John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim

If you are reading this review on the Sabbath, then I would like to wish you a Sabbath filled with the wisdom from the Lord in rightly handling the word of truth.

This week’s review is for the film, John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim

Description

This documentary reveals the story of John Bunyan's life, his personal struggles, his triumphs, and his remarkable legacy. Join us as we follow the well-trod path of John Bunyan from the "Slough of Despond" through the narrow gate and on to the "Celestial City."

The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan, is one of the most famous and influential works of English literature.  Since its first publication in 1678, it has never been out of print and is reported to have sold more copies than any other book except for the Bible.  But who was the man behind this great work? This documentary reveals the story of John Bunyan's life, his personal struggles, his triumphs, and his remarkable legacy. The uneducated son of a tinker, Bunyan survived the horrific English Civil War only to be jailed during an era of great religious persecution.  From his jail cell Bunyan wrote his great allegory of the Christian life.  

What stands out to me, after watching this documentary, is that John Bunyan’s ministry echoed the desire for the gospel to go out, no matter what cost it had on his life.   From a cold and dank jail cell, I believe God used him to write a book that would inspire many for years to come. Persecution grew his faith, instead of diminishing it - by the grace of God.

I was moved by how John was supposed to fight in a battle, the civil war, but was replaced, then found out later that the man who had stood in the position on the field where he was supposed to have been,  was killed on the spot. That is a lot to try and unpack, and no doubt many questions would still be left unanswered on this side of heaven.

The docu-drama gives a lot of insight to what was happening in politics, religion and behind the scenes in John’s personal life.  

I have not read The Pilgrim’s Progress yet, although I have seen one of the films.  I am looking forward to reading the book and God willing, it will be in a future book review on the True to the Word podcast and blog.

I watched John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim, on Vision Video’s YouTube channel, 

Thank you for reading this review.  Until next time - peace be with you.

Thumbnail: Vision video