12 books every Christian should own and read
A series of book reviews used for the monthly church bulletin of 2013
Book no. 2: Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
It has been said that the world is divided into two groups – those who have read Lord of the Rings, and those who have not. We may feel compelled to read it just to say we have done so. I suspect this may be the approach of some Christian’s to Pilgrim’s Progress because it is recognised as a Christian classic. To not have read it puts you on the wrong side of the fence. I have not included Pilgrim’s Progress here because its literary and historical merits make it a must read. Rather, it is a book of immense spiritual value and as such it continues to speak to us today.
Bunyan picks up on two of the major themes that should shape our understanding of the Christian life – firstly, we are to live as pilgrims in this world; secondly, we are to make progress as pilgrims.
Using various metaphors Bunyan pictures the Christian life as a journey to heaven. The protagonist in the story is a man known as “Christian”. Along the way are many dangers which have the potential to prevent him from reaching the gaol. There are also many blessings which help him to keep pressing on toward it. These dangers and blessings consist of the places that Christian passes through and the people he meets. For example he comes to a town called “Vanity Fair”. In this town there is to be found every kind amusement that if allowed will overthrow the purposes of God. It is a picture of the many temptations which we encounter and the need to be constantly alert. Similarly, after a particularly gruelling part of the journey he finds rest and refreshment in a mansion which bears the name “Palace Beautiful”. This is a picture of the local church and the Lord’s Day. Bunyan was emphasising the significance of both as a means of grace to the wearied soul.
With each metaphor Bunyan goes into detail as to how we are to avoid and overcome temptation and the way in which God’s blessings help us along the way.
Many Christians today no doubt find the metaphors to be quaint and antiquated. I tend to think this says more about them than it does Bunyan’s allegory. Bunyan was a master of practical Theology. He was acutely aware of Satan’s devices and how he attacks God’s people. He understood the doubts and discouragements of which we are all susceptible. He knew how to apply the remedies that God has provided. We will be spiritually the richer if we take the time to consider the pilgrimage of Christian in light of our own journey and apply its lessons to ourselves. CH Spurgeon was a prolific reader and he drew upon this book more than any other, he claimed to have read it over 100 times! Why don’t we try once every few years.
If Lord of the Rings should be read because it is a literary classic, Pilgrim’s Progress should be read because it is a spiritual classic. Please read it, not simply so you can say you have done so, but for the wealth of instruction you will gain from it.