Background Reading

JOHN BUNYAN and THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

EXPLORING: JOHN BUNYAN

Travel with John Bunyan - John Pestell (2002)

Biographies:

John Bunyan: The People’s Pilgrim – Peter Morden (2013)
In The Steps of John Bunyan – Vera Brittain (1950)
John Bunyan – John Brown (1885)

Books by Bunyan:

Bunyan wrote 60 books, though not all were published in his lifetime. The three listed here are perhaps the most famous after The Pilgrim’s Progress.

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (1666)
Holy War (1682)
The Pilgrim’s Progress: Part II (1684)

EXPLORING: THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

Books:

The Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan (1678)
Oxford World’s Classics Edited by W.R. Owens.
The original version, with useful notes on the text.

The Family Pilgrim’s Progress – Jean Watson (2007)*
The children’s version I choose to use in the classroom (all ages) and for church-based activities. It is also a good version for adults to read as an introduction to Bunyan’s allegory.

Pilgrim’s Progress: Themes and Issues –Barry Horner (2003)
Explores key ‘themes and issues’, including symbolism, found in The Pilgrim’s Progress, particularly relating to the Christian faith

To Be A Pilgrim: 40 Days with The Pilgrim’s Progress – Peter Morden and Ruth Broomhall (2016)
A devotional, taking readers through Bunyan’s allegory using short daily extracts from the original text, related Bible verses and a reflection.

The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Curriculum for Schools – Ruth Broomhall (2016)
A comprehensive curriculum guide for schools.

DVD’s:

The Pilgrim’s Progress – Scott Cawthon (2005)*
The story told in animation.

The Pilgrim’s Progress - Saltmine Theatre Company (2011)
Saltmine’s theatre production

The John Bunyan Story – Torchlighters.org*
The story of John Bunyan in animation.

John Bunyan: The People’s Pilgrim – docudrama (2016)
The story of John Bunyan using a combination of performance and documentary, filmed in Bedford.

FAITH and CHRISTIANITY

EXPLORING: THE BIBLE

The Bible Book, A User’s Guide – Nick Page (2002)
God’s Dangerous Book – Nick Page (2011)
These books by Nick Page offer background to the Bible – its history, translations, geography and content, in accessible language and style, with added humour!

The C.S. Lewis Study Bible – the Bible (NRSV) interspersed with relevant quotes from the writings of C.S. Lewis, a writer and educator who went from childhood Christian - to atheist - to great Christian apologist. Lewis demonstrates a deep understanding of how the Christian faith connects with humanity, drawn from an extensive knowledge of the Bible and his own life experience.

Jesus Storybook Bible – children’s version, retold by Sally Lloyd-Jones (2012)*

EXPLORING: MATTERS of FAITH and CHRISTIANITY

The Case for Faith - Lee Strobel (2000)
The Case for Christ – Lee Strobel (1998)
Lee Strobel, an American journalist and Yale Law School graduate ‘investigates the toughest objections to Christianity’.

Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis (1942)
Explores faith in general before considering the case for the absolute truth of Christianity.

If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat- John Ortberg (2001)
A kind of spiritual self-help book.

The Shack – William P. Young (2008)
The story of the ‘shack’ confronts some of the timeless questions about God which arise when we are confronted with almost unbearable suffering.

God Meant it for Good - R.T.Kendall (1986)
Kendall explores the story of Joseph.

Called Again: In and beyond the deserts of faith – Alan Jamieson (2004)
A New Zealand pastor considers contemporary faith experiences, particularly those that have been challenged by doubt, difficulties or disengagement from their church/faith communities.

Pure Joy – Christopher Ash (2012)
Described by Jonathan Lamb as ‘liberating, comforting, challenging and compelling’, this book considers the nature and need of our conscience.

EXPLORING: CHILDREN, FAITH and SPIRITUALITY

The Growth of Love – Keith J. White (2008)
A book exploring the five essential elements of child development.

One Generation from Extinction - Mark Griffiths (2009)
Griffiths explores ‘how the church connects with the unchurched child’, drawing upon historical lessons from the Robert Raikes Sunday School movement.

Making Sense of Generation Y – Sara Savage, Sylvia Collins-Mayo, Bob Mayo and Graham Cray (2006)
Exploring ‘the world-view of 15 – 25 year olds’, particularly in relation to faith and spirituality.

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing – Sally Lloyd-Jones (2012)*
A devotional for children

EXPLORING: CHRISTIAN PIONEERS

The life stories, experiences and writings of great Christian pioneers continue to be hugely influential. I include here a few names and publications by/about the Christian ‘giants’ whose life stories and great works of faith are particularly inspiring for both children and adults.

C.S. LEWIS (1898 – 1963)
Author of the ‘Narnia’ series* plus many other books; Christian apologist

CORRIE TEN BOOM (1892 – 1983)
The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom (1971)*

AMY CARMICHAEL (1867 – 1951)
Missionary to India
Can Brown Eyes Be Made Blue? – Catherine Mackenzie and Rita Ammassari (2011)*

JAMES HUDSON TAYLOR (1832 – 1905)
Pioneer missionary
The Man Who Believed God – Marshall Broomhall

DR.BARNADO (1845 -1905)
Irish philanthropist and founder of children’s homes for the poor and orphaned

GEORGE MULLER (1805-1898)
Pioneered work with orphans in Bristol.
Robber of the Cruel Streets: The Prayerful Life of George Muller - Clive Langmead (2006)

HERBERT WHITE
Started the White’s homes for vulnerable and orphaned children.
Not Like Any Other Home-Dr Bob Holman (1994)

WILLIAM WILBERFORCE (1759 – 1833)
English politician and leader of the movement to eradicate the slave trade
Amazing Grace (Film/DVD- 2006)

MARTIN LUTHER (1483-1546)
German religious leader and crusader who spear-headed the Protestant Reformation
Here I Stand – Roland Bainton (1978)

...and of course, John Bunyan!
see JOHN BUNYAN AND THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

EDUCATION, SPIRITUALITY and the IMPACT of TRAUMA

EXPLORING: EDUCATION and the IMPACT of TRAUMA

Learn the Child: Helping Looked After Children to Learn - Kate Cairns and Chris Stanway (2004)
Attachment, Trauma and Resilience: Therapeutic Caring for Children – Kate Cairns (2002)
Building the Bonds of Attachment – Dan Hughes

EXPLORING: SPIRITUALITY and the IMPACT OF TRAUMA

Shame and Attachment Loss – Joseph Nicolosi (2009)
Shame: Theory, Therapy, Theology – Stephen Pattison (2000)
Shame and Grace – Lewis Smedes (1993)
Restoring the Shamed: towards a theology of shame – Robin Stockitt (2012)
Shame - (film) dir. by Steve McQueen (2011)