How we cite our quotes: Paragraph (P#) or Line (Line #)
Quote #7
But as in other fairs, some other commodity is as the chief in all the fair, so the ware of Rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted in this Fair: only your English nation, with some others, have taken a dislike therat. (P470)
One of the direct and forceful swings that Bunyan takes at the Catholic Church, this one hits where it hurts… for a couple of reasons. First, it points out that the Catholic Church is richer than many countries. How could this be justified by so-called followers of Christ who preached the virtue of poverty? For Bunyan, this makes it clear that Catholicism was actually in opposition to Christian teachings. Secondly, Bunyan is referencing one of the greatest hits that Rome ever took—when Henry VIII formed the Church of England. While this was, admittedly, for his own personal interest rather than because of spiritual differences, Puritans like Bunyan were enabled to follow their personal feelings about scripture largely because of this break. The "some others" refers to a few other Holy Roman (Germanic) and Dutch nations that were becoming predominantly Protestant.
Quote #8
"There was an Act made in the days of Pharaoh the Great, Servant to our Prince, that lest those of a contrary Religion should multiply and grow too strong for him, their Males should be thrown into the river. There was also an Act made in the days of Nebuchadnezzar the Great, another of his Servants, that whoever would not fall down and worship his Golden Image, should be thrown into a Fiery Furnace. There was also an Act made in the days of Darius, that whoso, for some time, called upon any God but him, should be cast into the Lion's Den. Now the substance of these Laws this Rebel has broken, not only in thought (which is not to be borne) but also in word and deed; which must therefore needs be intolerable." (P519)
This quote comes from the great pronouncement of Lord Hategood against Faithful at Vanity Fair. He calls Faithful a "rebel" because he stays true to his faith and won't give in to the ways of the city. Here, Bunyan is alluding the problem of religious intolerance—the very thing that landed him in prison.
Quote #9
"Gentlemen, ye be utter strangers to me, I know you not, be content to follow the religion of your your country and I will follow the religion of mine. I hope all will be well." (P646)
In these simple-sounding words of Ignorance, Bunyan is alluding to one of the consequences of the continually multiplying sects in Christianity. If there are almost as many religions as there are people, then the idea of adhering to one religion, learning from and growing in it, is no longer particularly important. Today, this kind of logic is what we call "relativism,'' the idea that almost everything is subjective, that everyone has a right to their own point of view. This perspective would be terrifying to Bunyan, who is convinced that only his way is right.