The story of Pilgrim’s Progress has captivated the hearts and minds of readers for centuries. It is a timeless classic that teaches valuable lessons about faith, perseverance, and trust in God. If you want your kids to learn powerful life lessons, this beloved allegory by John Bunyan in 1678 is a must. It’s also on our Ultimate List of Thanksgiving Movies & Videos and the Best Thanksgiving Movies you’ll want to watch again and again.
As a married mom of two boys, I was struck by the power of this film. It spoke directly to me, drawing out emotion and thought in ways few movies do nowadays.
Pilgrim’s Progress Movie Summary
Pilgrim’s Progress is an animated film adaptation of the allegorical novel. The movie follows the journey of Christian, a man from the City of Destruction who travels to Heaven. Along his way, he encounters many objects and people who symbolize various sins and virtues. Christian has to face obstacles such as the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, and Doubting Castle along his way before he reaches the Celestial City.
The movie features a stellar voice cast that brings characters like Faithful and Hopeful to life. The story is narrated by Jasmine Jones who guides the viewer through the journey. Director Robert Fernadez creates beautiful visuals with computer animation which emphasizes how vibrant Christian’s journey is.
Pilgrims Progress is a timely reminder that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. It isn’t simply a good story but one which packs emotional punches at key points, leaving viewers of all ages moved and transformed.
Who Wrote Pilgrim’s Progress
Pilgrim’s Progress was written by John Bunyan in 1678. The book was inspired by his own experiences as a Nonconformist — it serves as an allegory of the spiritual journey that a Christian takes to overcome the temptations and trials of life and reach salvation.
Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress during his imprisonment for violation of the Conventicle Act which prohibited public religious assembly without sanction from the Church of England. Even though it was originally titled ”The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to That Which is to Come”, it quickly became popularly known as ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’.
It has since gone on to become one of the most widely read books in English literature and is regarded as a classic work on spiritual growth and redemption.
7 Powerful Reminders in Pilgrim’s Progress
Written by John Bunyan in 1678, Pilgrim’s Progress is an inspirational allegorical novel that has survived the test of time to become a spiritual classic. Following the journey of Christian, a man from the City of Destruction who travels to Heaven, it has powerful lessons and reminders that are still relevant today. In this blog post, we will explore seven of these powerful reminders found throughout Pilgrim’s Progress.
1. Have a humble spirit
While in Vanity Fair, Christian humbly pries away from the world’s temptations and speaks with humility – this is echoed in Bible scriptures such as Matthew 5:5, which states, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
2. Persevere
Throughout Pilgrim’s Progress – Christian encounters many hardships. Yet, he perseveres and continues on his journey – this can be linked to Hebrews 12:1-3 which states, “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
3. Remain vigilant
In one scene, Christian has to continuously stand guard over an enchanted riverbank to move forward; this serves as a reminder to remain attentive even when life appears safe and predictable – similar ideas can be found in 1 Peter 5:8, which reads, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
At specific points during Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian has to battle against giant foes that seem insurmountable. Still, with God’s help, he takes them on – This reflects Romans 8:37, which reads, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
4. Trust in God
At one point in the movie, Christian enters Vanity Fair, where he meets Sham-fa-kin—a man who seems wise but carries false information in his heart. This serves as an invaluable warning to not get caught up in temptation or worldly possessions without considering God’s wisdom first. This resonates with Proverbs 3:5-7 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
5. Don’t give up
Despite all the challenges encountered throughout his journey Christian never gives up on reaching his true goal. Similarly, Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
6. Remain Faithful
One of the main lessons taught by Pilgrim’s Progress is the value of remaining faithful to God and His mission. This is exemplified when Christian says, “I will not turn back” after his journey starts” (John Bunyan, 1678). By overcoming obstacles and trials, he shows the importance of never giving up on our faith despite our challenges or temptations.
7. Depend on God
One pivotal moment I love is when Christian—the protagonist—struggles under the pressure of his heavy burden while ascending a hill alongside the Slough of Despond. With no one else around him, he laid his load down and depended solely on God for guidance through his Pilgrim’s Progress. This inspired me personally as I deal with life’s daily struggles, whether it be parenting challenges or any other difficulty life throws our way. This moment speaks powerfully to Matthew 11:28, which states, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Pilgrim’s Progress is a timeless classic that not only entertains but also encourages faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Watching it with your family this Easter season can help your children gain powerful lessons which they can carry throughout their lives. Introducing your kids to this beloved allegory will give them the tools to create their own path for a productive and meaningful life.
