The Holy War: Updated, Modern English. More than 100 Original Illustrations. (Bunyan Updated Classics)

"The Holy War" is an allegorical tale of how the town of Mansoul deals with the deceptions and attacks of Diabolus and his demon cohorts. I've read this story three times in the original, once as a read-aloud to my children.Now, I understand Bunyan was attempting to make a point, but it bothered us how Emmanuel promises the Mansoulians he'll never leave them, but when they get distracted and don't give him the attention he wants, he withdraws to his father's palace. It was because of this that the children sympathized more with Diabolus than with Emmanuel. Under Diabolian rule, the Mansoulians are prosperous and happy. Then Emmanuel comes along and makes them jump through hoops to keep his favor. Where's the grace in that?But I love this book and how it makes you think. E.g., Feel Gate is the weakest gate in the city. And where do our doubts plague us most but in our feelings? We know better; we believe otherwise; but those pesky feelings can really throw our faith for a loop.As far as this updated edition goes, when I was reading the original to my children, there were times I had to pause and paraphrase what Bunyan meant. A modernized version might have made it easier. Either way, it's a good book.

As advertised.

I was blown away by this book! This is filled with so much valuable wisdom and golden nuggets of Christian insight, I could not put it down. The knowledge conveyed by this masterpiece is helpful on a daily basis. I recommend reading it several times, it contains everything you need on your path. It also gives you a better understanding of the Bible and encourages you to read it with great zeal. The title is most appropriate, it is indeed a holy war, you need to be equipped for the spiritual battle!

It is the best human directory in existence for the man who would understand how the law of sin which is in his members is wrought upon by Satanic power, and how, through the concurring grace of the Holy Ghost, that power may be held in check.

Every day we are embroiled in a battle for our soul.  We must choose Diabolus or Emmanuel.  Choosing incorrectly has eternal consequences.

Had John Bunyan not written Pilgrim's Progress, this volume (The Holy War) may have been the best Christian allegory from the Puritan age. While I enjoy reading the Puritans for the depth of their theology and the heights of their devotion, an occasional allegory which represents both that theology and devotion is refreshing.While some may be offended by the violence in actual warfare that Bunyan records, I invite you to keep in mind the violence that was taking place in Bunyan's day and the personal suffering that he endured.I highly recommend reading both Pilgrim's Progress and The Holy War.

If you like Pilgrim's Progress, you will love this one even more. Although I would not recommend for young children under 13 as it is dark (then again, kids these days are pretty desensitized). Very thought-provoking and soul-stirring. Number one, read your Bible, but this book is also an amazing way to evoke self-examination and repentance. Highly recommend!!!

As a homeschool mom, I have to say the John Bunyan books are a wonderful addition to our home library! The Holy War is a great read-aloud for the family and perfect for long discussions about the deeper meaning woven throughout the text.This is a classic Christian book that is probably geared more for older students and adults, but with a bit of guidance, can be easily used for the younger family members as well. As a matter of fact, I've found that they soak up more than we realize when reading out loud.John Bunyan is an eloquent and descriptive writer whose imagination is only overshadowed by his love for the Lord - both characteristics come through loud and clear in this updated version of the book. If you liked Pilgrim's Progress, you will love this story!

Outstanding allegory in which you will see yourself and the world. Well done and packaged book.

This is another brilliant but sadly neglected allegory from Bunyan

About Mansoul taken over by Diabolous and how El Shaddai rescues it back.....next to pilgrims' progress, a wonderful book...every Bible believing person should go through this book!

Every student of the word of God should read this book, to see how to encourage them when trials come.

I gave it a 3/5 because of how long this book is. I'm a fairly quick reader but this book took me a while to finish. I believe it's due to Bunyan over describing secondary characters that don't even impact the overall story too much. Still the battles are well written and just by reading the Holy War you can easily see Bunyan's love for writing. I recommend this book to Christians and those that want to imagine the spiritual warfare that takes place in the soul of man.