Introduction

• Published in: Bunyan studies no. 19; p. 7
• Main Author: Walker, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle Upon Tyne Northumbria University, Department of Humanities, Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Bunyan, John (1628-1688); Bunyan, John (1628-88)
• ISSN: 0954-0970

The articles collected in this special number on 'Religion and Politics in Bunyan's Writings' demonstrate the strength of his willingness to engage in print with the political issues of the day where these impacted upon his calling and his congregation. Having survived the trials and tribulations of overwhelming events, Bunyan is presented as retreating into the sublime world of faith, unencumbered by and unconcerned with the tawdry shabbiness of the public sphere. 'Denied justice in the courts of Restoration England, Bunyan finds in the Bible a divine figure whose judging eye and power counter and far exceed false earthly prototypes of judgment', says Knoppers. Kelynge tried to defend the authority of the Book of Common Prayer, arguing that it had apostolic origins.4 In the end, the judge conceded begrudgingly to Bunyan that he was insufficiently well versed in scripture to argue the point any further.