12 Days... Letter 4 from El Diablo

If you are not familiar with the style of writing used in C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters, read this post first!

Last year, a mission team intercepted the following communications regarding their trip to Mexico. It appears to be from Diablo to a younger devil, trying to attack and derail the mission team... We better take note that we don't fall into some of the same traps they tried on this team...

from: sr_diablo@hell.net
to: lucifrito@sector6.mex
date: April 20 subject: Language



Lucifrito,

Subtly convince the missioners that villagers would be better off if they are forced to speak in English anyway, since it's practically a universal language today. This way they can rationalize their own laziness and fear of appearing awkward.


You mention that some missioners can't communicate with the villagers in the local language, principally because they failed to learn even two words of it before they left. This is good. We know the barriers and mistrust that can be erected (and amplified) between humans of different cultures because of a language barrier. It is critical that the North American missioners fail to understand that even the smallest attempt to communicate warmth and respect to the villagers in their local language can quickly lead to growing bonds of trust and friendship. This is a development we want to discourage at all costs.

To this end, subtly convince the missioners that villagers would be better off if they are forced to speak in English anyway, since it's practically a universal language today. This way they can rationalize their own laziness and fear of appearing awkward. And it only enhances their sense of superiority.

I see from your recent message that Jerry has made a full recovery and that he is at work on the building again. This is good. Now see to it that he avoids the salad and uncooked vegetables for the remainder of the trip.

P.S. I see that you have been moonlighting. I've been told of the summary execution of three policemen in the northern zone by the drug traffickers. Lucifrito, you have foolishly failed on two accounts. For one, two of the policemen confessed their sins to the Enemy just before their execution, when they previously had been on safe passage to Our Father's House. Second, the shocking nature of the crime has unified the town against the drug traffickers, filling many with a courage they had not previously possessed. Have you not yet learned the art of subtlety?


Awaiting a more auspicious future correspondence,

Diablo


This post is taken from an article from Christianity Today by Bruce Wydick.