Review: Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

Hey y’all! Welcome to our latest book review! We are big readers in our home and thought this may be a good way to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ.

If you love Pilgrim’s Progress, you might want to check out our discussion series on it on our podcast, our YouTube channel, and/or our Rumble channel.

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Pilgrim’s Progress holds a special place in our hearts. We began reading Pilgrim’s Progress a few years ago when we were beginning to search the Scriptures for the truth. The Lord used this work from John Bunyan to reach through the centuries and help our eyes to be opened to the fact we were no more than nominal Christians at best. In fact, it made such an impression on us, we have done a multiple episode series discussing it on our podcast and YouTube channel.

John Bunyan is a huge figure in Christian history. He was born November 28, 1628. As a young man, he was a bit rebellious. He became a tinker like his father, fixing pots, pans, and the like. Bunyan went on to fight in the British Civil War, joining Cromwell’s army to fight for a British republic. Later, he would marry and become a devout and faithful Christian man. Bunyan joined a church and eventually began preaching.

And that was when the troubles he is known for began. You see he wasn’t licensed to preach, so he was breaking the law. He was eventually imprisoned for preaching without a license. Since he made it clear he would go back to preaching if released, he was imprisoned. It was there Pilgrim’s Progress took shape. For centuries it was 2nd in sales only to the Bible and read by countless people. But in modern times, few have read it. We would argue that every Christian should read it, either on their own or as a group. As an added endorsement, Charles Spurgeon is said to have read it over 100 times.

Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory meaning the things in it represent and symbolize different things relating to a Christian and his life as a follower of Christ.

The characters in the book have names that describe their main character trait. This is one of the most brilliant things about this book. With everyone being named so plainly (like Obstinant, Hopeful, etc.) you are able to see how these traits look on their own so they become easier to recognize in the story, in others, and most importantly in ourselves. It makes it easier to identify both the good and bad traits a person can have more easily. By doing this, a Christian’s ability to notice bad traits or influences is sharpened. It also gives us examples of good traits to try to grow in and look for in others to walk with in our faith.

In Pilgrim’s Progress, you will follow the story of Christian (whose original name was Graceless). As he journeys to the Celestial City from his home in the City of Destruction, he meets many who hinder him or at least try to and a few who serve the King of the Celestial City who are there to help him and other pilgrims on the straight and narrow path.

We have read (or listened to) both the old English version and the modern English version. Josh prefers the old English and while I prefers the modern English. But both are fantastic!

We could say so much more about this book—and we do in our podcast discussion that you can check out if you are interested. We are grateful for this work and the Lord using it in our lives to help bring us to a true understanding of what it looks like to be a Christian.

If you enjoyed this overview post, you might want to check out our discussion series on it on our podcast, our YouTube channel, and/or our Rumble channel.

And don’t forget to check out our Adult resources page for more reviews and recommendations.