The Pilgrim's Progress

thanks for the info :-)

Anytime! 8)

Shea,
Bunyan taught immersion baptism for salvation, seeing it as proof of obedience to the example of Christ's Jordan River baptism.

However, history suggests he did not believe the fellowship of believers ought to withhold the Lord's supper from nor judge the state of the soul of one who had been baptised as an infant and who wished to worship with them in sincerity. He left it up to the individual and God. Thus, he and his independent worship meetings (or, conventicles, as they were called) practiced open communion.

As the Independents grew in number, so did the number of immersions, once considered an executable offense, especially in decades prior to Bunyan's imprisonment.

I would recommend E. H. Broadbent's excellent history of the persecution of religious minorities, The Pilgrim Church, and also Foxe's Book of Martyrs, for reference while you study Pilgrim's Progress.

Mrs. Cat

BTW, I am also a member of the church of Christ.

Thanks for the insight! I noticed Foxe's Book of Martyrs when I was looking for info on Martin Luther. But only recently have I realized that it is very helpful to study the zietgiest of the author before you read the work. I've already finished Pilgrim's Progress, but as soon as the holiday break hits, I'll take your advise.