'Pilgrims Progress' is for adults, not children!

[Bunyon]

No, not the most read book today, unfortunantly.

"We are looking at a MUCH bigger reader base today than existed in the 17th-19th century when great masses could not read."------------------------------------------------------------------

The book has been in continues publication for a few hundred years, the lack of readers in the beginning is no handicapp. But I am a great advocate and hope it will always find readers as it has for a few hundred years now.

Also, form the link....."Second only to the Bible, what book has sold more copies, has been translated into more languages, has gone through more editions, has inspired more art, has changed more lives, was in the library of virtually every Pilgrim family on the Mayflower, and has worked its way into the daily vocabulary of English speaking people everywhere? Only John Bunyan's immortal classic "The Pilgrim's Progress" can claim these and many more amazing distinctions. Abraham Lincoln used it as one of his first readers and it has been quoted by countless other authors, preachers and orators for the past 300 years."

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I am a HUGE advocate of PP, I only know that very few today have actually read it. I don't think it has been read much at least for the last 50 years.

An excellent book about PP is:

The Pilgrims Progress: Themes and Issues
By Barry Horner
Evangelical Press

I highly recommend it for all PP fans.

 

[Bunyon]

I agree with you, it, along with the Word of God no longer finds serious readers as they used to. My understing though is that there was a day when almost every house in Englend kept a copy right next to the Bible. Although it is "forgotton" today, I don't want to forget the impact it has had.

 

[Aaron]

If more people actually read the Bible, more would know and love The Pilgim's Progress.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Good point Aaron, I think the two are connected.

 

[gb93433]

Probably shouldn't let the kids read a Bible because it has murders recorded in it.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I don't think that was the point of the OP. Pilgrim's Progress was not written with children as it's target group. It was not to say that children should not read it.

 

[procyon]

I feel sad that my profound remarks on Pilgrim's Progress are being ignored, and the discussion has reached a stage where there is little illumination or edification. It is very rare to find a spiritual person in the Christian community here on earth. Perhaps Bunyan would also feel sad about the spiritual decadence of the late 20th and present 21st century!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

How are your "profound remarks" being ignored procyon?

What designates a "spiritual person" in your terms? There has been general consensus that the message of Pilgrim's Progress is one which is being ignored by the modern world.

You seem to imply by this last post that you are the only one posting who really understands the book. Is that your claim?

 

[Gwyneth]

In the Mission Church at Cosheston near where I live, we had a study of the whole book of Pilgrims Progress about 5 years ago, it was a brilliant study and it took us about a year to study it through 1/2 hour readings and the pastor explaining and helping us through. ... a wonderful book.

 

[bapmom]

My 5th grade teacher read the Pilgrim's Progress to us through the school year. I don't THINK it was the child's version, I believe it was the original one. We understood the vast majority of it, and we loved it. I would like to read it again actually, but I dont think I own a copy anymore.

I don't understand though why Procyon would call it "shattering" for children.

Also, it seems to me that the book is being put "almost" on the same level as the Bible. Procyon, you do realize people can have never read the Pilgrim's Progress and still have a vital walk with God?

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I, of course, would not put it on par with the Bible, but I would suggest that every dedicated believer own and read the original version on a regular basis.

It is an amzing book.

It is not shattering for children, by any means.

Since it is so Bible based and scriptural references abound it affects my life everytime I read it.

 

[Bunyon]

It is not God breathed of course, but I do think it is inspired in the same sense a pastor's sermon would be inspired.

 

[bapmom]

Thats a good way to put it, Bunyon.

Ive read somewhere that in the early days here in our country, it was often the only book besides their Bible that many of the pioneers could take with them as they left all behind to go west.

Everybody had their Bible, and their copy of Pilgrim's Progress.

I need to go get myself a copy again.

 

[Bunyon]

Thankyou, Bapmom.

And knowing the life that Bunyan lived makes the story even more impressive and valuble to me. When he wrote about the giant despair and placed christian in a dungeon in doubting castle, you knew it was more than just a clever analagy, he spent many years in prison for his faith and lost a beloved blind daughter while there.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

If you all are interested get the book I mentioned above. It adds some great insight.

I truly love this amazing book. If I were only allowed two books one would be my Bible and the other would be Pilgrims Progress.

 

[Bunyon]

Same here!

 

[Rhetorician]

Hey all,

In my doctoral work, I had to teach a doctoral level class on Bunyan @ The University of the South to Episcopalian and Anglican priests. What a hoot! It was great. I had to do some extensive research on Bunyan and I used the PP as one of my primary texts.

At one time the PP was the second greatest seller next to the Bible.

I would highly recommend the PP to all, young and old, but the orginal text is much like the KJ Bible; it must be interpreted for the "little ones." But, I believe you will find your little ones will be enthralled with it as you read and explain it to them. It will help mark them for God's salvation and service later in their little lives.

If anyone might want a copy of my graduate paper I would be glad to send it as an email attachment if you would contact me.

sdg!

rd

 

[procyon]

I feel sad that most people today equate Pilgrims Progress with children's literature. It is the book for the sturdy Christian. It is a warning against shallow evangelical Christianity, Laodicean smugness, worldliness, carnality and denominational pride. It is very close to the Word of God and true to genuine Christian experience. My dear friends, do read it again!

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

I don't know of anyone who equates PP with children's literature.

I read it every year, my friend.

Very close to the word of God? It is still only a book with a human author.