"When the humans disbelieve in our existence we lose all the pleasing results of direct terrorism and we make no magicians. On the other hand, when they believe in us, we cannot make them materialists and skeptics. "
~ Uncle Screwtape
I continue to be mentored by C.S. Lewis through the voice of his character, Uncle Screwtape. Screwtape is a demon who is a master at tempting and deceiving humans.
I cannot help but be amazed by the prophetic foresight of C.S. Lewis. Writing in the 1940s, he pretty much nails our culture. We are a culture of materialist magicians. While the rates of agnosticism and atheism are growing at staggering speeds, we likewise grow (as a culture) in our belief in ghosts, horoscopes and reincarnation.
Here are some interesting statistics:
In recent surveys conducted by Barna, 6 out 10 self-described Christians did not believe that Satan was a real living entity - iow, they thought Satan was symbolic of evil. 1 out of 10 were on the fence. 3 out 10 Christians thought Satan was actually real. If that is what the self-described Christians think, you can imagine what our culture thinks.
In another survey that included the broader culture, younger Americans, ( aged 20 to 30 ) thought :
Ghosts were real ( 65 percent )
Astrology was real ( 43 percent )
Reincarnation was real ( 40 percent )
So we seem to believe in some weird stuff and at the same time, claim to be scientifically minded, enlightened and skeptical.
It seems the trend is toward denying the supernatural world exists, while at the same time believing in magic.
This would delight Screwtape, would it not