What is The Pilgrim’s Progress?

In sharing with you the release of The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Modern-Day Version of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, I’m reminded that many of you might appreciate a quick overview of the story.

The Pilgrim’s Progress is considered one of the first novels ever written and was standard in most nineteenth century households, being read alongside the Bible. Bunyan chose an allegorical narrative to tell his powerful presentation of what it means to follow the narrow way of Christian salvation so that the lowest classes in English society would be able to understand it.

An Epic Adventure

The story chronicles the epic adventure of a man named Christian who leaves his home in the City of Destruction and begins a life-long quest to the Celestial City. Set against the backdrop of a hazardous journey, this powerful drama unfolds as Christian’s adventures lead him into fascinating lands and encounters with interesting people who either help or hinder his progress along a narrow way. With a gallery of memorable characters and visits to colorful places, Bunyan’s allegorical narrative describes one man’s extraordinary adventure on his journey to faith.

Charles Spurgeon loved the book and quoted it often saying, “Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a volume of which I never seem to tire; and the secret of its freshness is that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures.” And J.L. Packer shared in his book Praying that he has read Pilgrim’s Progress at least once a year for over fifty years.

So, why should I read it?

What’s so wonderful about the story is that it’s our story, or at least the story of every Christian from their first experience with the gospel to their final entry into heaven. As you read The Pilgrim’s Progress you will come to realize that Christian’s journey is your journey and the journey of every believer. Some of his adventures will move you either because you’re currently going through a similar situation or just coming out. Or, perhaps one of the adventures will remind you of a friend who is struggling and how you can come alongside them just like Christian’s good friends, Faithful and Hopeful.

I believe it would be difficult to walk away from this book unchanged or at least without a better understanding of the Christian walk. I also think Spurgeon and Packer had it right. This isn’t a book you read once and then never pick up again. It’s a book filled with treasures and wisdom that will encourage you regardless of where you are in your own walk with Christ.