Why is The Pilgrim’s Progress so popular? John Bunyan (1628-1688) Introductory Notes Why is The Pilgrim’s Progress so popular? It deals in a practical way with salvation and the Christian life. It represents the essentials of Christianity

It gives a variety in religious experience – strengths and weaknesses It is written in relaxed, conversational style: informal, lively language of the common folk It is an allegory – realistic characters and events that represent real spiritual truths

What was Bunyan’s purpose for writing the allegory? to inform, to instruct the reader (didactic) to reach as many people as possible, using the common language to achieve “a more memorable and effective” narrative to move (persuade) the reader to appropriate action

to aid the reader in personal examination of his heart’s condition Purpose to aid the reader in personal examination of his heart’s condition to evangelize the lost; to edify the believer

He defends his allegorical style: Why an “Apology”? He defends his allegorical style: “May I not write in such a style as this? Why may it not be done?” Consider: The weather The fisherman The hunter The lowly pearl

The Bible is full of allegorical examples that teach doctrinal truths: The Prophets in the OT Christ’s teachings in the parables* The apostles’ teachings *“I find that Holy Writ in many places hath semblance with this method, using one thing to set forth another.”

John Bunyan’s “rhyme” for the martyrdom of Thomas Haukes, d. 1555, for refusing to baptize his infant son into the Catholic Church Bunyan’s Signature in his personal copy of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

son of a tinker soldier in Cromwell’s Parliamentary army (1644-47) Marries (1648) – first wife, Mary (d. 1659?); second wife Elizabeth (1659) Six children total; Mary, the first, was born blind undergoes an intense period of conviction – 1648 - 1657

begins preaching outdoors (1657) imprisoned for 12 years (1660-72) continues preaching from his cell writes Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (his spiritual autobiography)

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners “I have determined, the Almighty God being my help and shield, yet to suffer, if frail life might continue so long even till the moss shall grow on my eyebrows rather thus to violate my faith and principles.” Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners ~John Bunyan

son of a tinker soldier in Cromwell’s Parliamentary army (1644-47) Marries (1648) – first wife, Mary (d. 1659?); second wife Elizabeth (1659) Six children total; Mary, the first, was born blind undergoes an intense period of conviction – 1648 - 1657

begins preaching outdoors (1657) imprisoned for 12 years (1660-72) continues preaching from his cell writes Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (his spiritual autobiography)

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners “I have determined, the Almighty God being my help and shield, yet to suffer, if frail life might continue so long even till the moss shall grow on my eyebrows rather thus to violate my faith and principles.” Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners ~John Bunyan