The Pilgrim’s Progress

The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is one of the most influential books ever written. Besides the Bible, it is the most-bought and has more copies then every other book.

How was the imprisoned son of a tinkerer able to write such a profound allegory of the christian faith?

Let’s take a look at the life John Bunyan led and how he influenced the world.

John’s life

• His dad was a tinkerer, someone who sold and made pots and pans.
• Despite being poor, his childhood was a happy one.
• When John was an adult, civil war broke out in Europe between the king and the parliament.
  • The king had tried to do something without involving parliament.
  • This caused a lot of fighting, not only about politics, but about spiritual issues.
  • John Bunyan joined the parliament side, which eventually won the war, and went back home to marry and start a family.
• Bunyan married a christian woman and had two children, both blind.
• After a voice in his head and messages through other people, John was convicted to become a christian. He changed his sinful ways and began to preach.
• During this time, his wife died and he remarried another christian woman, Elizabeth.
• Eventually, the small meeting house where he and some friends would gather to read scripture and pray became risky. The authorities wanted Bunyan arrested.
• So that’s what they did. The constable took Bunyan to the jail, and then on trial. The judge sent Bunyan back to prison for three months.
• He was released for a while. But once more, he got in trouble for preaching. His second time in prison prompted him to write his bestseller book.
• The Pilgrim’s Progress was an allegory of the christian faith. Though it ended up becoming one of the most famous books of all time, at first it was another risk for Bunyan to take.
• The way he wrote it was new to the church and authorities, who were not familiar with it. He could’ve gotten in more trouble.
• However, it turned out to be an amazing book that is still popular today!
• After being released from prison for the second time, John continued writing books and preaching. He wrote a total of 60 books.
• Sadly, he got caught in a bad storm and became sick, dying a few days later.

His Influence

Though he spent much time in prison, John Bunyan is arguably one of the best authors to ever live.

He was also a man of deep, strong faith.

Our prayers need to come from he heart, and shaped by the scriptures.

I hope you take a look at this video and Bunyan’s book. Thanks for reading!!