John Bunyan

John Bunyan

Portrait of John Bunyan
Name	John Bunyan
Birth name
Birth date	(1628-11-28)28 November 1628
Birth place	Elstow, Bedfordshire, England
Death date	31 August 1688(1688-08-31) (aged 59)
Death place	London, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Writer, Preacher
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works	The Pilgrim's Progress
Spouse(s)
Website

John Bunyan (28 November 1628 – 31 August 1688) was an English writer and Puritan preacher best remembered as the author of the Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. In addition to The Pilgrim's Progress, Bunyan wrote nearly sixty titles, many of them expanded sermons.

Early Life

John Bunyan was born in 1628 in Elstow, near Bedford, England. He was the son of a tinker, a lowly trade, and grew up in a modest household. Bunyan received some education, but he was largely self-taught. His early life was marked by a period of spiritual struggle and personal turmoil.

Conversion and Ministry

In the early 1650s, Bunyan underwent a profound religious conversion. He joined a nonconformist congregation in Bedford and began preaching. His sermons were powerful and drew large crowds. Bunyan's preaching was characterized by its vivid imagery and passionate delivery.

Imprisonment

In 1660, following the Restoration of the monarchy, Bunyan was arrested for preaching without a license. He was imprisoned for 12 years in Bedford Gaol. During this time, he wrote extensively, including his most famous work, The Pilgrim's Progress, which was published in 1678.

The Pilgrim's Progress

The Pilgrim's Progress is an allegorical tale of a Christian's journey from the "City of Destruction" to the "Celestial City." The book is divided into two parts and follows the protagonist, Christian, as he overcomes various obstacles and temptations. It is considered one of the most significant works of religious English literature and has been translated into over 200 languages.

Later Life and Death

After his release from prison in 1672, Bunyan continued to preach and write. He became the pastor of the Bedford congregation and remained a prominent figure in the nonconformist community. Bunyan died in 1688 after a brief illness and was buried in Bunhill Fields, London.

Legacy

John Bunyan's influence extends beyond his literary contributions. His works have inspired countless readers and writers, and his life story is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. The Pilgrim's Progress remains a classic of Christian literature and continues to be widely read and studied.

Also see

• The Pilgrim's Progress
• Puritanism
• Nonconformist (Protestantism)
• Bunhill Fields