The Pilgrim's Progress | John Bunyan

Welcome back! Today I am briefly talking about The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. The Pilgrim's Progress was assigned for my schoolwork {though it was certainly on my to-read shelf}, but this was actually my second time reading it. The first was during a family read-aloud two years ago. I did not enjoy it that first time; however, the re-read was infinitely better! I will credit that to my two years of maturing since then—my reading taste went through a lot of refinement during that time. It's embarrassing to look back upon, but alas, we must all go through that awkward growth stage. Still, I cringe when I think of some of the books I was into and grieve over the ones I dismissed.

But here I am! I have re-read The Pilgrim's Progress, and I can assure you I will be reading it many more times before I am old. So, without further ado, let's get into it!

When Christian, a simple man living in the City of Destruction, reads the words that pronounce him guilty of grievous sins, he can no longer rest until something is done. He has come to a realization of his worldly, ugly heart, and when Evangelist approaches him with Good News, Christian gladly clings to it. But the road forward is by no means an easy one. Christian faces grief, persecution, temptations, and evil attacks, but he is led by a Light that never flickers—the only question now is: will he keep his eyes on that Light?

The Pilgrim's Progress starts out with an 'apology' by the author. Written in poem form, its purpose is to explain why he wrote the book {It is not an admission of blame}. His goal with The Pilgrim's Progress was to deliver a clear and Biblical picture of a Christian's journey, starting from the first conviction and following to death, then the Gates of the Lord's Kingdom. The apology is fascinating, and I appreciate Bunyan's vision—it was so enlightening to read the author's actual intent for their work.

Now, it was in said apology that I did raise my guard a little bit. I would have appreciated if Bunyan approached his novel in a more humble manner. Bunyan's writing surely may have been Divinely inspired (it is hard to imagine the Holy Spirit didn't guide him!), but Bunyan is a man. His writing, inspired as it may be, is not infallible or on the same pedestal as the Bible. This does not affect the story significantly—but I would have appreciated if he told his readers to remember he is fallen just as all humanity and they should check his claims against the Bible.

Apology signed off, the novel now begins with Christian's discovery of his sinful and fallen state. From here we follow him on his Salvation journey.

The allegory in The Pilgrim's Progress was not as hard to understand as I went into it thinking it would be. It is very straightforward, and shouldn't be difficult for anyone who is at least somewhat familiar with the Bible and the journey of Faith. I'm sure some parts went over my head (thus my not having knowledge of them) and I did not read an annotated version, which I may do next time to understand deeper—but Bunyan was right when he said he wrote an allegory that could be deciphered by anyone. Not all allegories need to be mysterious and shrouded, and this novel was an excellent example of that. 

The messages were beautiful, encouraging, and compelling. On his journey, Christian makes friends and loses friends, he has powerful highs and rocky lows, makes mistakes, and repents from his sins. The Pilgrim's Progress definitely does not dilute the realities of the Faith Journey or preach a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel—nor does it provide us with a false sense of security in our own selves. Bunyan shows again and again that we can by no means travel the Narrow Way on our own strength, we need the guidance of God.

The Narrow Way isn't an easy one to travel. However, if we are equipped with the Word and God's guiding Light, we, like Christian, can keep our feet on the path as well.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from The Pilgrim's Progress:

“What God says is best, is best, though all the men in the world are against it.”

“I seek a place that can never be destroyed, one that is pure, and that fadeth not away, and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there, to be given, at the time appointed, to them that seek it with all their heart. Read it so, if you will, in my book.”

“My name is now Christian, but my name used to be Graceless.”

“For to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, but choose rather to be speaking of things to no profit.”

Well, that wraps it up for today! I must now ask the question- does this book make it into my Excellent Library?

Yes! My personal rating is 5/5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

So let me know! have you read this book? If so, what did you think? And if you haven' t read it, do you plan on doing so?

Thank you for reading! See you next time, when I will be reviewing a middle-grade book full of poison, danger, stars, and squirrels 😉