Book Review: Pilgrim’s Progress

“As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I came to the place where there was a den. Inside, I lay down to sleep, and as I slept, I had a dream.” John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress

When I first read Pilgrim’s Progress as a young believer I was captivated by the adventure and all the clever ways Bunyan brought Scripture and doctrine to life through allegory. The story follows a man named Christian, who begins with a burden in the city of Destruction. Bunyan shows the clear gospel when at the “place of Deliverance” (the cross) Christian releases his burden and sets out to journey on the “King’s Highway” to the “Celestial City.” Every place and character is named for what they. Christian meets people like “Mr. Worldly-Wiseman,” “Mistrust,” “Hypocrisy,” and “Sloth.” He is tested by the “Hill Difficulty” but refreshed at the “Palace Beautiful.” He puts on the “Armor of God” and battles “Apollyon” in the “Valley of Humiliation.” Throughout the tale Bunyan weaves in God’s Word both for encouragement and warning. The original is written in beautiful prose but may be difficult for modern readers. There are modern language versions of the story to make reading easier.

Scene after scene we can draw so many parallels to our own lives as Bunyan draws us along through his “dream.” Christian has a companion named “Faithful,” and later another friend named “Hopeful,” and as they encourage each other on the way we can see them echoed in our own Christian friends. We’ve all encountered people like “Ignorance” who believes his “good deeds” rather than God’s grace can get him into the “Celestial City” or “Atheist” who laughs at Christian’s faith. Throughout the journey Christian is helped by folks like “Evangelist,” “Goodwill,” “the Shining Ones,” and the “shepherds of the Delectable Mountains.”

In one heart wrenching section Christian and Hopeful leave the rough highway to travel along pleasant looking “By-Path Meadow” and are captured by the Giant Despair. The Giant and his wife make them miserable and tell them to take their own lives. Bunyan wrote this story in the 1660’s while in prison himself, persecuted for holding fast to his faith in opposition to the Church of England. I can imagine him writing his way through his own depression and despair, holding onto his hope and freedom in Christ. Hopeful reminds Christian of his success in battle against Apollyon and they encourage each other do endure to see if God will give them a way of escape.

 Every Christian should read Pilgrim’s Progress. It is still so applicable to our modern life and faith struggles. Sometimes we have this idea that the Christian walk should be smooth sailing, then we are crushed by trials and temptations. Christian’s journey from the “City of Destruction” to the “Celestial City” is a fantastic encouragement.

Have you journeyed with Christian to the “Celestial City?” Share in the comments. Who was your favorite character? What scene encouraged you the most?