“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” Genesis 1: 28
The woman’s pregnancy is a terrible blow. Nothing inspires men and women like parenthood—it’s the fast track to the Enemy’s kingdom, you know (the Enemy chooses “Father” as his loftiest title. The significance is not lost on you, I hope?)
But don’t give up, my fiend. The Committee for Swaying the Public Mind has been working overtime to debase motherhood. Every woman is gripped by feminism, fear, or pathological individualism. Your subject should succumb to at least one of these messages. If you can’t convince her that motherhood is oppressive, you have nine months to fill her mind with dread for an unknown future: pain, sleeplessness, marital adjustments, weight gain, and physical discomfort. Maximize on these things. Magnify the petty inconveniences of pregnancy and parenthood until she is uncertain that she wants what is coming to be.
Do it well enough, she will feel victim to the very thing that she prayed for.
What in the name of satire—? Confused by the devilish tone? Intrigued by the irony? This post is part of a Screwtaping series. Check out the full story (and more Tempts) here.
