Our Thoughts

Important note up front: We wanted to make sure Christian parents know that a later author wrote “Little Pilgrim’s Progress”. Their goal was to attempt to stay as close as possible to this original “journey”, while also making the story more accessible and engaging to children. See our upcoming review of this title as well. Also know that there has been various attempt throughout the years to reprint this in more modern language so that readers won’t miss out on the symbolism in the name and terms used throughout that would have been everyday terms to the original readers. A spiritually rich, doctrinally sound metaphor of the Christian life. Contains intense spiritual imagery and persecution themes but handled biblically and soberly. Excellent for families seeking depth and eternal perspective. The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is an explicitly Christian allegory written in 1678, and it is rich with Scripture and biblical truth. That said, parents should know going in that this book can feel spiritually heavy at times. Christian’s journey includes some dark and intense moments, such as the Slough of Despond, the Valley of the Shadow of Death, a battle with a demonic figure named Apollyon, imprisonment, persecution, and even martyrdom. None of it is graphic by modern standards, but the tone is serious and weighty. The scene where Faithful is executed, and Christian’s battle with Apollyon, could be unsettling for sensitive readers. It’s not written to shock, but it does not shy away from the reality of spiritual warfare and suffering for Christ. The book is deeply theological and rooted in Puritan doctrine. It strongly emphasizes man’s sinfulness, the need for personal conversion, salvation by grace alone, perseverance in the faith, and the narrow path that leads to life. From a conservative perspective, these areas can be considered a strength. Bunyan does critique hypocrisy and empty religion through various characters, but this is not an attack on Christ’s true Church, it is a warning against false converts and counterfeit Christianity. That distinction may need to be explained to younger readers. There is no irreverent language toward God. The Lord, Christ, and salvation are treated with deep seriousness and reverence throughout. There is no sexual content, no substance issues, and no crude humor. Good and evil are clearly defined. In fact, the sharp distinction between truth and error may feel stronger than what modern readers are used to. One point that can confuse children is that Christian leaves his wife and children when he flees the City of Destruction. This is symbolic of personal salvation, not a model for abandoning family responsibilities. In Part Two, his wife Christiana follows the same journey, which helps clarify that picture. Parents will likely want to explain that. Overall, this is one of the most accurate Christian books ever written outside of Scripture. It has endured for centuries because it presents the Christian life honestly, as a pilgrimage marked by struggle, repentance, perseverance, and hope. It reinforces the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace, the danger of worldliness, and the reality of spiritual warfare. This is not light or fluffy reading. It is serious. But that seriousness is part of its strength. It reminds us that the narrow road is difficult and that eternity matters. For families who want to raise children with an eternal, Kingdom-focused mindset, who understand that this world is not our home, this is a foundational book. It is best read slowly, discussed together, and paired with Scripture. We confidently mark this as Highly Recommended.