Today we begin Bunyan's classic, Pilgrim's progress. I will be reading a '
Penguin Classics
' copy but there are multiple editions by multiple publishers available on the market. Also there are many free digital copies on the internet (e.g. over at
Internet Archive).
Required reading
Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Bunyan's apology and then the first few pages of 'The first part' (up to the paragraph that begins : 'The neighbours also came out to see him run...'). Just a quick warning that the divisions are going to be tricky to understand as we read this together, primarily because there are no chapters. I've tried to stop and start the readings when there is an end to a dialogue and a continuation of the journey.
My notes and thoughts
Today's reading firstly involves Bunyan's apology which is probably the strangest introduction I've ever come across in a book. Initially Bunyan tells us that the book came easily to him, then he relates the debate that ensued between his friends whether he should print it. The rest of the section is basically a defense for his use of allegory. And the whole thing is a poem!
Also today, we are introduced to Christian who is troubled with the thought of hell: 'I am for certain informed that this our city will be burned with fire from Heaven, in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with thee, my wife, and you my sweet babes, shall miserably come to ruin.' A good reminder to not be ashamed to declare the truth of hell to our non-Christians friends and family, no matter how politically incorrect it may be. For it is usually a healthy fear of the wrath of God that leads men to salvation.
It was also interesting the non-Christian response to Christian's distress. They at first think he simply needs sleep then 'they also thought to drive away distemper by harsh and surly carriages to him: sometimes they would deride, sometimes they would chide, and sometimes they would quite neglect him...' Nothing has changed. How soon our society is ready to respond in this way whenever someone begins to feel the weight of their sin.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
5 comments:
One thing I noticed that I have been reading in another book is that all that the Evangelist does is point him to Christ (the light). That is all what we need to be doing in evangelism is pointing them to Christ, not point them to the law or the church or to themselves, but to Christ.
Great point Jordan! If they do look at the law or the church, all that should do is end up pointing them back to Christ too. Christ should be at the end of all pointing. What is the other book you are reading?
Jesus the Evangelist by Richard D. Phillips
First, thanks Joel for all the books. Feeling super blessed by you.
At your suggestion I started on PP yesterday evening.
It's awesome.
I love that once Christian gets the thought of wrath in his mind he can't help but pursue the path to God. The sense of immediacy is great.
As you pointed out in the summary, it is a good reminder of the necessity of preaching hell. Surely without it there is no need for salvation and no sweetness in salvation.
Hell not only shows us God's fury but the severe ugliness of our own sin. And when seen it will either repulse or send one running to Christ.
Joshua, Good to see you enjoying Bunyan.
Would be good to meet up again. Let me know when you are free by email.
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