I love telling you about great books to put on your library shelves. But, don’t leave this one on the shelf. Pick it up and read it cover to cover!
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is a Christian classic that was written in a jail cell. John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a Puritan pastor in the seventeenth century (1600’s).
John was arrested for his faith and teaching which did not line up with the Anglican Church viewpoint at the time. From his jail cell, he wrote down a dream. Wow! What an intricate dream!
This allegory (symbolic story) follows Christian, the hero of the story and a pilgrim on a journey from the City of Destruction to the Heavenly City. An allegory is a story on two levels. On the first level Pilgrim’s Progress is a literal adventure story with all kinds of twists and turns. But, there is a second level to the story. The symbolic story is the story of every Christian who tries to live a pure Christian life. We each have our own adventure of trials, temptations, and tribulations.
John was not a godly little boy or young man.
On the contrary, John blasphemed, swore, lied, and did other things to dishonor Christ.
At the same time, he began to fear the torment of hell. To get away from a brand new stepmother after his own mother died, John ran away to fight in the English Civil War as a Roundhead, or Purita
After his stint in the army, he married a godly woman who led him back to books and the Bible. But, the first four years following his marriage were stormy, turbulent times where he struggled spiritually. Somewhere in that time, he gave his heart to Jesus Christ, but continued to struggle with temptation.
The struggles John went through in his own life are similar to the struggles that Pilgrim experiences in Pilgrim’s Progress. John went through his own Valley of Humiliation, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Dungeons of Doubting Castle, and Giant Despair.
He constantly feared the wrath of God for his sins. It was years before he overcame his flesh! But, he eventually came to the point of a fully surrendered life. Not a life without sin, but not a lifestyle of sin. At this time, God called young John Bunyan to preach and John obeyed His call.
Let’s talk about the story now.
Christian is a pilgrim because he is on a journey. To the Puritans and Separatists of the seventeenth century, this was a common term that used among themselves. The term reminded them, and reminds us too that earth is not our home. Heaven is our real home and this journey home is not easy, but with God’s help we can make it victoriously!
For over 300 years, Pastor John has delighted readers with his adventure while inspiring them to follow Jesus with all their hearts.
It is said that in Colonial and Early America, every home had a Bible and a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress. This is a book that you might read aloud at Thanksgiving or any time during the year! It is also a great book to read on your own. From pre-teen to the senior years, Christians everywhere can relate to Christian’s struggles to overcome doubts, temptations, and compromise.
This book will change your life!
There is a second part to the story about Christiana, Christian’s wife. This is another must read!
Resources
If you are interested in learning more about John Bunyan and other great British writers, I recommend investigating my British Literature one-credit course for high school students and adults. This class is a full high English credit and introduces you to a smattering of British history along with a lot of great literature to read and discuss in a book club. Questions for the book club are provided.
Happy Reading!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
