Lord Foulgrin's Letters

by Randy Alcorn

Book Overview

This repack of Randy Alcorn's gripping bestseller delivers us from ignorance of the devil's schemes. Foulgrin, a high-ranking demon, instructs his subordinate on how to deceive and destroy Jordan... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1576738612
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Multnomah
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.4" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Lord Foulgrin’s Letters is captivating

If you enjoyed reading Screw Tape Letters, you will like this book. It is in more modern English, so definitely easier to read!

I hate this book. Says the devil.

The devil must hate this book for the same reasons that I loved it, and that you should read it. Unashamedly indebted to the premise of C.S. Lewis' "Screwtape Letters", "Lord Foulgrin's Letters" purports to be a collection of correspondence from the demon Lord Foulgrin to his understudy Squaltaint. Squaltaint's mission is to target the unknowing Jordan Fletcher by ensnaring him with evil, and prevent him from serving the Enemy - God. Fortunately for us, Alcorn has not just blindly emulated Lewis, but has added an innovation of his own. Alongside the demonic letters is a story recounting the events in the life of Fletcher and his family, a story that is readable on its own. Since Foulgrin's letters are very dense - as Alcorn might say, "the devil would convince us not to read them" - the independent story-line helps us along in sustaining interest. It makes Alcorn's effort more accessible and relevant for modern readers than its famous Screwtape counterpart.What Alcorn shares with Lewis, however, is the very thing that made the "Screwtape Letters" so popular and so powerful: a fascinating picture of the reality of spiritual warfare accompanied with a profound and insightful analysis of modern culture. Alcorn's portrait of this battle is of course fictional, but spiritual warfare itself is a Biblical reality. It is unfortunate that the content of the demonic letters does not always directly correspond with the accompanying plot description, and that Foulgrin's letters occasionally evolve into a hodgepodge of opinions on various matters, rather than structured expositions on a single theme. But nonetheless it is especially these letters at the end of each chapter that make this book so valuable. Alcorn's insights and analysis into today's world are sometimes shocking, but rarely are his criticisms misplaced. This book is not like a great deal of other contemporary Christian fiction. It is not meant to be. Firstly, it's not easy to read. Each section is in effect a mini-sermon, and it would be an excellent resource for group discussion. Secondly, it does not unrealistically present believers as shining saints. Alcorn's characters are like us: they have sins, shortcomings and struggles, and yet they experience progress in the Christian life. Thirdly, it's not light, fluffy and syrupy. It's meant to open your eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare, the dangers of sin, and the responsibilities of the Christian in the modern world. If you feel guilty at times, then it has succeeded.Alcorn equips his readers for spiritual warfare by critically analyzing our secular world though the glasses of his fictional demon. Although he also takes shots at the modern church, theological liberalism, and cultic Mormonism, Alcorn's critical eye especially targets modern secularism. In turn, he addresses the ills of our godless society: atheistic public education, secular colleges, abortion, pornography, and the occult. He warns against the dangers

"Screwtape" for the new millenium

I originally had no intention of buying this book, first because it looked like a blatant rip-off of C.S. Lewis' classic "The Screwtape Letters", and second because I was not too crazy about a previous novel written by this author. After looking at the book in a Christian bookstore, I saw it was in a little different format than "Screwtape", plus it was a very attractive book to look at, so I took the bait. And, Randy Alcorn, if you're reading this review, I repent of my previous attitude, because this book is a winner in every way. Unlike "Screwtape", "Lord Foulgrin's Letters" alternates between the correspondence from Foulgrin to his apprentice demon, Squaltaint, and the earthly activities of Jordan Fletcher, the human to which Squaltaint has been assigned. In the beginning, I wondered why someone as spiritually bankrupt as Jordan Fletcher even needed his own personal tempter (I guess that's why an underling was assigned the job), but soon enough, despite Squaltaint's best efforts and Foulgrin's best advice, Jordan begins to move toward a greater spiritual awareness, thanks to the witness of one of the friends with whom he plays basketball regularly. In Foulgrin's correspondence, the author covers all the bases as far as the tricks of the devil are concerned. In giving a glimpse into the spiritual realm, the book reminds me a little bit of Frank Peretti's novels. But the practicality of this book makes it far more valuable than your average work of fiction, for it increases awareness of the traps that Satan's henchmen can put in one's path. Plus, there are some interesting twists at the end. All in all, a stellar effort.

If I could, I'd give it 10 stars!

I've ready all of Randy Alcorn's books, and have repeatedly gone back to reread "Deadline" and "Dominion" over and over again. He has always written with such authority on the subject of heaven and hell, which tells me that he has great insight into what the Bible says about this subject. "Lord Foulgrin's Letters" was another outstanding work done by an author who has become one of my all-time favorite of Christian authors. His point of view when writing as Lord Foulgrin was sometimes chilling, yet totally believable, and has served as a reminder that the demons only goal is to destroy us and discredit us before God. Although this is a work of fiction, I liked the fact that Mr. Alcorn continually quoted Scripture, in its context, throughout the story, letting us know that Satan and the demons know Scripture too (maybe sometimes better than some of us Christians). I look forward to his next work, and because of his track record, I'm certain it will be captivating and enthralling just like his previous works. Don't ever quit writing, Mr. Alcorn!

A Deadly Enemy You Can't See or Touch?

Randy Alcorn shows us how real and active the principalities and powers of the spirit world really are. His take off on C.S. Lewis' classic, Screwtape Letters, gives practical updated insights into Lord Foulgrin's evil mindset. This book may be so personel, you feel uncomfortable when you realize how many times you have, like me, been tricked by Satan and his demon messengers. Don't stay in the dark on this subject - read Lord Foulgrin's Letters and be enlightened and empowered.