mind saying that I intended to write a little something on this topic soon.
As you so accurately pointed out, it is vital to root out obstacles before they become large threats. This includes making sure targets avoid books or other media that would give them dangerous ideas.
There are various authors you must steer your targets away from if you want to achieve maximum results. Keep them at all costs away from anything by the South African fantasist1 and the incorrigible Catholic collectivist2 (whom you already mentioned). I doubt you will be able to keep them from anything by the Irish apologist,3 but at least try to divert them from God in the Dock and any of his thoughts on mythology.
As far as current authors to avoid, misdirect them from the American theologian4 who was so close to that Dutch jazz enthusiast.5 Their work is spreading in troubling ways, but we are already developing plans to neutralize their legacies. I will keep you informed as the situation develops.
Doubtless, this list will expand as new threats arise. You have my assurance I will send you new additions whenever we receive updates.
Full marks for this request. I think you and I shall enjoy working together.
Infernal Regards,
Malice,
Vice President of the 8th Circle of Hell
(Global Initiatives Branch)
Editor’s Notes:
1. Apparently a reference to John Ronald Reul Tolkien (1892-1973), born in South Africa to British parents. Known for writing The Lord of the Rings and other works, and for helping convert C.S. Lewis to Christianity. Malice’s mistake in calling him a South African when he was a British citizen is confusing, and no known explanation exists for this error.
2. Apparently a reference to Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936), author of various stories and nonfiction works, including the Father Brown mysteries and The Everlasting Man. Chesterton and associates were also known for advancing an economic theory called collectivism.
3. Apparently a reference to Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1962), academic and writer known for The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity.
4. Apparently a reference to Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), theologian and author. Known for various nonfiction works, including Art and the Bible and How Then Should We Live?
5. Apparently a reference to H.R. Rookmaaker (1922-1977), Dutch scholar known for his scholarship on jazz music and for various books about faith and art, including Modern Art and The Death of a Culture and The Creative Gift: Essays on Art and the Christian Life.
Cover Photo by Craig Whitehead on Unsplash
1 thought on “The Ekron Initiative: Memo 5”