I remember reading The Pilgrim’s Progress as a kid…it was a version that was put into very simple English for schoolchildren, but it still spoke volumes to me. The tale of a man trying to find his way to Heaven and eventually finding the only true way there, while encountering many people and traps along the way, is one of the best spiritual stories I have ever heard or read. Every single person in this life is a mirror image of someone in the book, whether they be Christian, Worldly Wiseman, Help, Obstinate, Pliable, Watchful, or a host of others.
While the story has remained in my mind and heart for years, we had given the book away long ago. In fact, I don’t remember where it went, but I have felt a recent desire to read the story again. Yesterday I used some store credit at Redeemed Music & Books to buy a copy in its unabridged text, to get a fuller view of what the author, John Bunyan, was trying to convey.
It only set me back $2, and I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. Some of the archaic language, spelling, etc. is a bit off, but the story is so much more vivid now than it was when I was a kid. In fact, I am now to the part where Christian is reaching the Slough of Despond. What to do?
The Pilgrim’s Progress is one of those books that to me, conveys the message of God’s love and grace through our life journey in such a powerful way. The story is the reinterpretation of a dream the Lord gave John Bunyan while imprisoned in the 1600s and it is every bit as timely today.
In a day and age where Your Best Life Now promotes self-consciousness over the saving power of Christ, and The Shack shows blatant disregard for God’s holiness and promotes modalism in its worst form, it is so refreshing to go back to a time where people had a much simpler understanding of God and so effortlessly conveyed some of the most powerful, true to the Bible messages that we could ever read.
You are right Chris. It is a great read. There is also a good DVD you can purchase of the story. Titled: Pilgrim’s Progress/Journey To Heaven. (www.ReelChristian.com). You can buy it at CPO. It is done in modern times, but stay’s with the story. We need these type of books and stories, now more than ever. My grand children love the movie and it is really easy for them to understand. Chris, could you make a comment on Bill H.P.1319.
Wally, thanks for the tip as to the DVD. Might have to check it out.
As for Bill HP 1319, I am completely unsure as to what it all entails so I’d have to give it a thorough read-through before offering comment.