The Scuttlebutt Letters: Words to a Wild Tongue

In the style of The Screwtape Letters, with a satire that will make you both cringe and laugh–out–loud, Natalie Brand demonstrates the havoc unleashed by careless words.   Scuttlebutt (naval slang for the ship’s gossip) is the affectionate nickname given to the Tongue by the Heart, as he reprimands the Tongue for steering the whole person into catastrophe; enjoying morsels of gossip, creating smokescreens of lies. From the Bible’s teaching on speech, particularly the Proverbs, the reader will taste the bitter destruction of the Tongue.   But as the Heart rebukes the Tongue it becomes increasingly clear that something isn’t right … there is  another villain, a deeper poison, lurking within. What can be done if the Tongue remains untameable? Will the Heart get away with his hypocrisy? Is there redemption for either?   An immensely challenging little book for anyone with a tongue … or a heart!

About the Author :
Natalie Brand is a writer and Bible teacher. She has authored several books, including ‘Priscilla, Where Are You? A Call to Joyful Theology’ and ‘The Good Portion: Salvation’. She has a Ph.d in systematic theology from the University of Wales and lectures in theology.

Review :
Natalie has written a rare jewel – something not only deliciously playful but also theologically rich and deeply convicting. With deftly crafted, witty prose, she ultimately leads our convicted hearts and tongues to the sweetest Word, Christ himself.  If everything you say is always loving and life–giving then you can give this book a miss. For the rest of us, The Scuttlebutt Letters is a great resource. Drawing deeply on biblical wisdom, its intriguing and engaging presentation hits home time after time. It not only dissects the good and bad of our speech; it offers true hope.  Not since we last heard from Wormwood’s uncle, has an author so masterfully employed Lewis’s Screwtape motif to simultaneously entertain, expose, convict and challenge the human heart. This book is a sanctified riot! … a must–read for every believer with a tongue. With honest insight, clever humour, and theological care, Natalie shows the trappings of sinful speech and the gospel remedy for self–deceived hearts. Her writing is a delight, and her message is timely. A modern allegory to deal with the age–old problem of keeping our lips under control … clever, funny and a powerful reminder that at heart it is our hearts which need changing. Natalie Brand has written in a disarming style, and with frightening accuracy, of the way our tongues get out of control with gossip, exaggeration, lies, deflection, boasting, ridicule and more. I was not sure at times whether to laugh, wince or cry, but it is a healthy reflection leading to repentance, as we place our trust in the one who spoke with truth, wisdom and grace.