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The Holy War
"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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 1678
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About the author
John Bunyan
1,616 books1,412 followersJohn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
May 26, 2019
Bunyan is best known for his allegory of the Christian life called the Pilgrim's Progress. No doubt that is where any reader of Bunyan should start. But those who enjoy his Bible-saturated allegory and its unique and powerful manner of communicating truth would do well to follow it up with the Holy War.
The Holy War is also an allegory, but rather than featuring a single main character, Christian, and considering his life as a whole, this allegory revolves around the great town of Mansoul and its inner workings by featuring a multitude of characters like Mr. Conscience, Lord Willbewill, Mr. Godly-fear, Captain Credence, and so on. Of course, the inner workings of the town of Mansoul are related to the Great King Shaddai and his Son Emmanuel as well as the cunning Diabolous himself and his hostile armies.
As you would expect it is full of insight (for example, at one point the army in Mansoul attacks the army of Diabolous, but they choose to do it at night, which is much to Diabolous' advantage - if you have ever tried to battle sin head-on late at night, you know what Bunyan is talking about). And the closing part of the book was full of heart-stirring gospel truth from the lips of Emmanuel.
Just as a 'heads-up' this book has no chapter divisions (or at least the kindle version I read didin't). That didn't bother me too much, but its helpful to know that going in.
In short, if you enjoyed Pilgrim's Progress, give Holy War a read. Just don't expect it to surpass what is perhaps the greatest work of Christian literature outside of the Bible itself.
The Holy War is also an allegory, but rather than featuring a single main character, Christian, and considering his life as a whole, this allegory revolves around the great town of Mansoul and its inner workings by featuring a multitude of characters like Mr. Conscience, Lord Willbewill, Mr. Godly-fear, Captain Credence, and so on. Of course, the inner workings of the town of Mansoul are related to the Great King Shaddai and his Son Emmanuel as well as the cunning Diabolous himself and his hostile armies.
As you would expect it is full of insight (for example, at one point the army in Mansoul attacks the army of Diabolous, but they choose to do it at night, which is much to Diabolous' advantage - if you have ever tried to battle sin head-on late at night, you know what Bunyan is talking about). And the closing part of the book was full of heart-stirring gospel truth from the lips of Emmanuel.
Just as a 'heads-up' this book has no chapter divisions (or at least the kindle version I read didin't). That didn't bother me too much, but its helpful to know that going in.
In short, if you enjoyed Pilgrim's Progress, give Holy War a read. Just don't expect it to surpass what is perhaps the greatest work of Christian literature outside of the Bible itself.
April 12, 2022
I will give a full review at a later date.
March 7, 2011
Summary:
The city of Mansoul was created for the sole pleasure of King Shaddai, the ruler of the universe. The city was the greatest city of all. For this reason, Diabolus and his evil minions desired to destroy the city. Diabolus always desires to destroy the good creations of King Shaddai. A discussion begins in the dwelling of Diabolus as to the method of destroying the great city of Mansoul. Instead of an outright attack, it was decided that they would convince the people that it would be best if they followed Diabolus as their prince. It takes little time for the evil forces to entirely take over the city. The city begins a course of total rebellion against the King.
King Shaddai was greatly grieved at the rebellion of the city of Mansoul. He called His troops and captains together to convince the city to repent. For three months the captains called out to the people of the city, but Mr. Conscience had been blinded and Mr. Reason had been placed as major of the city. Diabolus fortified the city and the people prepared for the assault. After several more weeks, the captains began their assault, which only succeeded in breaking through the city's ear-gate. The captains called on King Shaddai for reinforcements. Two times the original force arrived the next week for the conquest of the city. When the attack began bright trumpets of truth sounded the charge. Prince Emmanuel led the attack while riding on His white horse of purity. The city is conquered and Prince Emmanuel establishes His throne in Mansoul.
Although the city has officially been conquered in the name of King Shaddai, evil elements still remain. Evil doers and plotters must constantly be sought out. Each of these individuals is hanged and the city turns to the King for forgiveness. The Prince constantly pleads on their behalf to His Father, King Shaddai.
The city, however, was not at peace with Diabolus. Diabolus had escaped the city during the conquest and gathered an army of doubters that doubted all issues relating to life and faith in Prince Emmanuel. The attack shook the city of Mansoul and the people continued to look within their walls for traitors as well as prepare their weaponry for battle. When the attack came, the city used well the weapons that their King had given them and warded off the enemy. However, this attack was only the first. The next attack combined forces of the doubters and the vicious blood men. The captains of the blood-men were Captain Cain, Captain Nimrod, Captain Ishmael, Captain Esau, Captain Saul, Captain Absalom, Captain Judas, and Captain Pope. This attack so shook the city of Mansoul that the gates were broken and several great men of the city were hurt. Captain Credence sent a message to the King asking for help, to which was replied that help would come in three days. The city purged itself of Dabilonians within and prepared its Captains for a direct assault on the enemy on the third day. On that day a great victory was made over Diabolus, but his presence still remained a threat. King Shaddai then left His Son to reign in the heart of the city and made His leave. As the great King departed from the city's gates, He promised His soon return.
Reaction:
The Holy War was incredibly enjoyable to read. The train of thought was evident and the tone was exciting. Bunyan used the action of the internal war on a profound scale that included incredible, and entertaining, action. The book includes many lessons. One that stuck out to me was the need to search within for sources of sin at all time. Once conquered, the city of Mansoul sought out criminals during the easy times as well as the difficult. The moral tone is positive and the theology is strongly Protestant. Bunyan draws his readers into a deeper recognition of their spiritual need throughout the book. The characters in the book tend to seem shallow from the literary standpoint; however, when understood allegorically and spiritually, they are much deeper and more profound. The value of this work is hard to determine. It is altogether possible that this book, had it been written before Pilgrim's Progress, could have become much more popular today and well known to the modern reader.
The city of Mansoul was created for the sole pleasure of King Shaddai, the ruler of the universe. The city was the greatest city of all. For this reason, Diabolus and his evil minions desired to destroy the city. Diabolus always desires to destroy the good creations of King Shaddai. A discussion begins in the dwelling of Diabolus as to the method of destroying the great city of Mansoul. Instead of an outright attack, it was decided that they would convince the people that it would be best if they followed Diabolus as their prince. It takes little time for the evil forces to entirely take over the city. The city begins a course of total rebellion against the King.
King Shaddai was greatly grieved at the rebellion of the city of Mansoul. He called His troops and captains together to convince the city to repent. For three months the captains called out to the people of the city, but Mr. Conscience had been blinded and Mr. Reason had been placed as major of the city. Diabolus fortified the city and the people prepared for the assault. After several more weeks, the captains began their assault, which only succeeded in breaking through the city's ear-gate. The captains called on King Shaddai for reinforcements. Two times the original force arrived the next week for the conquest of the city. When the attack began bright trumpets of truth sounded the charge. Prince Emmanuel led the attack while riding on His white horse of purity. The city is conquered and Prince Emmanuel establishes His throne in Mansoul.
Although the city has officially been conquered in the name of King Shaddai, evil elements still remain. Evil doers and plotters must constantly be sought out. Each of these individuals is hanged and the city turns to the King for forgiveness. The Prince constantly pleads on their behalf to His Father, King Shaddai.
The city, however, was not at peace with Diabolus. Diabolus had escaped the city during the conquest and gathered an army of doubters that doubted all issues relating to life and faith in Prince Emmanuel. The attack shook the city of Mansoul and the people continued to look within their walls for traitors as well as prepare their weaponry for battle. When the attack came, the city used well the weapons that their King had given them and warded off the enemy. However, this attack was only the first. The next attack combined forces of the doubters and the vicious blood men. The captains of the blood-men were Captain Cain, Captain Nimrod, Captain Ishmael, Captain Esau, Captain Saul, Captain Absalom, Captain Judas, and Captain Pope. This attack so shook the city of Mansoul that the gates were broken and several great men of the city were hurt. Captain Credence sent a message to the King asking for help, to which was replied that help would come in three days. The city purged itself of Dabilonians within and prepared its Captains for a direct assault on the enemy on the third day. On that day a great victory was made over Diabolus, but his presence still remained a threat. King Shaddai then left His Son to reign in the heart of the city and made His leave. As the great King departed from the city's gates, He promised His soon return.
Reaction:
The Holy War was incredibly enjoyable to read. The train of thought was evident and the tone was exciting. Bunyan used the action of the internal war on a profound scale that included incredible, and entertaining, action. The book includes many lessons. One that stuck out to me was the need to search within for sources of sin at all time. Once conquered, the city of Mansoul sought out criminals during the easy times as well as the difficult. The moral tone is positive and the theology is strongly Protestant. Bunyan draws his readers into a deeper recognition of their spiritual need throughout the book. The characters in the book tend to seem shallow from the literary standpoint; however, when understood allegorically and spiritually, they are much deeper and more profound. The value of this work is hard to determine. It is altogether possible that this book, had it been written before Pilgrim's Progress, could have become much more popular today and well known to the modern reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
It makes me quite sad to give this a one star. I love, love, love Pilgrim’s Progress! But half of this book was not doctrinally correct and/or didn’t make sense. The very minute you humble yourself and call out to God, he will answer you, he will save you! It doesn’t take you cleaning your act up, saying a special prayer, or suffering for a season for God to hear you. God is simply a prayer away! That’s good news!
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**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
January 27, 2021
Wonderful
I just love Bunyan's writings! So cleaver and God centric.
I love the way he came up with such imaginative, Biblically correct allegories.
I just love Bunyan's writings! So cleaver and God centric.
I love the way he came up with such imaginative, Biblically correct allegories.
October 17, 2023
Perhaps the greatest book ever written outside the Bible.
For its glorious and compelling presentation of Christ as well as intensity that comes straight from Scripture, this book deserves more honor than Pilgrim's Progress.
Plot:
1. Diabolos conquers the town.
2. Emmanuel takes it back.
3. The town falls back into sin.
4. Diabolos takes it again.
5. Emmanuel takes it back.
6. Diabolos tries twice more and fails.
Quotes:
"For here lay the excellent wisdom of him that builded Mansoul, that the walls could never be broken down, nor hurt, by the most mighty adverse potentate, unless the towns-men gave consent thereto." 9 compare with page 96, "But after three or four notable charges by the Prince, and his noble captains, Eargate was broken open, and the bars and bolts wherewith it was used to be fast shut up against the Prince, was broken into a thousand pieces."
Captain Conviction says to the town: "Consider if it be not amazing grace that Shaddai should so humble himself as he doth. ... Has he that need of you, that we are sure you have of him?" 51
"Mr. Carnal Security did after all this mercy bestowed on this corporation, bring the town of Mansoul into great and grievous slavery and bondage." 163
Mr. Godly fear said, "Though several of their petitions should be answered with nought but silence or rebuke: For it is the way of the wise Shaddai to make men wait and to exercise patience and it should be the way of them in want, to be willing to stay his leisure." 174
"Then they took courage, and sent again, and again, and again, and again; for there was not now one day, nor an hour that went over Mansoul's head, wherein a man might not have met upon the road one or other riding post, sounding the horn from Mansoul to the Court of the King Shaddai." 174
Prince Emanuel: "Nothing can hurt thee but sin; nothing can grieve me but sin; nothing can make thee base before thy foes but sin: Take heed of sin, my Mansoul." 264
"And dost thou know why I at first, and do still suffer Diabolonians to dwell in thy walls, O Mansoul? It is to keep thee wakening, to try thy love, to make thee watchful, and to cause thee yet to prize my noble captains, their soldiers, and my mercy." 265
See full review at Son of Carey.
https://www.sonofcarey.com/?p=2721
For its glorious and compelling presentation of Christ as well as intensity that comes straight from Scripture, this book deserves more honor than Pilgrim's Progress.
Plot:
1. Diabolos conquers the town.
2. Emmanuel takes it back.
3. The town falls back into sin.
4. Diabolos takes it again.
5. Emmanuel takes it back.
6. Diabolos tries twice more and fails.
Quotes:
"For here lay the excellent wisdom of him that builded Mansoul, that the walls could never be broken down, nor hurt, by the most mighty adverse potentate, unless the towns-men gave consent thereto." 9 compare with page 96, "But after three or four notable charges by the Prince, and his noble captains, Eargate was broken open, and the bars and bolts wherewith it was used to be fast shut up against the Prince, was broken into a thousand pieces."
Captain Conviction says to the town: "Consider if it be not amazing grace that Shaddai should so humble himself as he doth. ... Has he that need of you, that we are sure you have of him?" 51
"Mr. Carnal Security did after all this mercy bestowed on this corporation, bring the town of Mansoul into great and grievous slavery and bondage." 163
Mr. Godly fear said, "Though several of their petitions should be answered with nought but silence or rebuke: For it is the way of the wise Shaddai to make men wait and to exercise patience and it should be the way of them in want, to be willing to stay his leisure." 174
"Then they took courage, and sent again, and again, and again, and again; for there was not now one day, nor an hour that went over Mansoul's head, wherein a man might not have met upon the road one or other riding post, sounding the horn from Mansoul to the Court of the King Shaddai." 174
Prince Emanuel: "Nothing can hurt thee but sin; nothing can grieve me but sin; nothing can make thee base before thy foes but sin: Take heed of sin, my Mansoul." 264
"And dost thou know why I at first, and do still suffer Diabolonians to dwell in thy walls, O Mansoul? It is to keep thee wakening, to try thy love, to make thee watchful, and to cause thee yet to prize my noble captains, their soldiers, and my mercy." 265
See full review at Son of Carey.
https://www.sonofcarey.com/?p=2721
January 27, 2021
I have said this twice before, but I’ll say it again to make thrice. This book is prescient --eerily prescient. If I had read it a decade ago, I would probably have thought the allegory quaint and more than a little over-the-top. In these stormy times, however, this book is like a dart thrown toward a target to land, buzzing as it boings, right-smack in the center of the bullseye.
It is the story of a town called Mansoul in the realm of King Shaddai and His Son, where freedom reigns. Free to open their gates to outsiders (or not), the simple town unwisely opens itself to Diabolus and his minions, very reminiscent of Scar and his hideous hyenas, who ask the gullible just one question: “What kind of slavery is it to live always in fear of the greatest of punishments for doing so small and trivial a thing as eating a little fruit?”
Questions like that lead Mansoul first, into doubting, then into believing the subtle guile oozing from “misleading lips.” It is not hard for the Diabolonian villains to ruin to the town -- in part, because “when people are most busy in the world, they least fear a surprise.” Distracted (or we might say “gaslit”) from seeing the Diabolic, the town begins dancing to the devil’s tune. Soon Mansoul is “a place of total darkness with nothing but nettles, briars, thorns, weeds, and stinking things.”
Fortunately, Bunyan, an ancient storyteller of the 1600s, writes of joyous reversal after “the glory of Mansoul was laid in the dust.” The cycle from joy to despair and back again takes more than one iteration and lots of pages. I found it so exasperating that I gave myself permission to imagine Mansoul as a person rather than a town – a person generating thoughts within from influences without.
This was like flipping a wall switch to turn ON a lamp. Instantly, the story converted to a much higher voltage: UP-CLOSE-AND PERSONAL. If Bunyan’s goal in writing this book was to make us aware that a war is raging within us throughout our lives, he most definitely hit his mark and, in my view, he nailed it: dead center.
It is the story of a town called Mansoul in the realm of King Shaddai and His Son, where freedom reigns. Free to open their gates to outsiders (or not), the simple town unwisely opens itself to Diabolus and his minions, very reminiscent of Scar and his hideous hyenas, who ask the gullible just one question: “What kind of slavery is it to live always in fear of the greatest of punishments for doing so small and trivial a thing as eating a little fruit?”
Questions like that lead Mansoul first, into doubting, then into believing the subtle guile oozing from “misleading lips.” It is not hard for the Diabolonian villains to ruin to the town -- in part, because “when people are most busy in the world, they least fear a surprise.” Distracted (or we might say “gaslit”) from seeing the Diabolic, the town begins dancing to the devil’s tune. Soon Mansoul is “a place of total darkness with nothing but nettles, briars, thorns, weeds, and stinking things.”
Fortunately, Bunyan, an ancient storyteller of the 1600s, writes of joyous reversal after “the glory of Mansoul was laid in the dust.” The cycle from joy to despair and back again takes more than one iteration and lots of pages. I found it so exasperating that I gave myself permission to imagine Mansoul as a person rather than a town – a person generating thoughts within from influences without.
This was like flipping a wall switch to turn ON a lamp. Instantly, the story converted to a much higher voltage: UP-CLOSE-AND PERSONAL. If Bunyan’s goal in writing this book was to make us aware that a war is raging within us throughout our lives, he most definitely hit his mark and, in my view, he nailed it: dead center.
August 3, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. It had an interesting idea behind it, and it was written by the guy who brought us PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. I tried to make myself enjoy it, even when it was boring the living daylights out of me. But no more! I'm done!
The story of THE HOLY WAR is fairly nonsensical in and of itself. Readers are expected to take it as allegory and fill in the missing plot gaps with pieces of the biblical narrative. Like in PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, each character has a name that basically tells you everything you need to know about their personality. For example, "Mr. Carnal-lust," "Captain Conviction," and "Mr. Illegal-Torrent-File-Downloader." At least PILGRIM'S PROGRESS gave us a character we could sorta relate to, and then sent him on an interesting journey. There are no relatable or lifelike characters in THE HOLY WAR, and the story lacks any degree of mystery or suspense. Bunyan's writing is awkward, convoluted, and stilted. Just look at the freakin' title, for goodness' sake!
"The Holy war, made by King Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the regaining of the metropolis of the world; or, the losing and taking again of the town of Mansoul"
Sound like fun?
The story of THE HOLY WAR is fairly nonsensical in and of itself. Readers are expected to take it as allegory and fill in the missing plot gaps with pieces of the biblical narrative. Like in PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, each character has a name that basically tells you everything you need to know about their personality. For example, "Mr. Carnal-lust," "Captain Conviction," and "Mr. Illegal-Torrent-File-Downloader." At least PILGRIM'S PROGRESS gave us a character we could sorta relate to, and then sent him on an interesting journey. There are no relatable or lifelike characters in THE HOLY WAR, and the story lacks any degree of mystery or suspense. Bunyan's writing is awkward, convoluted, and stilted. Just look at the freakin' title, for goodness' sake!
"The Holy war, made by King Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the regaining of the metropolis of the world; or, the losing and taking again of the town of Mansoul"
Sound like fun?
November 18, 2021
Audible.com 9 7 hours 48 min. Narrated by Derek Perkins (A)
An allegory similar to The Pilgrim's Progress. Written in 1678, this is the story of a city callled Mansoul and the war between Prince Emmanuel and Diabolis who battle for its control. The last chapter is my favorite. After the final battle, Prince Emmanuel gives a talk to the citizens of the city with his instructions for their future in which he explains his great love and concern for their security and happiness. Derek Perkins was so genuine as he read that it felt that Prince Emmanuel was sitting in the room and speaking softly to me.
Once again I am amazed by the writing of John Bunyan. He only had two years of school as a child before his father's death forced him to leave school and earn money to provide for his mother. Bunyan was taught to read by his wife from the two books she brought with her into marriage.
An allegory similar to The Pilgrim's Progress. Written in 1678, this is the story of a city callled Mansoul and the war between Prince Emmanuel and Diabolis who battle for its control. The last chapter is my favorite. After the final battle, Prince Emmanuel gives a talk to the citizens of the city with his instructions for their future in which he explains his great love and concern for their security and happiness. Derek Perkins was so genuine as he read that it felt that Prince Emmanuel was sitting in the room and speaking softly to me.
Once again I am amazed by the writing of John Bunyan. He only had two years of school as a child before his father's death forced him to leave school and earn money to provide for his mother. Bunyan was taught to read by his wife from the two books she brought with her into marriage.
June 2, 2016
This book is a true classic. John Bunyan colorfully illustrates the war that we daily wage against Satan (a.k.a. Diabolus). In this book, Bunyan shows that, while the inner battle against Satan will never end while we live on this earth, we will triumph in the end through Christ.
February 20, 2008
For people who like old school battle action, this is a great twist on the real life battle Christians face. Not in the sense of Christian vs Non-Christian, but within ourselves. Our daily struggles and how we face them.
Cleverly written, but could be shorter and make the same points.
Cleverly written, but could be shorter and make the same points.
February 13, 2021
Bunyan definitely shows a gift for weaving the principles of Scripture into narrative. The story itself doesn't even have to be that convincing to deliver to us the same Truths we learn and Passover in the Bible in a format that is just different enough to slip past our ennui.
December 16, 2022
I've read the Pilgrim's Progress through three times but this was my first time reading the Holy War. I think it is even better although less well known.
March 7, 2019
This allegory is just as well organized, thought out, and just as loving in tone as Pilgrim's Progress. This is such a wonderful illustration of the battle over the human soul and salvation. I highly recommend this book.
March 22, 2024
An enjoyable allegory of the Christian message. Once you’ve got passed the old fashioned writing style there are real gems.
February 10, 2022
I read this as a teen for our literature class and recently had the joy of listening to the Audible version, read by Derek Perkins. I personally prefer this over Pilgrim's Progress! Highly recommend!
December 29, 2012
John Bunyon (1628-1688) is probably best known for his book The Pilgrims Progress rather than his lesser-known works, one of which is The Holy War. When bunion wrote The Holy War he was actually imprisoned for preaching without a license…this imprisonment lasted 12 years. You can see much of feelings come to play as the story unfolds in this book.
Mansoul is the name of city a that is under the great king Shaddai. No one can enter the town of Mansoul unless the city opens the gates from the inside. A couple of the names of the cities gates are the Ear-gate and the Eye-gate; you can see how the allegory is going to play out.
Diabolus shows up outside the city and takes it captive by convincing the people that their good kings laws are unjust. That He gives freedom to do anything except, essentially, disobey Him, these laws Diabolus says are unreasonable. The city listens (at the ear-gate) and opens themselves to Diablolus. As soon a Diabolus enters the city square he says, “I have done indeed this service, as to promote thee to honour, and greaten thy liberty.”
This is how our entire culture lives, even those within the church. We think that we should get to decide what is right for ourselves, we twist God’s words to make them say what we want them to say, and everything in the scriptures loses power as we turn the bible into a therapy book and not a book of relationship, hope, and most importantly, truth. We turn it into a book to "honour" ourselves, rather than honor our God.
The city falls into grievous sin and the remainder of the book is Emmanuel’s rescue of it. There are some great allegories in the book, but some things that struck me as a throw back to a by-gone era. In the Chapter titled “Serving One Master” the city roots out all those loyal to Diabolus, but the court proceedings sound a lot like witch trials. When the city begins a slow slide back into self-centeredness the passive aggressiveness of Emmanuel is disturbing.
I wonder what thoughts Bunyon harbored about Jesus from the words he wrote. Maybe it was part of his mingled Puritan, Baptist, Quaker background. At one point in Bunyon’s life he was so despondent over his past life that he said he experienced mental turmoil and extreme guilt.
So, 2 point...First, would I recommend The Holy War? Of course I would. I have an illustrated edition that would be great to read with kids. The book doesn’t shy away from judgment of sin, our own proclivity to deceive ourselves and how easily we are distracted from serving our true King. It would also be great discussion starters for how the righteousness, justice, and grace of God all go hand in hand.
Secondly, after reading this book I think we could all understand better the goodness of God who comes to seek and save us. Whereas when Diabolus wants to enter the city of Mansoul, the city must open itself to him…but after the city is in the control of Diabolus, when Emmanuel wants to enter the barred gates, He busts through them and takes the city.
I don’t know if this was Bunyon’s intention of writing the book the way he did, but from a reformed perspective it makes sense to me. Our God breaks downs the walls to save His people and nothing can stand in His way.
If you want to have a good discussion with your family, or even looking for a fun, odd, old school book starting a family devotion with your kids; how about this classic…it’s a good place to start.
Mansoul is the name of city a that is under the great king Shaddai. No one can enter the town of Mansoul unless the city opens the gates from the inside. A couple of the names of the cities gates are the Ear-gate and the Eye-gate; you can see how the allegory is going to play out.
Diabolus shows up outside the city and takes it captive by convincing the people that their good kings laws are unjust. That He gives freedom to do anything except, essentially, disobey Him, these laws Diabolus says are unreasonable. The city listens (at the ear-gate) and opens themselves to Diablolus. As soon a Diabolus enters the city square he says, “I have done indeed this service, as to promote thee to honour, and greaten thy liberty.”
This is how our entire culture lives, even those within the church. We think that we should get to decide what is right for ourselves, we twist God’s words to make them say what we want them to say, and everything in the scriptures loses power as we turn the bible into a therapy book and not a book of relationship, hope, and most importantly, truth. We turn it into a book to "honour" ourselves, rather than honor our God.
The city falls into grievous sin and the remainder of the book is Emmanuel’s rescue of it. There are some great allegories in the book, but some things that struck me as a throw back to a by-gone era. In the Chapter titled “Serving One Master” the city roots out all those loyal to Diabolus, but the court proceedings sound a lot like witch trials. When the city begins a slow slide back into self-centeredness the passive aggressiveness of Emmanuel is disturbing.
I wonder what thoughts Bunyon harbored about Jesus from the words he wrote. Maybe it was part of his mingled Puritan, Baptist, Quaker background. At one point in Bunyon’s life he was so despondent over his past life that he said he experienced mental turmoil and extreme guilt.
So, 2 point...First, would I recommend The Holy War? Of course I would. I have an illustrated edition that would be great to read with kids. The book doesn’t shy away from judgment of sin, our own proclivity to deceive ourselves and how easily we are distracted from serving our true King. It would also be great discussion starters for how the righteousness, justice, and grace of God all go hand in hand.
Secondly, after reading this book I think we could all understand better the goodness of God who comes to seek and save us. Whereas when Diabolus wants to enter the city of Mansoul, the city must open itself to him…but after the city is in the control of Diabolus, when Emmanuel wants to enter the barred gates, He busts through them and takes the city.
I don’t know if this was Bunyon’s intention of writing the book the way he did, but from a reformed perspective it makes sense to me. Our God breaks downs the walls to save His people and nothing can stand in His way.
If you want to have a good discussion with your family, or even looking for a fun, odd, old school book starting a family devotion with your kids; how about this classic…it’s a good place to start.
January 11, 2021
I expected more...
2,5 stars.
Good idea, poorly executed. Too black or white and too upfrontal with the symbolism. It would have been better if it was more subtle.
Still... I'm going to read The Pilgrim's Progress since it had such an impact.
2,5 stars.
Good idea, poorly executed. Too black or white and too upfrontal with the symbolism. It would have been better if it was more subtle.
Still... I'm going to read The Pilgrim's Progress since it had such an impact.
September 15, 2009
This is one of those older, classic works that has been staring me in the face since I bought it in 1995. The edition I read has been updated to modern English for the modern reader. Naturally, one would wonder if it is as good as The Pilgrim's Progress. The answer is no. However, it does hold its place in Christian allegory. In fact, I would almost reccommend the reader to tackle this one before The Pilgrim's Progress for two reasons: 1) it covers the bigger picture of redemption and the battle for the soul whereas Pilgrim's Progress is focused mainly on the personal journey of faith, and 2) your expectations won't be as high and you won't be disappointed.
Bunyan does a great job describing the battle that goes on in the soul of Man going back and forth between the personal battle as well as the corporate struggle of the saints to follow after Jesus. In classic Bunyan fashion, he comes up with clever names to describe the personifed sins and virtues as he does in The Pilgrim's Progress. Another thing that Bunyan does so well is to weave the words of Scripture into the story. For example, when Prince Emmanuel comes to claim the city and is approaching the gates of the city, he quotes Psalm 24 starting with "Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of Glory shall come in." At that moment in the story it is the perfect text to weave into the story.
There are times throughout the book where it seemed to drag on, especially right after the first battle. But overall, it is an enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed the last chapter as Prince Emmanuel gives his words to the people of Mansoul before he leaves. He gives them the promise of a future with Him free from struggle and pain thus encouraging them to continue the battle against sin. Some of the other themes in the book besides battling against the deceitfulness of sin are: true repentance, the silence of God during unrepentant sin, and the sensitive and seared conscience.
January 3, 2014
I am about to commit literary heresy - I am about to diss John Bunyan. The only reason I've rated this book as average is that the author is, well, John Bunyan. Just because he was a 17th Century Puritan doesn't mean I have to like his writing. Because Puritans held the Sabbath day sacred and permitted no sport, John believed that this had been the voice of God, chastising his indulgent ways. John's spirituality was born from this experience and he began to struggle with guilt, self-doubt and to believe in the Bible's promise of damnation and salvation. My experience has been different. I was certainly to be allegory; I certainly wasn't expecting anything so blatant. There was little original in the book - there were mostly either quotes from the Authorized Version of the Bible or paraphrases of material therein. There was no doubt how the story would end. I would rate this as a wast of time, if the author weren't, well, John Bunyan.
June 7, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as Pilgrim's Progress, but then again, that one took a while to grow on me. I think a quote near the end helps put a finger on what's missing: "Thou must believe, O my Mansoul, when I am from thee, that yet I love thee and bear thee upon mine heart for ever. Remember, therefore, O my Mansoul, that thou art beloved of me; as I have therefore taught thee to watch, to fight, to pray, and to make war against my foes, so now I command thee to believe that my love is constant to thee." The problem was putting this at the end rather than at the beginning. If we're not rooted and grounded in love, our stems and branches won't get the nutrients they need to produce good fruit.
Oh...just remembered something else I wanted to say about the book — it is the granddaddy of The Screwtape Letters. Lots of talk from tempters' perspectives.
Derek Perkins's narration was solid.
Oh...just remembered something else I wanted to say about the book — it is the granddaddy of The Screwtape Letters. Lots of talk from tempters' perspectives.
Derek Perkins's narration was solid.
June 7, 2012
This has to be the worst book I've ever read, and I don't say that lightly. Bunyan uses a city as an allegory for the soul, with each inhabitant representing some character quality (or fault). The characters are completely (and intentionally) one-dimensional; that one quality is all there is to them. And they just keep coming; more and more of them. It is a dreary and insufferably boring book.
February 6, 2014
I read this book on a bet. Oh my word I should have just lost the bet. How in the world can anyone have written a book so tedious. "John, come on John buddy, you can't substitute names for plot. I mean I know you did it with the Pilgrim's Progress and it work out okay, but honestly, this needs to stop."
August 27, 2016
It was definitely an eye-opener to the spiritual warfare going on around us, but I found the writing style a bit more difficult to read than his other books, such as Pilgrim's Progress.
June 3, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It looks at the christian life from the point of view of what takes place inside the head of the believer.
January 13, 2025
In my opinion, this is Bunyan's best work. Bunyan's picture of Creation, Fall, and Redemption is superb. His ability to tell a story and ground it so heavily in Scripture is unsurpassed.
November 6, 2020
A man named Mr. Get to the Point, son of Mr. Slothful Movement and Mrs. Evasion, slowly approached the podium. He spoke of his desire of making a petition to the city of Cherylsoul, however, his discursive nature and constant creation of scenarios and characters took much away from it.
Mr. Get to the Point must realize that listing the other members of Mansoul, each being representative of a specific sin, to be convicted and tried is unnecessary. We all know of the abundance of individual sins and with that statement alone you might be able to imagine the absolute drag it was to read this book. It makes for a storyline that is repetitive and difficult to read.
Seeing as each character is representative of a specific sin, it causes that character to have an extreme lack of depth with most of the trials ending with "he convicts himself!" Well, of course, Mr. Get to the Point! As if the unfortunate name of Mr. Unbelief which was given to him by his father, Mr. Lack of Faith, and Mrs. Lacksidasical doesn't condemn him in itself! On top of having characters that have the depth shallower than a child's paddling pool, he names them as if they must fill in the plot. Thank you very much for your sacrifice, Mr. Drunkeness! Now I know that this particular sin will land me in the pit with the Diabolonians! And the Diabolonians? Don't get me started. All plot no action. All talk. The most exciting thing that happened was when Mr. Innocence dropped dead out of shock from seeing so much sin. I feel the same way about reading this heaping pile of garbage.
The beautiful allegory that the city of Mansoul could have been is heavily obscured by nonsensical trials, useless locations, and names(at least 25 new characters each chapter). The biggest sin which was created against this allegory is that it was most unconsice.
This is not the first Bunyan I have read. This is the second and now I can comfortably label Bunyan a One Trick Pony. He has used this sort of writing before in Pilgrim's Progress and it was amazing there but falls flat on its face in The Holy War. I shuddered at the thought of reading another as he uses the same literary techniques in another book he has called Journey to Hell, the main character being Mr. Badman. All I had to do is read the blurb to know it is a strong avoid. God, did people just buy this because Bunyan was a Christian? Spend your money elsewhere.
Mr. Get to the Point must realize that listing the other members of Mansoul, each being representative of a specific sin, to be convicted and tried is unnecessary. We all know of the abundance of individual sins and with that statement alone you might be able to imagine the absolute drag it was to read this book. It makes for a storyline that is repetitive and difficult to read.
Seeing as each character is representative of a specific sin, it causes that character to have an extreme lack of depth with most of the trials ending with "he convicts himself!" Well, of course, Mr. Get to the Point! As if the unfortunate name of Mr. Unbelief which was given to him by his father, Mr. Lack of Faith, and Mrs. Lacksidasical doesn't condemn him in itself! On top of having characters that have the depth shallower than a child's paddling pool, he names them as if they must fill in the plot. Thank you very much for your sacrifice, Mr. Drunkeness! Now I know that this particular sin will land me in the pit with the Diabolonians! And the Diabolonians? Don't get me started. All plot no action. All talk. The most exciting thing that happened was when Mr. Innocence dropped dead out of shock from seeing so much sin. I feel the same way about reading this heaping pile of garbage.
The beautiful allegory that the city of Mansoul could have been is heavily obscured by nonsensical trials, useless locations, and names(at least 25 new characters each chapter). The biggest sin which was created against this allegory is that it was most unconsice.
This is not the first Bunyan I have read. This is the second and now I can comfortably label Bunyan a One Trick Pony. He has used this sort of writing before in Pilgrim's Progress and it was amazing there but falls flat on its face in The Holy War. I shuddered at the thought of reading another as he uses the same literary techniques in another book he has called Journey to Hell, the main character being Mr. Badman. All I had to do is read the blurb to know it is a strong avoid. God, did people just buy this because Bunyan was a Christian? Spend your money elsewhere.
December 15, 2024
I had The Holy War on my reading list for quite some time, and I finally got around to it. After enjoying The Pilgrim’s Progress so much, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about another allegory by Bunyan. However, while similar, this was a rich and profoundly deep story in its own right. Bunyan has a truly beautiful, convicting, and powerful way of weaving allegory so well.
The way he portrays the spiritual battle for the soul of man—with armies on both sides—is captivating. Yet, through it all, he shows us God as completely sovereign, controlling and allowing all things to work for His glory and our ultimate good.
If I had one critique, I’d say the book could have been about 25% shorter. Some sections felt drawn out, though that might just reflect my own perspective. Even so, it’s a powerful read that I’ll undoubtedly think back on from time to time.
The way he portrays the spiritual battle for the soul of man—with armies on both sides—is captivating. Yet, through it all, he shows us God as completely sovereign, controlling and allowing all things to work for His glory and our ultimate good.
If I had one critique, I’d say the book could have been about 25% shorter. Some sections felt drawn out, though that might just reflect my own perspective. Even so, it’s a powerful read that I’ll undoubtedly think back on from time to time.
May 26, 2023
I struggle with how to rate this book. There’s glimmers of the excellence, but those moments are too few and far between. I feel like this book is twice as long as it should be, and that an abridged version may be more enjoyable. (I know I’m just a Bozo critiquing a genius, but 🤷♂️ it’s how I honestly feel.)
Sadly it comes no where close to Pilgrims Progress, but still, enough good John Bunyan moments that I can’t dock it too much. If I had to give an exact score it would be 3.6 stars, so I rounded up, because why not.
Spoiler alert (but not really): The most memorable and soul warming moment, (which should have been the end.) was halfway through the book when Emanuel pardons the city of Mansoul, starting with its greatest offenders. Precious to a sinner like myself.
Sadly it comes no where close to Pilgrims Progress, but still, enough good John Bunyan moments that I can’t dock it too much. If I had to give an exact score it would be 3.6 stars, so I rounded up, because why not.
Spoiler alert (but not really): The most memorable and soul warming moment, (which should have been the end.) was halfway through the book when Emanuel pardons the city of Mansoul, starting with its greatest offenders. Precious to a sinner like myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2025
Allegories are one of my favorites types of books. The War for Mansoul ranks right up there with Pilgrim's Progess, Hinds Feet on High Places, and The Mountains of Spices (several of my other favorite allegories 🤩). This book is an encouraging look at the Christian life of struggle with temptation and sin, seasons of failure, silence, battle, and victory, and a candid examination of the different character traits of a Christian and the devil and how to recognize them at work in our lives. All told thru the perspective of the citizens of Mansoul. This retelling by Ethel Barrett is written in a simple but very engaging style.
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