The Holy War
By John Bunyan
1678
First Published
4.13
Average Rating
286
Number of Pages
"The Holy War," John Bunyan's fourth work of major importance, appeared in 1682. Although "The Pilgrim's Progress" has always been the most popular of Bunyan's numerous works, "The Holy War" holds a firm second place in the hearts of Christians throughout the world. As in "The Pilgrim's Progress," "The Holy War" is a fascinating allegory, a delightful narrative. As Ernest W. Bacon describes it in "John Pilgrim and Dreamer": "The story sets out to recall the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a besieged city. The city of Mansoul originally belonged by right to Shaddai or God, but was betrayed through Ear Gate and Eye Gate into the hands of Diabolus or the Devil, besieging giant who takes control. In the hands of the enemy, Mansoul loses its Major, Lord Understanding, and Mr. Conscience is dismissed from his post as Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul - man's fallen will, self-will, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character." In the end Mansoul is recaptured by Emmanuel's army, and Diabolus is driven out. There is triumph over sin and evil - one of the Bible's most comforting themes.
Avg Rating
4.13
Number of Ratings
1,565
5 STARS
46%
4 STARS
31%
3 STARS
17%
2 STARS
5%
1 STARS
2%
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Author
John Bunyan
Author · 32 books
John Bunyan, a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.
