The Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan

Historical and Cultural Context

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian story written by John Bunyan in 1678. The book tells the story of a man named Christian who leaves his home in the City of Destruction to go on a long journey to the Celestial City. Along the way, he meets many people, faces many challenges, and learns important lessons about faith and life. The story is written in simple, everyday language, making it easy for people of all ages and backgrounds to understand.

John Bunyan lived in a time of great change in England. This was the 17th century, a period marked by political and religious unrest. King Charles I had been executed, and the country was ruled by Oliver Cromwell for a while. After Cromwell's death, the monarchy was restored under King Charles II. During this time, many people were arguing about what religion should be the official one in England. There were different groups of Christians, such as Anglicans, Catholics, and Puritans, who all had different beliefs and practices.

Bunyan himself was a Puritan, a group of people who wanted to purify the Church of England and make it more simple and focused on the Bible. The Puritans believed that each person should have a personal relationship with God and read the Bible for themselves, instead of just listening to the priests. Because of these beliefs, they often faced persecution from the government and the Church of England. In fact, Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim's Progress while he was in prison for preaching without a license from the Church.

The Pilgrim's Progress became very popular because it reflected the challenges and experiences that many people were going through at the time. Christian's journey symbolises the struggles that people faced as they tried to follow their faith in a world full of temptations and obstacles. The story also has a strong message of hope, as Christian never gives up and ultimately reaches the Celestial City. This message of hope and perseverance would have been very comforting to people who were facing persecution for their beliefs.

Questions

1. Who is the main character in The Pilgrim's Progress?

A. John Bunyan

B. Oliver Cromwell

C. Christian

D. Charles II

2. When was The Pilgrim's Progress written?

A. 1578

B. 1678

C. 1778

D. 1878

3. Which religious group did John Bunyan belong to?

A. Anglican

B. Catholic

C. Puritan

D. Methodist

4. Why was John Bunyan in prison when he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress?

A. For stealing from the Church

B. For preaching without a license

C. For supporting the monarchy

D. For refusing to pay taxes

Discussion

In The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian does not give up. But is giving up ever alright? 

Further reading

1. Bunyan, J. (1678). "The Pilgrim's Progress" (original English title: "The Pilgrim's Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come"). This classic Christian allegory follows the journey of a man named Christian from his hometown to the Celestial City. Reading the original work is essential for understanding its themes and allegorical elements.

2. Harrison, F. (2016). "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners and The Pilgrim's Progress: The Life and Times of John Bunyan". This biography of John Bunyan provides context for his life and the religious climate in which he wrote "The Pilgrim's Progress." Understanding the historical background can enhance students' appreciation of the work.

3. Batson, B. (Ed.). (2007). "The Pilgrim's Progress: Critical and Historical Views". This collection of essays provides a wide range of perspectives on "The Pilgrim's Progress," including its literary, historical, and theological aspects. It is an excellent resource for students looking to deepen their understanding of the work.

4. Whalen, B. (2013). "Understanding The Pilgrim's Progress: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents". This casebook offers a comprehensive analysis of "The Pilgrim's Progress," as well as primary source documents related to the novel, which can help students engage with the work on a deeper level.

5. Sheldrake, P. (2015). "The Spiritual City: Theology, Spirituality, and the Urban". This book explores the theme of pilgrimage in a broader context, including its presence in "The Pilgrim's Progress" and other works of literature. The book provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the spiritual journey and its relevance to urban life, which can enrich students' understanding of Bunyan's allegory.