Have any of yall read Pilgrim's Progress?
It is a fantastic book and very much describes the life of a believer. I have never really read it before (I made an attempt once, before I really cared to follow hard after the Lord), but it certainly is a great book so far!
I read it a good while ago and agree it was very insightful. The version I read was "old English" and a tad difficult for that reason. I am assuming there is an updated version that I wouldn't mind checking out.
The version I have is the original. Not sure if there exists a version in updated English.
I would be concerned if there was one. It seems that every time someone tries to update the language, they also change the meaning or smooth out the grit.
Brothers it has been several years ago. But I have read Pilgrim's Progress twice. One was in the Old English edition. The other one was in the Modern English addition. I believe the old English edition conveys what Bunyan was writing about. Some have said that Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan was his own spiritual autobiography.
But I would certainly command John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Next to the Bible, it has been one of the most widely read books in the world. Charles Spurgeon commented about John Bunyan by saying that if you cut him he would not be blood but bleed scripture. And in this marvelous allegory the word of God certainly comes out.
One thing about Christian, the main character of Pilgrims Progress. He would be described as the saint that walked alone. Getting his fellowship wherever he could along the narrow way.
I'm inclined to read this book again. Perhaps this could be the beginning of a thread where Pilgrims Progress as discussed. I am certainly open to dialoguing with others whk want to read this book again. Or who have never read it.
But again certainly a classic to be read and reflected on.
Simply my thoughts.
Brother Blaine
Yeah, It's a great book. I have the older & newer updated version (much prefer the newer as no one talks that way anymore). I also have & really enjoy one particular movie version (as do my kids) called, "Pilgrims Progress, Journey to Heaven". You can watch it for free on YouTube at this link:
I actually have several Bunyan books (Journey to Hell, Abounding Grace, etc.). Very anointed, but thick, wordy, & difficult to follow when reading at times if not in a new updated modern English edition - FYI.
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If I'm correct Bunyan wrote this while imprisoned and I've heard that outside of the Bible it has been one of the top selling books of all time.
I read it twice, once on the understanding that it was the story of a man seeking Christ for forgiveness. The second time, it was a Christian going through the journey towards entire sanctification and coming to the Cross once again. It meant so much more.
I believe Pilgrim's progress is one of the most helpful english books for saints, perhaps in the top 10 or 30 books available for believers in english. It is one of the most printed books in the world. Zac Poonen has read it many times and even takes his congregation through it showing some of the spiritual lessons in the below video that is recommended to watch:
Pilgrim’s Progress ”“ What We Learn From It by Zac Poonen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWulWlO1jUY
Very good Greg. Brother Poonan makes a mistake though by calling the man Pilgrim when according to the text he is called Christian right from the start, and indeed he was if the deeper meaning is understood. An unbeliever does not carry a burden of sin but an unsanctified believer does.
This book has already been a great deal of help. There are so many portions that are very similar to my life. I've definitely been able to identify seasons of my walk with the Lord with the allegories that are in it.
The part I like best so far is Christian's discussion with Discretion, Prudence, Piety, and Charity and a close second is the battle with Apollyon. Very revealing/comforting/convicting.
What I really like also is how Christian is constantly praising God and how Bunyan put all of those Scripture references in there. I love it so far!
A question I have is does the Scroll that Christian carries represent the Holy Spirit or the Scriptures? I think it is the Scriptures, but I am not 100%. Or does it represent something else all together?
If someone has found a really good modern version could you link it to amazon?
I too watched that video from Zac Poonen. And then I got the original book. I was so excited to read it, but it fell flat to me. I didnt get very far. I think a loyal updated version would be right for me.
I study KJV. But I guess in stories I want updated language. But sooo many editions!
Help if you can. Thank you
Such a blessing are the works of John Bunyan the 'Bedford Tinker'. ‘Bunyan Ministries’ has a dedicated library of of P.Bunyan’s works including a ‘modern’ Pilgrims Progress in pdf form for your review. Bless the Lord.
Brothers and sisters I have been listening to the audio downloads of Pilgrims Progress here on sermon index. PP gave a link in to the Pikgrim Progress series in this thread a few posts back. They are quite good. It is Old English. But with the help of the Holy Spirit quite understandable. Actually the audio is easier to listen to than trying to read. But then I'm speaking as one who is legally blind and likes oral input.
The audio downloads are in MP3 format. They are about 3 to 10 minutes long. The narration is done in the style of the old radio plays. There is some background conversation and music. But it is not distracting from the narration and dialogue. These audio files are done much like the dramatic oral Bibles. Actually very well done.
I find the narration quite engaging. And much Christ centeted truth is given. I narvel at the wisdom that the Holy Spirit has given to Bunyon in writing this allegory.
Again the Pilgrim's Progress series on Sermonindexnex is quite excellent and well worth listening to.
Brother Blaine
Another great read is JB's autobiography, "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners," available here on SI. https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/bible_books/?view=books_list&author=182
There's also a free Kindle edition.
I just listen to John Bunyan's exposition's of hell. I think it can be safely said he was not a conditionalust or believed in annihilation. But Bunyon believed that hell was eternal torment for those who rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
After listening to that 30-minute exposition. I thought Lord I do not want to go to hell.
Brother Blaine
"It will direct thee to the Holy land
If thou wilt it's directions understand" (Introduction)
Wonderful, l had not noticed that before. The progress of a Pilgrim.
This is a comprehensive commentary on The Pilgrim's Progress that is based upon the ourline contained in the Outlined Study Manual that Dr. Horner uses in his seminar ministry.
Doc: The link connects to a site put together by Dr. Barry Horner who authored "Future Israel." Dr. Horner is a hugh admirer of Bunyan and has studied Pilgrim's Progress and even has seminars and study guides built around it. He has insightul commentary on each chapter. Just follow the chapter headings out to the right and it's not necessary to download if you want to read.
Thanks good folks. I'm just letting you know it's there if you ever want to take a look.
http://www.bunyanministries.org/commentary_pp.htm
(From Dr. Horner)
The Legacy of John Bunyan, the Bedford Tinker…
"Well then sinner, what sayest thou? Where is thy heart? Wilt thou run? Art thou resolved to strip? Get into the way; run apace and hold out to the end; and the Lord give thee a prosperous journey. Farewell,” John Bunyan
John Bunyan (1628-88) was arguably one of the most influential writers in human history. Consider the fact that after the undoubted supremacy in circulation of the English Bible, Bunyan’s classic allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, has commonly ranked second. This has led it to be called "the second best book in all the world.”
Even secular critics have agreed that this uneducated mender of pots and pans was a writer of uncommon genius. Raised during the turbulent seventeenth century in England, following conversion from an unsavory past, Bunyan began to preach and receive a welcome hearing. His first venture at writing at this time was a vigorous response to Quaker doctrine. Staunchly nonconformist, he was imprisoned for 12 years in the Bedford County jail for refusing to remain silent.
During imprisonment, Bunyan was not idle. He made shoelaces to raise support for his family and preached to the inmates. His spiritual autobiography, "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners", was written at that time, it becoming one of Bunyan’s several classics. However his magnum opus, "The Pilgrim’s Progress", was also written while a prisoner, and then, following his release in 1672, was published in 1678.
Some eleven editions of The Pilgrim’s Progress were published during Bunyan’s lifetime, this popularity being stimulated by the enthusiastic readership of the common people. Then in subsequent centuries broader acceptance followed, even by such literary notables such as Cowper, Coleridge, Macaulay, Froude, etc.
In particular, The Pilgrim’s Progress has gained extraordinary universal acceptance, its style being both simple yet engaging in its ability to communicate vital biblical truth. However, as with other classic writings, modernity has taken its toll. Hence, there is a need for the communication of the truth, Bunyan so pasionately proclaimed, in a manner that, while not compromising with regard to truth or style, yet addresses this twenty-first century with clarity and timeless appeal. In this regard Dr. Barry Horner has spent many years in devising a method of communication that does reach the modern man, his infatuation more with visual media notwithstanding. Hence a seminar ministry, in conjunction with three related volumes, has gained an enthusiastic hearing. As a result, many testimonies have expressed deep gratitude for new found enlightenment concerning what biblical Christianity is all about
Saints I just finished listening to the audio downloads of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. They are excellent and quite engaging. Even with the quaint English. The style is that of the old radio plays of the 1930's. Even with period music. A dramatic presentation as it were with dialogues of Christian and Faithful. Very well done.
The only thing I lament is the whole book is not covered. At best guess these audio downloads only cover about half the book. But still well worth listening to.
Thank you PP for posting this link.
Brother Blaine
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