The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions)

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It's a hit!

I originally read this book in high school and I got so bogged down with the old english that I really didn't get much out of it. However, I've re... (show more)

I originally read this book in high school and I got so bogged down with the old english that I really didn't get much out of it. However, I've recently embarked on a personal challenge to read/re-read the classics in chronological order as suggested by the book The Well Educated Mind. This was the second book on the list and I am very glad I re-read it. It took me a while to get around to it because I remember struggling with it the first time and had a hard time getting motivated about the story. However, once I begun, I found that I really enjoyed the story for itself, as well as the many messages buried within it.

I really enjoyed the many biblical quotations scattered throughout the book as well as the twists and/or personal interpretations of the old parables. Not to mention that the entire book is one long "parable" for the challenges a true Christian will face on their journey through life.

I think this time around I read this book at just the right time in my life to really get something out of it. I am having a bit of a personal crisis in my own faith and reading this story reminded me that all of us face times of doubt and struggle but that doesn't mean that our faith can't win out in the end - we just have to keep pushing on and believing that we've chosen the right path to travel down, despite the many road blocks that might be along the way. (show less)

 

 

by Jaclyn Rudd

No, it's a flop!

I am glad I read this book. I could not give it too many stars because of my problems I had with the messages in it. But a truly interesting book... (show more)

I am glad I read this book. I could not give it too many stars because of my problems I had with the messages in it. But a truly interesting book. An insight to where puritanical ideals came from. From what I understand this was widely read long ago and had an impact. Too bad. (show less)

 

 

by Hope Lewellen

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  This allegorical story from 1845 gives insight into what a good Christian life was thought to be during that period. It contains a lot of wisdom to think on, as well as some parts which we would deem as ignorance today. It is possible to look back and see that the central themes of Christianity have not changed over the past 160 years, but the way they are put into practice have come a long way.

  For one, Bunyan's view of Christianity is that of the rugged individualist. Salvation is s... (show more)

  This allegorical story from 1845 gives insight into what a good Christian life was thought to be during that period. It contains a lot of wisdom to think on, as well as some parts which we would deem as ignorance today. It is possible to look back and see that the central themes of Christianity have not changed over the past 160 years, but the way they are put into practice have come a long way.

  For one, Bunyan's view of Christianity is that of the rugged individualist. Salvation is solely a personal matter between oneself and God. Many Christian theologians today are emphasizing the role of Christians in redeeming the world, and the value of communities over one's personal life. (To be fair, the second half of the book contains a bigger picture of Christian community, but it gives the feeling that it is a group of individuals, rather than a new creation of a community.)

  The author briefly paints a picture of the Pope as a disabled giant who can today do nothing more than chew on his fingernails and taunt passing pilgrims. Most Christians today--Protestant and Catholic--would be reviled to hear such speaking of the Pope. The author also uses black men (Africans) to symbolize evil.

  Some positive points, however, include a good balance in the Christian life of fear and hope. We fear because there are many temptations before us and we are full of weakness. We pray for God's mercy continually to sustain us lest we should stray from the path and lose our salvation. Yet when we need it we are provided with hope for the future, and this comes in many forms. The characters in the book are constantly living in both hope and fear.

  The author also is praised for showing that not just the strong-hearted pilgrims are the only ones on the way to the Celestial City. He introduces several characters who are more timid along the way, but still have the desire to meet and know God. It is easy for many Christians today to relate to these pilgrims who don't always know what to say, or may find themselves unable to withstand all the challenges that beset them every day, and yet persevere despite the odds against them.

  A reader will be enriched by a thoughtful reading of this book, and even if she does not agree with the author on every page, she will still find some exhortations and encouragement to further her own spiritual growth. (show less)

   

   

  by Eric Sundquist on Jun 22, 2009 at 02:08AM

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  I first read The Pilgrim's Progress as an English major in college and I was glad to read it again, but this book is not for the faint of heart -- or mind -- because it is thick and written in an older style of English. The book follows a man named Christian who is journeying to the Celestial City. On his way he meets people who are headed along the same path, whether they are similar to Christian or they have other motives or morals. What I like about this book is that it makes you stop an... (show more)

  I first read The Pilgrim's Progress as an English major in college and I was glad to read it again, but this book is not for the faint of heart -- or mind -- because it is thick and written in an older style of English. The book follows a man named Christian who is journeying to the Celestial City. On his way he meets people who are headed along the same path, whether they are similar to Christian or they have other motives or morals. What I like about this book is that it makes you stop and think about your own life -- you wonder if you are walking with Hopeful and Faithful and living right,, or if you are walking with Talkative, Ignorance, or Worldly Wisemen. However, unless you are really interested in Christian allegory or love reading thick 17th-century classics, this is probably not the best choice for you. (show less)

   

  by Sarah Carr on May 16, 2009 at 01:09AM

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