Sparknotes Pilgrim's Progress

Many different similarities can form an American community. John Bunyan believes the best communities are bonded by Christ. The author of Pilgrim’s Progress also suggests that Christians should rely on their Godly fellowships. Americans dislike dependence on a group. They both place value in the people rather the gathering.

To Americans, the term community has a variety of meanings. All communities are a group of people that have something in common, but the similarities often end there. It can be a town with a geographical location to share, it may be a club with the same interests, or it could be a group with similar lifestyles. Humans are social creatures so it can be said everyone cherishes some aspect of companionship. However, Americans greatly value individualism, and in their eyes, communities are usually seen as social meetings rather than something to depend on. It is meant to help people connect to those who understand them. The admiration is placed in the individuals rather than the group. The idea of American’s distaste regarding reliance on an assembly can be seen in the loathing of cults.

Despite the apparent suggestion that religion was an individual’s journey when most of Christian’s journey is solitary, his characters seem to greatly value company. Christian’s depression after the death of Faithful and his longing for his wife and children is a great example of this. However, he also makes it clear that most societies are sinful and Christians truly belong in Heaven. Most towns have names like the “City of Destruction,” “Vanity Fair,” and “the town of Carnal Policy”. Taking this into account, Bunyan seems to prefer small, godly groups. He appears to consider it necessary for christians to surround themselves with, and rely on, other godly people. This can be seen through the many doctrine conversations and the support of the Interpreter and the Palace Beautiful’s