Dangerous Journey
Book Review
by Terri Fisher
Even in our highly secularized culture, many people still understand references to the famous allegory written in 1676 by John Bunyan. Anyone who has read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott has been introduced to Pilgrim’s Progress and the part it played in the March family. While Jo referred to her burden, she did not come to the Cross. Seeing her shortcomings, Jo and her family chose humanistic enlightenment as their “salvation,” rather than accepting Christ dying for a hopelessly sinful world. How many people today still choose the same goal of perfecting themselves in the hope of eternal reward?
Even though the March family seemed to miss the point of Christian’s journey to the Cross and then to the Celestial City, we need not. Bunyan’s story is full of rich allegory that even very young children can grasp and hang onto, which is why every family should introduce their children to this Christian classic. Simple, even obvious, characters are developed by Bunyan to portray the many struggles and temptations a “Christian” may face in his life as he journeys toward the Celestial City. It is this obvious simplicity that makes it an ideal read for younger children. This book makes a wonderful family-read-aloud, perhaps as a devotional.
Scripture tells us that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child. Training your child to discern, not just other people’s character and motives, but even more importantly, their own, is one of a parent’s most crucial tasks. In the developing of their young discernment, Pilgrim’s Progress can be a helpful tool.
Normally reading the full-length version of any book is to be recommended; however, this edition of Pilgrim’s Progress is an exception. Entitled Dangerous Journey, the text has been carefully chosen by Oliver Hunkin from the original words of John Bunyan. And to make it even more appealing to young eyes, it contains whimsical, richly detailed, full-color illustrations by Alan Parry.
We begin our journey with Christian as he becomes aware of his tremendous burden of guilt and sin. Living in the City of Destruction, he knows there is no hope or help for him if he remains there. After unsuccessfully trying to convince his wife and children of their peril as well, he flees the city alone in search of relief from his burden. Along the way you will meet many characters such as Mr. Obstinate and Mr. Pliable. The one is convinced he knows everything; the other is blown to and fro by his lack of resolve. Next, a Mr. Worldly Wiseman is only too happy to give the undiscerning Christian advice as to which road to take. After many waylaying adventures and many lessons in conviction and courage, Christian at last reaches the wicket gate he is searching for; freedom from his great burden of sin and guilt is found at the foot of the Cross.
While Christian has found joy in salvation, he must continue his journey through life toward the Celestial City and his heavenly reward. Along the way he will encounter the Hill of Difficulty, Apollyon, Vanity Fair, the Giant of Despair and many other allegorical lessons in which both you and your children will relate.
These images are made tangible in the mind of a child. The Bible uses allegorical images to teach both children and adults, because it is effective. There are several activities you could employ to further instill these rich images in your children’s hearts and minds. Following are some ideas:
1. Create a burden. This could be as simple as filling an adult-size backpack with very heavy objects. Or, you could make a large bundle from a piece of rough burlap and tie it on with some rope. Your child will feel the weight of sin in a very literal sense.
2. Look up information on John Bunyan. When did he write Pilgrim’s Progress? Why was he in prison? What was happening in the church in England? Who was the monarch at that time?
3. Make a list of the vocabulary words to look up. Each child could make a notebook with the definitions, as well as illustrations they create. Make a poster, adding the new words and definitions after each reading. Have each person in the family use the word at least once each day.
4. Have the children write a play and put it on for family and friends.
If you like to read different versions and compare them, try to find Pilgrim’s Progress retold by Mary Godolphin and illustrated by Robert Lawson. This is an out-of-print book, but well worth finding.
Doing one or more of these activities will further instill, in your child’s mind, the great lessons that are to be learned from Pilgrim’s Progress. By reading the book aloud, you are creating a shared experience that your children will look back and reflect on together. This is part of creating a family culture.
As your children get older, definitely have them re-read this classic in the original version. This should not be too difficult since they will already be familiar with the story and characters. It is well worth the time. $22.00
(Homeschooling Today magazine - March/April 2003)
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