The Scuttlebutt Letters (Hardback) by Natalie Brand

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!

Title

The Scuttlebutt Letters
Author(s)

Natalie Brand
ISBN

9781527111165
Format

Hardback
Publisher

Christian Focus Publications
Topic

Holiness, Self Control
Audience

Adults
Pages

96
Published

05/01/2024

Natalie Brand

Natalie Brandis a writer, bible teacher, and free-lance lecturer in theology.

See other titles by this author

"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."

- Graham Nicholls, director of Affinity

"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."

- Tim Chester, author and senior faculty at Crosslands Training

"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!"

- Reggie Weems, pastor; C.S. Lewis researcher

"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."

- Ros Clarke, associate Director of Church Society

"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."

- Felicity Carswell and Sarah Dargue, hosts of podcast, Two Sisters and a Cup of Tea

Overall rating

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Clever, Convicting, & Encouraging!

This book is a clever nod to C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, which I also highly recommend if you haven’t yet read it. While reading The Scuttlebutt Letters I laughed, I was convicted, and I was encouraged. This book stepped on my toes in the very best way- A way that brings you to your knees in prayer that God will equip you with the wisdom and self-control to govern your tongue. What an incredible book! I will most assuredly be revisiting this book again and will be putting it on my desk at work as a visual reminder of the truths within in the setting in which I need to hold those truths in my heart the most. Highly recommend!

Beth

Fantastic Lewis-style satire!

The Scuttlebutt Letters was both challenging and encouraging, with large doses of humour throughout. Personally, I have to admit, each chapter gave a new conviction! Drawing from biblical truths and personal experiences, Natalie cleverly uses satire to highlight the importance of guarding the tongue and speaking words rooted in love and grace. Natalie’s desire to see people grow in alignment with God’s word and with Christ-like behaviour, particularly speech, comes through. The gospel presentation in the last chapter makes this a great book to pass to a friend.

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