2 reviews for John Bunyan’s The Holy War: A Reawakening
D. Gregory Van Dussen, Northeastern Seminary, Rochester, New York –
Duane Priset provides a lavishly annotated, yet accessible version of The Holy War, with reflections on its enduring significance as an allegory for the Christian journey. The world through which God’s people must travel, and the dynamics of each pilgrim’s life, contain every kind of challenge, obstacle, and distraction, as we make our way toward the destiny for which we were created. Dr. Priset’s presentation of The Holy War continues his work on Bunyan’s better known Pilgrim’s Progress and its companion, Christiana’s Journey, showing in a rich variety of personifications the sinister influences and manipulations which together form the gauntlet which humanity must navigate. The author provides resources that place Bunyan’s work in Biblical, theological, biographical, and historical contexts taking into account the insights of commentators over the centuries. He explains or translates arcane vocabulary and applies its story to our own life and times. In this he shows both the instincts of a careful historian and the spiritual concern of a dedicated pastor, shown in his “prayer for us all … that we grow through the years to be a faithful people of God and a more constructive and kindlier presence to others around us.” He also offers a “prayer starter” to begin each section and highlight its particular importance. As in his earlier work on Bunyan, Dr. Priset has done a great service by empowering many more people to read and benefit from this significant work.
Wendy J. Deichmann, Ph.D., United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio –
n a well-timed re-presentation of John Bunyan’s allegory, The Holy War, Duane Priset offers the reader thought-provoking discussion questions and powerful prayer suggestions that will prompt careful consideration of the meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ in current personal, cultural, and ecclesiastical conflicts. Priset’s brief and fascinating biography of Bun- yan in historical context sets the stage for the reappearance of Bunyan’s brilliantly characterized figures such as Diabolus, Lord Willbewill, Mrs. Piety, Mr. Sloth, Captain Credence, Prince Emanuel, and many others in the spiritual struggle for good over evil, the eternal Kingdom of God over the forces of hell.
D. Gregory Van Dussen, Northeastern Seminary, Rochester, New York –
Duane Priset provides a lavishly annotated, yet accessible version of The Holy War, with reflections on its enduring significance as an allegory for the Christian journey. The world through which God’s people must travel, and the dynamics of each pilgrim’s life, contain every kind of challenge, obstacle, and distraction, as we make our way toward the destiny for which we were created. Dr. Priset’s presentation of The Holy War continues his work on Bunyan’s better known Pilgrim’s Progress and its companion, Christiana’s Journey, showing in a rich variety of personifications the sinister influences and manipulations which together form the gauntlet which humanity must navigate. The author provides resources that place Bunyan’s work in Biblical, theological, biographical, and historical contexts taking into account the insights of commentators over the centuries. He explains or translates arcane vocabulary and applies its story to our own life and times. In this he shows both the instincts of a careful historian and the spiritual concern of a dedicated pastor, shown in his “prayer for us all … that we grow through the years to be a faithful people of God and a more constructive and kindlier presence to others around us.” He also offers a “prayer starter” to begin each section and highlight its particular importance. As in his earlier work on Bunyan, Dr. Priset has done a great service by empowering many more people to read and benefit from this significant work.
Wendy J. Deichmann, Ph.D., United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio –
n a well-timed re-presentation of John Bunyan’s allegory, The Holy War, Duane Priset offers the reader thought-provoking discussion questions and powerful prayer suggestions that will prompt careful consideration of the meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ in current personal, cultural, and ecclesiastical conflicts. Priset’s brief and fascinating biography of Bun- yan in historical context sets the stage for the reappearance of Bunyan’s brilliantly characterized figures such as Diabolus, Lord Willbewill, Mrs. Piety, Mr. Sloth, Captain Credence, Prince Emanuel, and many others in the spiritual struggle for good over evil, the eternal Kingdom of God over the forces of hell.