13 Days... Letter 3 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...(This post is taken from an article from Christianity Today by Bruce Wydick. Originals coming soon!!)

from: sr_diablo@hell.net
to: lucifrito@sector6.mex
date: April 15 subject: Fear

Dear Lucifrito,

You mention that your are happy that some missioners are afraid because one of their countrymen was murdered in a drug deal. Remember: instilling fear is no victory in itself. It is what we do with fear that counts.
In the worst case, it can drive them to dependence on the Enemy. The best outcome is that fear manifests itself in condescending remarks about the weakness of local institutions and culture, contrasting those of their home country. Let each of them ignore the fact that they themselves played virtually no role in the creation of the relative prosperity and stability they enjoy at home. But even so, let them gloat with the pride of founding fathers.

Further, create in them a sense of cultural superiority about these differences. Help them to ignore any positive differences. It is through positive aspects of the local culture that the Enemy may be trying to teach a missioner about his or her own sins and weaknesses: materialism, narcissism, disrespect for family, and over-indulgence in media entertainment.

You mention glowingly in your recent letter that Jerry has been afflicted with a case of what the North Americans call "Montezuma's Revenge." I am disappointed, Lucifrito, you gullible fool! You fail to see that this malady has been sent by the Enemy, who is seeking to humble and quiet Jerry so he does not become so domineering and insensitive to others. See to it that Jerry is able to obtain all of the medicine he needs for a speedy recovery.

Con mucho cariño,

Diablo