The Themes and Issues of The Pilgrim's Progress (Bunyan series / Reformation Press)

'Next to the Bible,' wrote C. H. Spurgeon, 'the book that I value most is John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress ... it is a book of which I never seem to tire, but then the secret of that is, that John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is the Bible in another shape. It is the same heavenly water taken out of this same well of the gospel.' Dr J. Gresham Machen described it as 'that tenderest and most theological of books ... that is pulsating with life in every word'. Yet today many dismiss The Pilgrim's Progress as a book for children and young people. Others study it from the perspective of literary style or historical interest, but neglect, or even reject the central message of biblical truth which lies at the very heart of the work and which was fundamental to Bunyan's purpose in writing. In this volume Barry Horner highlights the major themes running through the allegory and discusses important issues concerning its relevance and how best to make it known in the twenty-first century. He shows how, rightly understood and suitably presented, The Pilgrim's Progress has a vital message for today's generation and is a most valuable tool both for evangelism and for encouraging the spiritual growth of believers. Dr Barry E. Horner is pastor of Christian Fellowship Church in North Brunswick in the USA and has spent many years studying the life, ministry and literature of John Bunyan. As the host of a series of popular teaching seminars on The Pilgrim's Progress, and the author of a revision of the text of the allegory, he has been instrumental in bringing Bunyan's classic alive for a new generation of readers across the English-speaking world. After decades of study and seminar teaching around the world, Dr. Horner has encountered countless questions concerning The Pilgrim's Progress. Here is the fruit of his study an in-depth consideration of the most provocative and sometimes puzzling elements woven throughout this unrivaled allegory. Dr. Horner's unashamed intent is always to explain and reinforce Bunyan's conservative Evangelical thrust. Over twenty rich chapters include a wealth of information considering not only stylistic, historical, social and communicative issues, but above all the concern of the Bedford pastor to proclaim the gospel that focuses on the glorious grace of God freely offered through Christ. There is no better commentary available today to unlock the depth and riches of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, nor is there arguably a more qualified scholar anywhere to guide us through this classic and monumental work of literature.

A wealth of information for the Bunyan fan. Most helpful were the insights into Bunyan's life and times and the many references to other Bunyan sources. The author allows Bunyan to interpret himself rather than distort him through a modern lens. In doing so, he ably refutes liberal (mis)interpretations of The Pilgrim's Progress and remains true to Bunyan's theology. Drawbacks include the author's inflated style and his tendency to repeat himself. Overall, however, this is a helpful and scholarly exploration of one of the world's great classics. --Kevin Stone

Dr. Barry Horner received his doctorate (from Westminster Theological Seminary) as a result of years of study on Pilgrim's Progress. He takes one very deeply into the structure and symbolism of the book. He also offers helpful insights into Bunyan as a preacher, writer and Christian. Having read Pilgrim's Progress; a number of times I have been amazed at how much is in there and I did not see it. Bunyan's great tour de force is the most widely published book in the world (apart from the Bible) and it is a goldmine of theological truths concerning the Christian life. The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon considered;Pilgrim's Progress; his favorite book and read it over one hundred times! Dr. Horner sheds a bright light on the book and helps one navigate through the whole work as a reliable guide. It is a book I will refer to over and over again. Yes, it does have some repetitiveness to it (as all good teaching does) but it is necessary. Dr. Horner is a scholar but don't let that get in the way- he is quite understandable and worth studying. --Dan T.