Pilgrim's Progress 10

Well, I have reached the end of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Today I will share a few of my thoughts concerning the tenth stage: Talk of Christian and Hopeful, Temporary, the backslider, the land of Beulah, Christian and Hopeful pass the River, welcome to the Celestial City.

It was so sad to read the conversation between Ignorance and Christian. Ignorance shows that he truly lives up to his name. Ignorance talks of having good thoughts of himself. Christian points out that thoughts about ourselves are only good insomuch as they align with Scripture. Ignorance asks, "When do our thoughts of ourselves agree with the Word of God?" Christian answers, "When we pass the same judgment upon ourselves which the Word passes." He then reminds Ignorance that "There is none righteous, there is none that doth good." Towards the end of their conversation, Christian rightly 'pegs' Ignorance, "Ignorance is thy name, and as thy name is, so art thou."

Later, Christian and Hopeful discuss the causes and method of those who backslide. Hopeful lists four causes and Christian responds with 9 steps or stages in the backsliding process. I found them highly profitable. As you read them see if you can relate with any of them. Use them as a checklist to see if you are currently residing at any of these stages of backsliding.

1. "They draw off their thoughts, all that they may, from the remembrance of God, death, and judgment to come."
2. "Then they cast off by degrees private duties, as closet-prayer, curbing their lusts, watching, sorrow for sin, and the like."
3. "Then they shun the company of lively and warm Christians."
4. "After that they grow cold to public duty, as hearing, reading, godly conference, and the like."
5. "Then they begin to pick holes, as we say, in the coats of some of the godly; and that devilishly, that they may have a seeming colour to throw religion (for the sake of some infirmity they have spied in them) behind their backs."
6. "Then they begin to adhere to and associate themselves with carnal, loose, and wanton men."
7. "Then they give way to carnal and wanton discourses in secret; and glad are they if they can see such things in any that are counted honest, that they may the more boldly do it through their example."
8. "After this they begin to play with little sins openly."
9. "And then, being hardened, they show themselves as they are. Thus, being launched again into the gulf of misery, unless a miracle of grace prevent it, they everlastingly perish in their own deceivings."

In the concluding pages Christian and Hopeful finally approach the Celestial City. Even if you don't read the entire book, I encourage you to read at least the last five or ten pages. Reading them made me long for day when I too will enter the Celestial city. It made me long for the time when my Lord and Savior will welcome me to my heavenly home where I will worship Him face to face for all eternity.

Pilgrim's Progress 9

Well here it is. Finally! Sorry it has taken so long. Then again, I'm not sure that anyone else is actually reading this book along with me. So, perhaps I have no need to appologize.

Today we have reached the Ninth Stage in our study of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

In this stage, Christian and Hopeful meet Ignorance and soon recognize that he has taken a different path to get to where he is. Christian warns that Ignorance will not be granted admittance to the Celestial City because he did not begin his journey by passing through the wicket-gate. Ignorance's reply is all to familiar to us today, "Be content to follow the religion of your country, and I will follow the religion of mind. I hope all will be well." We here this so often today. We are so often told that it doesn't matter what we believe. As long as we are sincere in our beliefs, whatever they are, we will all get to heaven in the end. Unfortunately, that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that there is one way, the narrow way. This is the path of Christian and Hopeful. This is the path that we must follow. It is not a path of ease and comfort. But it is the path that leads to priceless treasure.

Later in this stage, Christian and Hopeful come across the Enchanted Ground and resolve to talk to each other so that they do not fall asleep on this dangerous ground. Christian then asks Hopeful to share what we might call his "salvation testimony." In doing so Hopeful gives a helpful illustration. "If a man runs a hundred pounds into the shopkeeper's debt, and after that shall pay for all that he shall fetch, yet his old debt stands still in the book uncrossed; for the which the shopkeeper may sue him, and cast him into prison till he shall pay the debt."

Some people today think that if we live good lives from now on then God will accept us into Heaven. The reality is that we have past debts which must be paid for. It is not good enough for us to do good from here on out. We must make amends for our past sins. The problem is that we cannot make amends. We are incapable of paying our sin debt. Only Christ can do that.

Hopeful understood all of this. He talks of what was taught to him by Faithful. "He (Faithful) told me (Hopeful) that unless I could obtain the righteousness of a man that never had sinned, neither mine own, nor all the righeousness of the world could save me." Praise God for our 'debt-payer.' Hallelujah what a Savior!

Well, we are reaching the end of this first part. Next time I will share my thoughts from the last stage.

Pilgrim's Progress 8

Sorry for the delay in this post. Last Monday was Christmas Eve and I just didn't get it done. So here it is today.

Today we have reached the Eighth Stage: The Delectable Mountains, entertained by the Shepherds, a by-way to Hell.

This was by far the shortest section we have read so far. Pilgrim and Hopeful come to the delectable mountains and meet the shepherds. I think my favorite part was when the Shepherds allowed Pilgrim and Hopeful to see the gates of the Celestial City through their perspective glass. I enjoyed the song that Pilgrim and Hopeful sang,

Thus by the Shepherds secrets are revealed,
Which from all other men are kept concealed.
Come to the Shepherds then, if you would see
Things deep, things hid, and that mysterious be.

I read this poem and was reminded of the Shepherds who witnessed the birth of Christ. The 'secret' was revealed to them first and was concealed from others.

That's about all I got from this section. I was probably too distracted as I read it. It's still the holidays.

Let me know your thoughts. Next Monday, we'll discuss the Ninth Stage: Christian and Hopeful meet Ignorance, Turn-away, Little-Faith, the Flatterer, the net, chastised by a Shining One, Atheist, Enchanted Ground, Hopeful's account of his conversion, discours of Christian and Ignorance.

Pilgrim's Progress 7

(Hopeful joins Christian)

Welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached the Seventh Stage: Christian and Hopeful, By-ends and his companions, plain of Ease, Lucre-hill, Demas, the River of Life, Vain-Confidence, Giant Despair, the Pilgrims beaten, the Dungeon, the Key of Promise.

This section was one of the longer ones we have read so far. If you recall, at the end of the Sixth Stage, Faithful was martyred. At the beginning of the Seventh Stage, we see Christian with a new travelling companion, Hopeful. Bunyan writes a great line at this point, "Thus one died to bear testimony to the truth, and another rises out of his ashes to be a companion to Christian in his pilgrimage." Hopeful, emboldened by the witness of Christian and Faithful, joins himself with Christian.

The next several pages contain Christian & Hopeful's encounter with By-Ends and his companions. It struck me that By-ends religion is very similar to the Prosperity Gospel that we hear taught so often today. By-Ends advocates seeking gain and profit through religion. He forsakes any notion of suffering for Christ. He follows Christ as long as everything in his life is going well. When, crisis comes, however, he gives up on Christ. I found it remarkable to considier the similarities between what By-Ends and his companions say and what so many say today. It is especially remarkable considering Bunyan wrote these words over 300 years ago.

Another highlight for me occurred when Christian and Hopeful had passed the hill Lucre and came to the monument reminding them of Lot's wife. Hopeful expresses his regret over desiring to go see the treasure which Demas offered. Hopeful wonders why he was not turned to a pillar of salt for acting just like Lot's wife. Then he exclaims, "Let grace be adored, and let me be ashamed that ever such a thing should be in mine heart." What a statement. Let grace be adored! Let us be like Hopeful. Let us truly adore God's grace towards us.

Your Turn

I would love to hear from any of you who are reading this book with me. Are you enjoying this study? Do you find Bunyan's book difficult to read? What has challenged you or encouraged you?

Next Week

Next Monday, we will discuss the Eighth Stage: The Delectable Mountains, enterained by the Shepherds, a by-way to Hell. Join us then.

Pilgrim's Progress 6

(Christian and Faithful enter Vanity Fair)

Welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached the Sixth Stage: Evangelist overtakes Christian and Faithful; Vanity Fair; the Pilgrims brought to trial; and Faithful's martyrdom

At the beginning of this section Evangelist reunites with Christian and Faithful. They share their past experiences with Evangelist. Evangelist then encourages them to continue in the faith. He warns them of trials to come. "You are not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil; you have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin; let the kingdom be always before you, and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible." I don't know about you, but I often feel as though I am 'not yet out of the gun-shot of the devil.' He seems to always have us in his crosshairs!

Once Evangelist leaves them, Christian and Faithful find themselves at the city Vanity. Now remember, that Christian and Faithful are still on the narrow path. They are still going in the right direction. They have not taken a detour. Others have written that Vanity was in reality the city of destruction that Christian and Faithful had previously left behind. Formerly, they were citizens and residents of this city. Now they enter it as foreigners. Formerly, they would have fit right in with this crowd. Now, they speak differently. They dress differently. They have different desires.

Ultimately they are arrested and put on trial. 'Witnesses' are called to testify against them. Faithful's defense reminds me of Martin Luther. He says, "What rule, or laws, or custom, or people, were flat against the Word of God, are diametrically opposite to Christianity." In other words, God's law is to obeyed more than man's law.

Your Turn

Now it is that time of the week where I encourage others to contribute their thoughts. Few ever do, but I still always ask. Let us know what lessons you learned through your reading. What was your favorite part and why? Were you challenged by what you read?

Next Week

Next Monday we will discuss the Seventh Stage: Christian and Hopeful; By-ends and his companions; plain of Ease; Lucre-hill; Demas; the River of Life; Vain-Confidence; Giant Despair; the Pilgrims beaten; the Dungeon; the Key of Promise

Pilgrim's Progress 5

( Talkative, Christian, & Faithful)

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are discussing the Fifth Stage: Discourse with Faithful, Talkative and Faithful, and Talkative's Character.

In stage we are introduced to the character Faithful. As Christian and Faithful begin their conversation they share the different experiences that each has had during their journey thus far. We must recognize here that they experienced different hardships and trials. Christian really struggled with the Slough of Despond. Faithful passed through it with no trouble at all. This reminds us that all of us have different trials and testings in our lives. God has a different plan for each one of us.

Later in their conversation, Faithful tells of his encounter with Shame. Shame attempts to persuade Faithful that his religion will only bring him shame and ridicule. I see Shame as the kind of person who constantly reminds us of all the things we are 'missing out' on because of our service to Christ. These are the people who call us fools and encourage us to live for ourselves. Faithful accurately remembers that "that which is highly esteemed among men, is had in abomination with God." Here is a reminder for us to pursue eternal reward from our heavenly Father and not the fleeting praise of man. How small the derision of men will seem when we hear our Savior say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

As Christian and Faithful journey on, they encounter Talkative, a hypocrite from the City of Destruction who can say all the right words but does not live a life consistent with his talk. I think it is important for us to recognize the value of Christian to Faithful. Were it not for Christian, Faithful would have been grievously deceived by Talkative. Christian brought Faithful to his senses and exposed Talkative's true character. The principle here is to surround yourself with wise and discerning people who can help protect you from the wolves who walk around in sheep's clothing.

Also, notice the back and forth dialogue between Faithful and Talkative. As Faithful exposes the hypocrisy, Talkative has less and less to say. Faithful accurately 'pegs' Talkative when he says, "Indeed, to know is a thing that pleaseth talkers and boasters; but to do is that which pleaseth God."

Your Turn
Now it is time for you to share with us some of your highlights. Share how this section encouraged you or challenged you.

Next Week
Next Monday, we will discuss the Sixth Stage: Evangelist overtakes Christian & Faithful; Vanity Fair; the Pilgrims brought to trial; Faithful's martyrdom

Pilgrim's Progress 4

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are discussing Stage Four of Bunyan's book: Valley of Humiliation, Conflict with Apollyon, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Giants Pope and Pagan

The dominant scene of this stage is obviously Christian's encounter with Apollyon. Apollyon is one of the Devil's servants who rules as Lord over Christian's hometown, the City of Destruction. Naturally, he is upset at losing one of his subjects and seeks to coerce Christian into returning to his service.

He begins by reasoning with Christian and trying to bring him back through dialogue. Christian replies, "I was born indeed in your dominions, but your service was hard, and your wages such as a man could not live on, 'for the wages of sin is death.'" Later on, Christian speaks of his new Lord and says, "I like his service, his wages, his servants, his government, his company and country, better than thine; and therefore leave off to persuade me further; I am his servant, and I will follow him."

This dialogue only serves to further anger Apollyon. He steps it up a notch and reminds Christian of his unfaithfulness to his new Lord. Notice Christian's reply, "All this is true, and much more which thou hast left out; but the Prince whom I serve and honour is merciful and ready to forgive."

Have you ever felt like the Devil was bombarding you with reminders of past sins? I believe this is one of his favorite tactics to use in frustrating and discouraging believers. We must reply like Christian did. We must look the Devil in the eye and say, "Yes I have committed all those grievous sins, plus many more. But, Christ has forgiven my sin. He has taken the burden and penalty of my sin upon Himself. His mercy and forgiveness are great!"

Again, this only makes Apollyon angrier. He abandons dialogue and pursues violent action. Christian defeats him with his two-edged sword, the Word of God. I found it interesting that as Christian continued on his journey following his defeat of Apollyon, he kept his sword drawn. He stayed prepared for battle. The application for us is to keep our sword drawn. Our sword is the Word of God. We must study it and be ready to use it. It is our most powerful weapon.

Your Turn

Now it is time for you to share with us some of your highlights. Share how this section encouraged you or challenged you.

Next Week

Next Monday, we will discuss the Fifth Stage: Discourse with Faithful, Talkative & Faithful, Talkative's Character

Pilgrim's Progress 3

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Before we begin today I want to share with you a link which has been very valuable to me in our study. Click HERE to read the Wikipedia article concerning The Pilgrim's Progress. This site has a lot of information as well as links to other sites.

We have come to Stage Three of Bunyan's book. If you recall, last week Christian visited the Interpreter's House. Stage Three begins with Christian setting out from there and resuming his journey.

Christian comes to the Cross. As he does so, his burden falls from his back and rolls into the sepulchre. What a picture this is of our sin being swallowed up by the death of Christ. Christ took our sin with him to the grave. Notice Christian's sobering comment here, "He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death."

The Three Shining Ones appear. They tell Christian that his sins have been forgiven and then they give illustrate the doctrine of justification for us. They remove his filthy rags and give him a new coat. His new raiment is a picture to us of the righteousness of Christ which is imputed to us at salvation. They also set a mark upon his forehead and give him a roll which proves to be his assurance of salvation.

We learn more about Christian's new coat later when he converses with Formalist and Hypocrisy. He says, "Surely, think I, when I come to the gate of the city, the Lord thereof will know me for good, since I have his coat on my back - a coat that he gave me freely in the day that he stripped me of my rags." So it is with us. When we come to that city, our Heavenly Father will know us because we will arrive dressed in the righteousness of Christ which was freely given to us when he stripped us of our sinful rags.

Did you notice the high value Christian placed upon the roll that was given to him at the cross? He viewed that roll as his assurance and even refers to it as his "evidence" of what had happened. When he realizes that he has lost it, he immediately retraces his steps and doesn't not stop until he has found it again. How many people there are today that earnestly and fervently search for assurance!

Another highlight for me was when Christian is talking with Watchful, the porter. Watchful asks his name and Christian replies "My name is now Christian, but my name at the first was Graceless." What a descriptive name! All of us were once named Graceless. I praise God that He has chosen to show grace to me.

I also found encouragement in Christian's conversation with Prudence. Prudence asks if he can remember how he overcame some of the carnal annoyances that creep into his life. In other words, how does he fight sin. He replies, "When I think what I saw at the cross, that will do it; and when I look upon my broidered coat, that will do it." Let us take this reminder to heart. Let us remind ourselves of the cross. Let us look upon Christ's righteousness which has been imputed to us. Let us flee from sin and carnality.


Your Turn
Obviously, I have left out so much from this Third Stage. This was one of the longer stages we have read so far and there are many things in this stage that I didn't even mention. I simply pointed out some of my personal highlights. Now it is time for you to share with us some of your highlights. Share how this section encouraged you or challenged you.


Next Week
Next Monday, we will discuss the Fourth Stage: Valley of Humiliation, conflict with Apollyon, Valley of the Shadow of Death, Giants Pope and Pagan.

Pilgrim's Progress 2

Good morning and welcome to our online book study of Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we have reached Stage Two: the Gate, conversation with Good-Will, the Interpreter's House, Christian entertained, and the sights there shown him.

When we left Christian last week, He had just been confronted by Evangelist who had redirected him. Having returned once again to his original path, Christian reaches the Wicket-Gate. He knocks and asks for admission. Good-Will opens the gate and pulls him in.

Christian and Good-Will have an interesting conversation. One highlight for me was when Christian asks for help with the burden on his back. Good-Will replies, "As to thy burden, be content to bear it until thou comest to the place of deliverance; for there it will fall from thy back of itself." There is much to think about in Good-Will's answer. Good-Will tells Christian to be content to bear the burden of his sin. In other words, "stop trying to remove the burden in your own strength. When you come to the cross, the place of deliverance, your burden will be removed all by itself."

Christian comes to the Interpreter's house and sees many wonderful things there. I will readily admit that I did not understand the full significance of everything Christian saw here. One scene I really enjoyed was the parlour scene. Bunyan lets us know that the parlour represents our own heart before salvation. He then masterfully illustrates the effect of the law upon the sinful heart. He shows how the Law, "instead of cleansing the heart from sin, doth revive, put strength into, and increase in in the soul...for it doth not give power to subdue." The heart is only cleansed by the Gospel, represented by the water which was sprinkled throughout the parlour.

The Interpreter then takes Christian to another room and shows him Patience and Passion. The Interpreter, in explaining this scene to Christian gives a reminder to all of us, "the glory of the next world will never wear out."

Again, Bunyan gives an amazing illustration through the scene of the fire "burning against a wall." On one side of the wall stands the Devil throwing water on the fire to extinguish it. On the other side of the wall stands Christ pouring oil on the fire to keep it burning. Too often, we only see the Devil trying to extinguish this fire, which is the work of grace in our hearts. We fail to remember that Christ is working on our behalf. He stands fueling our fire and sustaining it.

The Interpreter shows Christian two more things: the palace and the man in the iron cage. After showing all these things to Christian, the Interpreter gives some final words of instruction and sends him on his way.

Your Turn
Now obviously, I cannot comment on everything. This post is already long enough. I only comment on those sections which really encouraged or stimulated my mind. Now it is your turn. Don't be shy. Share your highlights from this section.

Next Week
Next Monday, we will discuss The Third Stage: Loses his burden at the Cross - Simple, Sloth, Prsumption, Formalist, Hypocrisy - hill difficulty - the Arbor - misses his roll - the palace Beautiful - the lions - talk with Discretion, Piety, Prudence, and Charity - wonders shown to Christian - he is armed

Pilgrim's Progress 1

Good morning. Today we begin our study of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are on the First Stage: Christian's deplorable condition, Evengelist directs him, Obstinate and Pliable, Slough of Despond, Worldly Wiseman, Mount Sinai, Conversation with Evangelist.

Our story begins with Christian, a man with "a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back." The more he reads his 'book' the more distressed he becomes until he finally exlaims "What shall I do to be saved?" It is amazing to me that as soon as he asks this question he meets Evangelist. To me, the timing is important. It appears that Evangelist is sent in response to Christian's question. Evangelist gives the word, "Fly from the wrath to come." He sends Christian towards the wicket-gate.

I hope you noticed that as Christian fled towards the gate, Bunyan writes that "the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, Life! Life! Eternal life!" He shut all of the cries from his family and friends to stay behind. He left everything to journey towards the wicket-gate in hopes of being rescued from the terrible burden upon his back. Do you see the parallel between this and many who come to Christ today? They often lose those close them because of their relationship with Jesus Christ.

As Christian sets out, two of his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable, pursue after him in hopes of convincing him to return home. Obstinate gives up his effort rather quickly. Pliable continues on with Christian until the way gets difficult. Once they reach the difficulty of the Slough of Despond, Pliable abandons his journey and returns home. Later on, this sad tribute is given of Pliable, "Is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it?"

Once he is past the Slough of Despond, Christian meets Mr. Worldly Wiseman who lives in the town of Carnal Policy. Their discussion is very interesting. One highlight is when Worldly Wiseman asks Christian "How camest thou by the burden at first?" Christian replies, "By reading this book in my hand." How true this is of so many of us. Upon reading God's word, our eyes are opened to the total depravity of our souls. We accurately see the great burden that we carry. But, we also are shown the path to freedom from that great burden. Praise God for His Word!

Worldly Wiseman proceeds to give Christian a 'shortcut' to removing his burden. He offers another path, one of ease and convenience. He sends Christian to the town of Morality to visit Legality and Civility. The picture is very vivid. Christian is pointed down the path of doing good works. The interesting thing is that he approaches the hill which contains the town of Morality he fears that the hill will fall on his head. Just a page or two later this hill is called Mount Sinai (which is where the law was given in the OT). Here we see Christian literally feeling the weight of being under the law. No one can do enough good works. Christian experiences this as he approaches Morality.

Fortunately, Evangelist appears again and confronts Christian. He exposes the errors of Worldly Wiseman's doctrine and sets Christian again on the path toward the wicket-gate.

Your Turn
As you can see, there is so much that can be said concerning this book. I have simply given a few of my personal thoughts. Now it is your turn. What jumped out at you as you read these first few pages? There is no wrong answer. I simply invite you to share with us some of your thoughts.

Next Week
We will discuss Stage Two: The Gate, conversation with Good-Will, the Interpreter's House, Christian entertained, the sights there shown him

The Pilgrim's Progress - Introduction

Good morning. Last Monday, I mentioned that I would like to start an online 'book study.' Well, I have decided to do so using the book, The Pilgrim's Progress. This is one book that I have been wanting to read for a long time. I remember going through it in a Sunday School class as a child, but I have never read it as an adult. It has been called "the most influential religious book ever written in the English language." I think it will serve as a great book for our purposes here.

If you want to participate, the first thing you must do is secure a copy of the book. This should not be difficult. There are numerous editions available. There are also free online versions available HERE if you want to read it on your computer screen. One logistical difficulty with this book is that there are no chapter divisions. So, I am planning to follow the divisions listed HERE which divides the book into stages. I encourage you to do the same. Try to schedule it into your weekly schedule. Each Monday morning I'll post a short summary of what I've read and then post some discussion questions which will solicit your responses. My hope is to foster some profitable discussion here on our blog.

Today I want to give just a short introduction to the book. John Bunyan was born in 1628 in the parish of Elstow, England. He began writing his masterpiece, The Pilgrim's Progress, while he was in jail in 1675. It was written in two parts. The first being published in 1678 and the second in 1684. HERE is a great article with more biographical information regarding Bunyan and The Pilgrim's Progress.

It is important to understand that Bunyan's book is an allegory. "Allegory is a form of extended metaphor, in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself. The underlying meaning has moral, social, religious, or political significance, and characters are often personifications of abstract ideas as charity, greed, or envy. Thus an allegory is a story with two meanings, a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning." In other words, The Pilgrim's Progress is a book with a meaning that extends far beyond the literal meaning. It is filled with symbols and pictures. As such, a cursory reading of this book will not do it justice. We will have to read with an engaged mind.

So, I trust you will participate in this endeavor. If not, oh well, at least I will be able to cross another book off of my 'books to read' list.