The Holy War

The Holy War 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. The story recalls the fall and redemption of mankind under the guise of a beseiged 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, a 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 of Recorder. Lord Will-be-Will becomes the Lord of Mansoul--man's fallen will, selfwill, and ill-will all combined in one unpleasant and anti-God character. 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. The Bunyan characters in The Holy War are fascinating: Mr. Prejudice, Captain Anything, Ill-pause, Captain Self-denial, Lord Understanding, Miss Humblemind, Master Thinwell, and many others.