Book Review - 6/14/2010

Editor’s Note: periodically, it is our practice to review books from years past that merit “re-discovery” and remain prescient to today’s believers instead of the latest releases from Christian publishers.

Though it is less often read today (a fact likely owing more to the contemporary decline in literacy than to any decrease in its power), John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress has made an indelible impression on generations of believers since its publication in 1678. It has been recently re-packaged by Moody Publishers as part of their excellent “Moody Classics” series.

Bunyan (1628-1688) was a Nonconformist (that is, Protestant, but outside of the Church of England—Bunyan specifically was a Reformed Baptist) pastor from southeastern England who, by 1660, had grown in popularity because of his preaching and writings but was jailed for 12 years for his refusal to operate within the official church under King Charles II. Pilgrim’s Progress was born out of Bunyan’s imprisonment, as he had ample opportunity to reflect on his life up to that point, the sufferings and hardships of following Christ, and the hope of eternal glory that sustained him in prison.

As most readers are probably quite familiar with Bunyan’s work (I first encountered it as part of my studies as a middle-school student), a brief summary of the plot should suffice. Pilgrim’s Progress is an expansive allegory framed as the recounting of a dream of the author. It tells the story of Christian, a man burdened by knowledge of his sin exposed by the Word of God who is sent on a journey to the cross to relieve the burden by a man named Evangelist. As Christian travels on, he encounters those along the way who assist him in his goal (Help, Goodwill, the Interpreter, Prudence, Piety, Charity, and many others) and many who attempt to sidetrack or destroy him (Worldly Wiseman, the beast Apollyon, the giant Despair, Ignorance, and others), each creatively but clearly representing a heavenly being or earthly attitude. After the long, arduous journey, Christian arrives at the Celestial City to be welcomed by the Lord.

Though Bunyan’s language feels somewhat archaic, the story’s pathos and message ring true in every age. He wrote the book less as a literary expression than as a creative portrayal of the Christian life to move the common man to salvation and sanctification. As such, Pilgrim’s Progress remains both an accessible and powerful visualization of unchangeable spiritual truths.

While it should not necessarily be held up as any kind of spiritual authority (which was never its intended purpose), Bunyan’s masterpiece is well worth a read to capture the imagination and the heart in pursuit of God. It is a timeless reminder that the Christian life is never stagnant, and often difficult, but always pursued under the direction and watchful eye of the Lord.

Justin Lonas

Type: Allegory
Target: All
Take: Must Read