With Apologies to C.S. Lewis

My Dear Wormwood:

I am very excited about your newest ploy of eradicating praise and worship from the church of “You Know Who.”

At first I had some doubt about your idea to secretly encourage local pastors to use the highly musical and talented in praise groups in the area. However, you were a genius. By mixing in a small dosage of pride and selfish ambition, you have concocted a brew that brings joy to the Nether Regions.

Your plan has in essence allowed “show stopping” specials that go one after another. One member of the praise team competes with the other. The praise and worship that appeared to be blooming among the congregation has been snuffed out as they watch repeated musical performances . It is wonderful, Wormwood.

I love the performance mentality that you have inculcated and the fact that the people standing there during the period of music have no idea what to do. Continue to do anything you can to keep them from actually participating in praise and worship. Let them watch it time after time . It is like setting out a delicious meal and letting just a few eat it while the others watch. It is a feast worthy of Hell itself.

And how did you ever find that expert electric guitar player that loves doing those specials. The use of loud music means that the people can not hear each other singing.
Your genius in having the praise group write its own songs and playing them was great too. No one had a chance of singing with them whatsoever.

I particularly liked the part where at the end of the praise, the band all did high fives and congratulated themselves on the great job that they did showing off their musical skills. Even the members of the congregation looked discomfitted, and the sermon following fell flat on its face due to the lack of prayer and praise preceding it.

Wormwood, you have outdone yourself this time. It was pure evil genius to use great musical talent mixed with pride and a performance mentality to wipe out praise and worship arising from the people.

I can see a promotion in this for you. Keep up the good work.

Your affectionate Uncle,

SCREWTAPE