For more than two centuries after its publication, The Pilgrim’s Progress ranked just behind the King James Bible as the most common and important book in Christian households. It has been translated into more than two hundred languages, including eighty in Africa alone. [1]
On 18 February 1678, John Bunyan published the first version of The Pilgrim’s Progress. He did make some revisions after that first edition, but the book was recognizably itself as soon as it was published.
The 17th century was a time of great religious upheaval in England, with the Conventicle Act prohibiting religious gatherings outside the Church of England. John Bunyan, an itinerant tinker, experienced a religious conversion and became a Baptist preacher, spreading the gospel. As a result, he was imprisoned for 12 years.
Written while from Bunyan was in prison, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come depicts a story of struggle, perseverance, and faith, and reflects the religious and political concerns of the time. His writing is a combination of religious text and the colloquial language of his day. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature and a forerunner of the narrative aspect of Christian media.
The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory, using characters and events to represent spiritual truths and lessons. The story follows the journey of a character named Christian, who travels from the “City of Destruction” to the “Celestial City” with the goal of reaching heaven. Along the way, he encounters various challenges and obstacles, but ultimately learns important lessons about faith, perseverance, and salvation.
The book has been a source of religious inspiration and encouragement for over 300 years, and it remains popular among Christians today. It has been translated into more than 200 languages and never been out of print.