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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Pilgrim's Progress is a tough one to rate. On one hand it is deep (and I do mean almost annoyingly deep) in allegory. If the book is for study then by all means, it might be worthy of a 5 star rating, but when rating in terms of interest or from an enjoyability standpoint it doesn't quite pass the mark. This is not to take away from the tremendous legacy of Bunyan's text, only that is likely to bore modern readers.
I appreciate what Bunyan tried to do- but I didn’t enjoy reading this books at all. I found it mostly boring and the second half- which was to be about Christiana was just rehashing Christian’s journey.
Something of a tough read at times, but full of excellent Biblical and original metaphors which capture the Christian life. I'll probably be reading this again in a few years.
You aren't a real believer if you haven't read this book.
Okay, that's not true but some people act as if it is. This title of Bunyan's, written while he was in prison, has served as foundational "curriculum" for the church since it's publication. However, in recent years it has lost its shine for the church and has gone from being one of the most read books within the church - the Bible taking first place - to one of the least read. In the introduction to this edition of the title the editor can't imagine why it has waned. Really? It's written in language older or just as old as the King James and it's themes contain all the fire and brimstone of a disciplinary God and none of the grace. Gee, I can't imagine why it isn't well-read any longer.
John Bunyan did write an extraordinary story of a believer's journey. I'm not dismissing his creativity and thoughtfulness in bringing to life the spiritual journey we all take. However, his story is crafted around the belief that God is stringent and unbending, lacks grace and patience, and ignores any of his creation that don't seek him in exactly the right way. What way is that? The way that Bunyan had been taught by the preachers of the time. But whose to say they had gotten it correct? Many had crafted God into a fiery deity that displayed more anger than anything else. The transformation that my faith has taken the past decade, the understandings I have come into about the true character of God make me read this story with indifference. It makes me think of the legalistic, unloving people I know and see standing on street corners today screaming at people to repent - as if that draws anyone to God. In all honesty reading this story frustrated me and filled my heart with dread for its themes are legalistic and not at representative of the God I have known my whole life. This opinion of my mine is equal to blasphemy in the church today but I'm okay taking that chance. I only need to answer to God after all.
Okay, that's not true but some people act as if it is. This title of Bunyan's, written while he was in prison, has served as foundational "curriculum" for the church since it's publication. However, in recent years it has lost its shine for the church and has gone from being one of the most read books within the church - the Bible taking first place - to one of the least read. In the introduction to this edition of the title the editor can't imagine why it has waned. Really? It's written in language older or just as old as the King James and it's themes contain all the fire and brimstone of a disciplinary God and none of the grace. Gee, I can't imagine why it isn't well-read any longer.
John Bunyan did write an extraordinary story of a believer's journey. I'm not dismissing his creativity and thoughtfulness in bringing to life the spiritual journey we all take. However, his story is crafted around the belief that God is stringent and unbending, lacks grace and patience, and ignores any of his creation that don't seek him in exactly the right way. What way is that? The way that Bunyan had been taught by the preachers of the time. But whose to say they had gotten it correct? Many had crafted God into a fiery deity that displayed more anger than anything else. The transformation that my faith has taken the past decade, the understandings I have come into about the true character of God make me read this story with indifference. It makes me think of the legalistic, unloving people I know and see standing on street corners today screaming at people to repent - as if that draws anyone to God. In all honesty reading this story frustrated me and filled my heart with dread for its themes are legalistic and not at representative of the God I have known my whole life. This opinion of my mine is equal to blasphemy in the church today but I'm okay taking that chance. I only need to answer to God after all.
I wasn't even able to finish it, to be honest. The first part was interesting and thought-provoking, not entirely unpleasant to read. The second part (involving Christian's wife's journey) was just horrible. She's always crying and being dumb. Disgusting.
One of the few allegories I enjoy, and a pretty decent dissertation on Christian ideology.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I just got through teaching The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. This Protestant classic is an allegory which has influenced untold numbers of believers, not least among these being C.S. Lewis. This tale follows the journey of Christian as he leaves all behind in the City of Destruction that he might arrive at the Celestial City. Along the way he meets fiends and friends, giants and gents, temptations and fellow travelers. After his arrival his wife and children follow after. They, with their faithful guide Mr. Great-Heart gather a motley crew all seeking the King's presence. While a picture of the Christian life, it reads like an epic tale with all its attendant knights and talismans, witches and dragons. This is the only unabridged edition I have been able to find. The language is dated and sometimes difficult to read. Also, Bunyan seems to have a low opinion of the Old Testament so characteristic of many Protestants. Regardless, the creativity of the author and his influence on Christendom are undeniable. While not as impressed as I expected to be, I am glad to have read it.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes