A phrase from the Book of Common Prayer asks for deliverance from “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” Vasrious writers have grouped temptations under these three categories. This short list reworks a passage from 1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but of the world” (KJV). I just don’t remember whether the word translated as “world” concerns “time” (aeon) or “world-system” although the passage is making a play on words: the world-system passing away. 1 John 2:17.

Consumerism fits into the “world/lust of the eyes” motif, while the UnHooked column dealt with “flesh/lust of the flesh” issues. Whether anorexia and other issues you recently posted on fall near the “devil/daemon” category is for you to say.

My remark aimed at making a play on the words “devil/devil in the details.”

I’m not sure I see what you mean in your second point. Could you explain your thought a bit more? I’m intrigued…

1. Your discussion echoes some themes from Rowan Williams’ book, Lost Icons. There he explores consumerism, “choice” (of various kinds), and the like. His book is hard sledding, due only in part to the writer’s understatement and English diffidence. It’s also hard to take because of our own immersion in a consumer culture. The figure we see in his mirror may be accurate but it isn’t pretty . . .

2. Your post here, together with your “UnHooked” review, is a practical reflection of the meme of “the world” and “the flesh” (perhaps in reverse order). Can the devil be far behind? or is the devil only in the details?