Title: The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress
Author: Jim Pappas (while still remaining true to John Bunyan’s original)
Synopsis: John Bunyan’s amazing Pilgrim’s Progress is well into its fourth century of unparalleled popularity as the world’s best-selling non-Biblical book in all history. Now in modern English comes The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress. All of the age-old spiritual treasures that have made John Bunyan’s original the world’s best selling non-Biblical masterpiece in all of history are now carried to new heights of power and clarity in this new enhanced version. While this is perhaps the most adventure-filled and user-friendly adaptation ever penned, yet it is totally unabridged and, excepting certain amplified scenes, remains strictly faithful to Bunyan’s original storyline. Exciting new levels of love and joy, hope and humor are skillfully woven by master storyteller Jim Pappas, into this enchanting retelling of John Bunyan’s immortal classic! Designed to return this spellbinding masterpiece of angels and giants, castles and dragon, to the fireside of the everyday reader.
Available here: e-book or hardcover/paperback
How many of you tried reading Pilgrim’s Progress as youngster and gave up because you couldn’t understand the Old English script? I did. Well here is retelling of that ancient allegory in a simple, dialogical style even small children can enjoy, while still maintaining the powerful message of the original–a message that will challenge, encourage, and spiritually strengthen young and old alike.
While the script style of Bunyan’s original Pilgrim’s Progress was difficult to follow, the dialogical style of Pappas’ amplification makes this story an engaging read for anyone. As an author myself, I have learned the power that dialogue has for holding a reader’s attention. And for all you fellow teachers out there, you know as well as I that you can hold your students interest much better when you make your lessons conversational rather than one-sided lectures. The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress has the same power, attained through the use of a flowing storyline and dialogue in place of monologue. No matter your age, you will find The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress difficult to put down!
However, don’t mistakenly assume that this story is cheap, page-turning thriller. Far from it! This story contains powerful, life-changing messages! You will never be the same again after reading this story! Whether you are a brand new Christian or a well-grounded, fifth-generation preacher’s kid, you will be challenged, inspired, convicted, and empowered by the messages of this book. It truly contains the pure gospel, untainted by worldly philosophies or watered-down “Christianity.” This book presents what I like to call the “forgotten gospel.” Two of the most important truths I gleaned from this book are 1) The danger of straying from the straight and narrow path and 2) The power contained in the word of God. Many Christians today think that Salvation is merely praying the “sinner’s prayer” and then “trying” to be good. “All you need to do is believe in Jesus,” they say without realizing what that truly means. I have thought and said the same myself. This book will open your eyes–as it did mine–to the true beauty and power of the Plan of Salvation. We do not need to be caught in the trap of trying to work our way to heaven! This does not mean that we can throw out God’s law or His high standards. To do so would be to depart from the narrow way God has mapped out for us. As Christian learns in this story, the narrow contains many trials, hardships, and strict guidelines. Yet, as I stated previously, to say that we Christians must walk this path on our own is to go to the opposite extreme. This is where the other powerful component comes is: God’s Word. As Christian travels the narrow way, he comes to realize the power contained in God’s Word–power to overcome sin, to fight back evil agencies, and to gain the heavenly kingdom. Never is Christian able to succeed when he relies upon his own strength, and neither can we. But, without fail he becomes marvelously and miraculously victorious when he claims the promises of God’s Word. This is what walking by faith is. THIS is true belief! This is allowing the grace of Christ and His love and presence in our hearts to transform our earthly lives. This is the “forgotten gospel.”
I pray that you will read The New Amplified Pilgrim’s Progress, and allow it to change your life, as it did mine.
Sarah E. Brown 