When I read Mere Christianity for the first time, I was left wondering if the average North American reader would be able to follow along without having an English-to-’English’ dictionary at their side. Even I had to Google the meaning of some of Lewis’ 1940’s colloquialisms. Lewis himself makes reference to the changes in language and word usage over time.

This led me to rework the book into Mere Christianity in Everyday English. Never did I expect such a positive response to my efforts, with a better than seventy percent five-star rating on Amazon.

Now, if the English language can change so significantly in the seventy years or so since Lewis wrote many of his books, imagine how much the language has changed in the 360 years, or so, since Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress. Does anyone know what a ‘slough’, ‘tinker’ or ‘similitude’ is?

John Bunyan’s life is a fascinating story of transformation and dedication. Born in 1628 in Elstow, near Bedford, England, he initially had only a basic education before joining the Parliamentary Army at sixteen during the English Civil War. His early experiences in the army were formative, but it was his return to civilian life that set the stage for his most significant contributions.

After the army, Bunyan became a tinker, a trade he learned from his father. His life took a spiritual turn following his marriage. He became deeply involved in religion, first attending the parish church and then joining a nonconformist group in Bedford. His commitment to his beliefs was profound, and he soon became a preacher, a role that would define much of his life.

The restoration of the monarchy in England brought challenges for nonconformists like Bunyan. His refusal to stop preaching led to his arrest and a twelve-year imprisonment. Remarkably, it was during this difficult period that Bunyan’s literary talents flourished. He wrote Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, a spiritual autobiography, and began work on The Pilgrim’s Progress, which would become his most famous work and a significant literary and religious text.

Bunyan faced imprisonment again in 1676 when Charles II withdrew his Act of Indulgence. However, this second imprisonment lasted only six months, during which he completed The Pilgrim’s Progress.

The later years of Bunyan’s life were more comfortable. He continued to be a popular author and preacher and served as the pastor of the Bedford Meeting. His death at the age of 59 came after falling ill on a journey to London. He was buried in Bunhill Fields, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in Christian literature.

The Pilgrim’s Progress became one of the most published books in the English language, testament to Bunyan’s enduring influence as a writer and preacher. His life story, marked by adversity, faith, and creativity, remains a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of conviction and perseverance.

Enjoy!