The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is a classic
novel and Christian allegory whose truths are built on the solid foundation of
Scripture. These pictures of the
Christian life rang true in Christ’s time, in the seventeenth century when the
allegory was written, and even today.
The story of the Pilgrim’s journey can be outlined in a standard hero’s
journey format mirrored in many other great works such as The Odyssey
and To Kill a Mockingbird. The
difference between The Pilgrim’s Progress and these other classics is
the truth which is revealed.
What then does this allegory reveal about the
truth of Scripture and of understanding God?
Are the images created by John Bunyan tied closely to scripture or are
they muddled and distorted? Bunyan’s
intentions seem to be pure and focused on the Scripture in each situation. He incorporates Scripture in the situation,
the speech, and the characteristics of each character for a seemingly seamless
and unified projection of Truth. The way
Bunyan weaves Scripture into every aspect of the story showcases his desire to
stay true to the text and message of the Scripture.
Each situation and challenge into which
Christian walks is a picture of an experience mentioned in the Bible. The experience could be something that the
disciples encountered, or the experience could be another example story found
in either the New Testament or the Old Testament.
The speech of the characters also contains
Scripture. Christian, Faithful, and
Hopeful all speak Scripture to each other.
They encourage each other by speaking the Word to one another.
Additionally, the characters are named with
character traits which they resemble. Faithful
demonstrates unwavering faith to the end of his life. Hopeful provides hope through encouragement
to Christian. Faith and hope are both
characteristics that every Christian should have. Furthermore, the enemies such as Gainglory
and Talkative demonstrate particular sins that cause Christians in general to
leave the Way.
Through these three methods of incorporation
of Scripture into every aspect of the story, Bunyan’s allegory seems to be true
to the message of the Biblical text. In
such a case, Bunyan would be considered a translator. In the role of a translator, Bunyan takes the
Scripture and does not change the meaning and intention of the message, but
rather changes the setting and characters only.
His close incorporation of Scripture into so many aspects of the story
makes it clear to the reader that he is not changing the message and Truth of
the Biblical text.
Hero’s Journey and Theology
The focus on a hero’s journey format is an
excellent choice for demonstrating the challenges through which a Christian
must go in order to be transformed.
Bunyan has artfully crafted a story that is true to Scripture and to the
experience of any Christian. This design
reveals truth found in Scripture and experience that mirrors both the story of
the Pilgrim and stories found in Scripture.
A Christian will recognize a need and begin a journey to know God
better. Along the way, there will be
allies to help the Christian and enemies in various disguises to hinder
progress along the path. There will be
challenges to test the dedication to the Way.
Finally, there will be rest and atonement at the end for the labor of
the journey when the hero or main character is welcomed home. All Christians will receive rest at the end
and be welcomed into Heaven.
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