Pilgrim's Progress
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 05:49AM 
I've been reading Pilgrim's Progress again. I've read it many times before--I even wrote a complete study guide and curriculum for children when Sam was studying it in our home school many years ago. So you could say that I am quite familiar with the book.
This time, however, it has captured my attention in a whole new way. Perhaps it's my stage of life, perhaps it's the events of the past few years--maybe it's the current political and economic climate or all those things rolled up in one.
This morning, it just struck me as remarkable that a book written in the 1600's by a rather uneducated man during a period of intense persecution of those who would not conform to the winds of political change should be one of the most life-changing and best-loved books of all time.
It seems to me that we are in for some tough times. If you've never read Pilgrim's Progress (or even if you have!) now may be a good time. . .
Reader Comments (7)
Kim - recently finished reading Christiana's Journey with my daughter, I echo your thoughts
I wish I could get my husband to read it- but he can't get past the archaic language. We quote so much from this book- and yet many do not even know where the quotes come from.
I have not read this book in years Kim. I really should find my copy and read it again!
Pilgrim's Progress is such a wonderful book; its message is very applicable to our lives today. If I were limited to a library of 5 books, it would definitely be included.
I recently picked up my old copy of Little Women, and I was amazed at the number of references to Pilgrim's Progress in it!
That is a good suggestion, Kim!
I know of your website here because of my wife, Jen. When she said you had a post on Pilgrim's Progress I had to come see because I just started listening to it this week for myself. I say listen because we found it on ChristianAudio.com where it can be found in audio form. I work most of the day with my hands as well as the fact that I am a slow reader so I have never read the book before. My reading has been devoted primarily to the Bible and commentaries. As I hear the Pilgrim's Progress I can see myself in the footsteps of Christian and yet regrettably I see traces of some of the not-so-great characters in the story which still dwell in my flesh. I am not one for stories outside the Bible and never have enjoyed much fiction but this one has become too real to me to be able to call it fiction. It is an encouragement and a conviction at the same time. It has caused me to meditate on Scripture as it would pertain to me directly and John Bunyan has placed so much great doctrine in there that it goes down like honey in the tea of God's Word. John Bunyan was a blessing to the Church from his generation on and I plan to learn more of him and from him.
It is apparently going to become more and more trying in the days ahead for any who wish to live godly in this present age. Even America, which was once known for a strong Christian influence, is more and more going in a direction which will try any who desire to hold fast to the whole counsel of God's Word. Books like Pilgrim's Progress can be a tool used of God to encourage us along our pilgrimage here. I would heartily agree with encouraging others to read (or listen to) it.
I've heard portions of the audio and read the abridged version. Your post makes me want to get the full version and dive in.
Thanks.