The New Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
John Bunyan acknowledged in his own day that his friends were mixed on whether he should publish this book. I encountered similar mixed feelings about this work when I mentioned that our reading group was reading this. Even though The Guardian rated this Number One on its list of 100 best novels in the English language, this admiration is not shared by all. For some, it is simply that they don’t like the writing style (Bunyan was not highly educated), the use of allegory, or the Puritan theology.
Bunyan uses the device of a “dream vision” (I’m told he may be the first to have done this) to narrate Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Troubled by his sin, he meets Evangelist who directs him to the Wicket Gate. After adventures in the Slough of Despond and a near fatal distraction by Worldly Wise Man, he makes it to the Wicket Gate through which he is admitted to the straight and narrow King’s Highway. The remainder of the book describes his journey, distractions, trials, rescues, and comforts he experiences along the way, and his final experience of crossing the river to the Celestial City with his companion Hopeful. He also encounters various fellow “pilgrims” along the way who in one way or another turn back, or turn aside to destruction with names like Pliable, Ignorance, and Atheist. Perhaps most terrifying is his battle with Apollyon, a demonic figure who he finally vanquishes with his sword. This edition did not include Part Two, which narrates the same journey by Christian’s wife, sons, and maid Mercy.
What I found most valuable in this reading was the insight into the ways we may be tempted or even self-deceived on our journey. There is also the tremendous encouragement of the divine interventions to rescue Christian when he realizes he has strayed. And we see portrayed the dynamics of spiritual life and spiritual warfare, things that make ever more sense the longer one has been on this journey.
We talked in our group about who would benefit from this book the most. Our sense was that it may actually be of the most benefit for those who have been on the journey for some time and recognize the temptations and spiritual wisdom Bunyan shares. Bunyan also assumes a greater knowledge of the Bible than many have in this biblically illiterate age. This edition includes helpful notes that fill in those gaps. We also recognized that in some cases younger readers may benefit, particularly if the book can be read and discussed in a family setting. Much may not make sense at the time, but may subsequently in life.