What can we learn from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan and published in 1678 with Part Two published in 1684. Besides being a religious allegory, it is also a folk story, fairy tale, epic, and early novel all in one. Bunyan presents the story as a dream he is sharing with the reader. Much of the story relates the challenges the main character Christian undergoes, challenges that echo the spiritual struggles all believers face and that Scripture addresses. For instance, Christian’s struggles with despair, doubt, and the idea of death are allegorized in The Pilgrim’s Progress (Psalm 23; Mark 9:23-24; John 16:33). The vanity of the world’s love of money and material things is symbolized in the novel as with Christian’s journey through The Town of Vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12). Christian finally reaches the Celestial City, heaven, a place of glorious beauty (Revelation 21:10–21).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• On his journey, Christian passes through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, harkening to Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
• In the story, Christian and Faithful walk through The Town of Vanity. The town is interested only in money and material things, which Christian and Faithful have no interest in. Their view of material possessions and money is reminiscent of what Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes about the “vanity” of pursuing wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• At one point, Christian is chased by Despair and thrown into Doubting Castle dungeon, symbolizing the doubts believers sometimes have. A biblical example of this is the man whom Jesus encounters whose son is possessed by a demon. The man asks Jesus to help his son, and Jesus says, “All things are possible for one who believes,” to which the man says, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24). Like the man who looks to Jesus to free him from doubt, Christian realizes that he has a key called “Promise” that releases him from the dungeon.
• During Christian's travels, He often experiences spiritual dangers. Jesus told His followers as much: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Paul warned Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Christian’s destination, which he finally reaches, is the Celestial City, symbolizing heaven. The opulence of heaven parallels the beauty and glory described in Revelation 21:10-21.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Does life imitate art or does art imitate life? Some might ask that about the life of nonconformist pastor and author John Bunyon. Bunyon was jailed twice for preaching God’s Word and advocating sincere prayer from the heart, was widowed, and had one child born blind and another who died. As a Christian, he experienced the type of tribulation that Jesus had warned followers about (John 16:33).

Yet Bunyon’s faith was stronger than his trials. In this way, Christian, the main character of Bunyon’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, imitated the author. As readers, we can imitate the character and the author by considering our lives within the perspective of eternity. We will all face trials, just as Bunyon did and just as his character Christian did. But we know that our ultimate destination is the Celestial City in which our King “will wipe away every tear” and vanquish mourning, crying, and pain forever (Revelation 21:4).

UNDERSTAND

• The Pilgrim’s Progress is a Christian allegory that explains the journey of faith using story rather than theology alone.
• The Pilgrim’s Progress mirrors real spiritual struggles—doubt, temptation, suffering—through vivid biblical symbolism.
• The Pilgrim’s Progress points believers to perseverance by keeping eternity in view.

REFLECT

• What books apart from the Bible have helped you in your walk with God?
• Where do you see yourself on the journey of faith, and what obstacles feel most similar to Christian’s struggles?
• How do you understand the symbolism found in The Pilgrim’s Progress compared to God’s Word?

ENGAGE

• How does using story and allegory, like Bunyan does, help us better understand biblical truths?
• What parallels can be seen between Christian’s journey and our walk of faith?
• How does focusing on eternity shape the way we endure hardship or face life?