In Case You Missed All the Allusions…Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan
In Case You Missed All the Allusions…
Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan
Say, do you remember how Christian and Hopeful got out of the dungeon of Doubting Castle '? I know that at this moment the answer niight be trivial. But you just might find yourself a prisoner there in the future. Then the answer might matter niore. Have you ever been suspicious of people that profess to be believers in Christ, even attend church regularly, but don't seem to be genuine? Oh, they can talk the talk all day, but still, there seems to be something spiritually amiss that you cannot put your finger on. Well, ~shat if you had a set of questions available that would serve as a diagnostic test to expose the superficiality of said professors to deterniine if they were true possessors of the faith'? That might be handy. And let's say you were looking for a good description of the non-verbal contrast and character distinctiveness of the Christian as opposed to the pagan. That would provide any deliberate disciple with important information on their pilgrimage through this life. All of this, and more, are found in that 2nd best selling book of all time, The Pilgrimc Progress, by John Bunyan. (The only book that has sold better is the Bible. Don't look for either on Oprah's selected list)
There is such a wealth of history, teaching, apologetics, and allegoric/biographical heroism contained in this book that every Christian should read and reread it over and over again. Such reading leads to mediation of what is important, to higher standards, to Scripturally condoned elitism. There is within the story a theme of"Us" and "Them" that the present sissified church has lost. There's some much needed testosterone in them thar pages.
This type of book has the potential to raise the bar on our conversation and fellowship as well. Too often our categories of reference rise no further than the commercials, comics, TV characters and movies, and paperback novel story lines that we have immersed ourselves in. We really should consider how important the information we input into our lives is. Often we can tell the depths of our understanding and wisdom by what others talk about and what the conversation in turn reminds us of. This all serves to point inside. If I say, "potato" and you think, "french fries" that's all well and good. But if you say, "Apollyon" and I think, "MTV" someone here is weak-kneed and plastic. Our cultural references need to be richer, deeper, and nobler. This generation must not fail to give to the next generation a rich heritage. We can only do this if we appreciate and garner the riches at our disposal. And one of the treasures available to us is this book. Pilgrim's Progress is about victory, struggle, companionship, deceit, rest, war, encouragement, sacrifice, reward, temptation, restoration. and also includes one of the hardest poems to read I have ever encountered. Skip the introductory poem. Read the book.
Pass the Bread
Biblical Economics, by R.C. Sproul Jr.
A couple of weeks ago, I was engaged in a conversation with a coworker whose responsibilities included garnishing payroll wages of employees of a Fortune 500 company. I mentioned that it is shocking to think of how many people have accumulated thousands of dollars of credit card debt within the first year of employment. She replied that frequently, wages are garnished of employees whose credit card debts exceed $40,000, $80,000, and even $100,000. Further, she told me that she deals with three or four individual cases of personal bankruptcies per week. Obviously, these people have no concept of financial discipline much less, Scriptural economics. Endeavoring to encourage Christians to strive to live a thoroughly godly life, Dr. R.C. Sproul, Jr. addresses the topic of economies in his book, Biblical Economics.
While reading the book, I repeatedly thought of how desperately Christians need to submit to the Word of God in the area of economies. Adopting errant economic thoughts and practices causes people to become slaves to the elusive elimination of debt. On the other hand, godly economic practices result in productive, successful, and freedom-filled lives. This is a book that should be read by all demographic, intelligence, and maturity ranges and combinations. Dr. Sproul makes this clear with the following state ments: "Although complex at times, economic principles are universally intelligible.And it is imperative that we have a rudimentary understanding of the science, for it is the study of why there is daily bread on our tables." Barely into the book, I found myself re-evaluating my approach to economics. Where I formerly considered myself being radically conservative in my treatment of economics, I can now see with greater clarity the wisdom of Biblical economic thoughts and practices that is not restricted to the simple avoidance of debt. Dr. Sproul proclaims the Biblical mandate that we "be fruitful" within God's Kingdom. He follows this with a warning for Christians not to fall into the trap of radical materialism or radical spiritualism; we know that while God strictly warns against the love of money, He frequently blesses with material wealth.
I recommend with confidence that people of all ages ought to read this book due to its foundation on the Word of God. The young can circumvent a life of economic hardship by embracing Biblical economic principles. It will point them to what Scripture instructs is to be done in order to be faithful stewards, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, eniployers, and employees. By God's grace, the book can also redirect erroneous economic approaches that many of us have taken. What I found topically most interesting was Dr. Sproul's analysis on how profit is properly generated, the intrinsic and extrinsic value of labor, and the government's role in economics. Biblical Economics was not written particularly for the economic scholars, although they can benefit too, but for broad range of intellectual levels. Primarily, it delves into the directions that God's Word says we are to take with our resources. These resources are not restricted to financial instruments, but include our use of time, efforts, and skills. Dr. Sproul addresses the iniportance of Christians striving to live a godly life completely, thoroughly, and without any reservations. It does not promote get-rich-quick methodologies but, rather promotes obedience and faithfulness to Almighty God. Throughout the book, what is clear is that it is imperative that our whole being conform to the instructions of the Word of God. No area in creation is untouched by the majesty and sovereignty of God. To be found faithful, let us obey him in all things.
Jordan Daugherty is not to be confused with Jonathan, though they are both fine young men with matching parents.