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The Pilgrim's Progress
by John Bunyan
by John Bunyan
This allegorical story from 1845 gives insight into what a good Christian life was thought to be during that period. It contains a lot of wisdom to think on, as well as some parts which we would deem as ignorance today. It is possible to look back and see that the central themes of Christianity have not changed over the past 160 years, but the way they are put into practice have come a long way.
For one, Bunyan's view of Christianity is that of the rugged individualist. Salvation is solely a personal matter between oneself and God. Many Christian theologians today are emphasizing the role of Christians in redeeming the world, and the value of communities over one's personal life. (To be fair, the second half of the book contains a bigger picture of Christian community, but it gives the feeling that it is a group of individuals, rather than a new creation of a community.)
The author briefly paints a picture of the Pope as a disabled giant who can today do nothing more than chew on his fingernails and taunt passing pilgrims. Most Christians today--Protestant and Catholic--would be reviled to hear such speaking of the Pope. The author also uses black men (Africans) to symbolize evil.
Some positive points, however, include a good balance in the Christian life of fear and hope. We fear because there are many temptations before us and we are full of weakness. We pray for God's mercy continually to sustain us lest we should stray from the path and lose our salvation. Yet when we need it we are provided with hope for the future, and this comes in many forms. The characters in the book are constantly living in both hope and fear.
The author also is praised for showing that not just the strong-hearted pilgrims are the only ones on the way to the Celestial City. He introduces several characters who are more timid along the way, but still have the desire to meet and know God. It is easy for many Christians today to relate to these pilgrims who don't always know what to say, or may find themselves unable to withstand all the challenges that beset them every day, and yet persevere despite the odds against them.
A reader will be enriched by a thoughtful reading of this book, and even if she does not agree with the author on every page, she will still find some exhortations and encouragement to further her own spiritual growth.
For one, Bunyan's view of Christianity is that of the rugged individualist. Salvation is solely a personal matter between oneself and God. Many Christian theologians today are emphasizing the role of Christians in redeeming the world, and the value of communities over one's personal life. (To be fair, the second half of the book contains a bigger picture of Christian community, but it gives the feeling that it is a group of individuals, rather than a new creation of a community.)
The author briefly paints a picture of the Pope as a disabled giant who can today do nothing more than chew on his fingernails and taunt passing pilgrims. Most Christians today--Protestant and Catholic--would be reviled to hear such speaking of the Pope. The author also uses black men (Africans) to symbolize evil.
Some positive points, however, include a good balance in the Christian life of fear and hope. We fear because there are many temptations before us and we are full of weakness. We pray for God's mercy continually to sustain us lest we should stray from the path and lose our salvation. Yet when we need it we are provided with hope for the future, and this comes in many forms. The characters in the book are constantly living in both hope and fear.
The author also is praised for showing that not just the strong-hearted pilgrims are the only ones on the way to the Celestial City. He introduces several characters who are more timid along the way, but still have the desire to meet and know God. It is easy for many Christians today to relate to these pilgrims who don't always know what to say, or may find themselves unable to withstand all the challenges that beset them every day, and yet persevere despite the odds against them.
A reader will be enriched by a thoughtful reading of this book, and even if she does not agree with the author on every page, she will still find some exhortations and encouragement to further her own spiritual growth.
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