Renewing Your Mind The Godless City: Vanity Fair
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Nov 4, 2025 Derek Thomas, Chancellor's Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries, dives into the themes of Vanity Fair from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. He unpacks the seductions of worldly temptations that Christians face, illustrating how good things can become corrupt. Derek contrasts true discipleship with surface religiosity, sharing the story of Faithful's martyrdom as a testament to loyalty to Christ. His insights shed light on navigating faith amidst societal pressures.
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Faithful Possibly Modeled On Real Anglicans
- Bunyan may model Faithful on moderate Anglicans he admired despite personal persecution.
- Derek Thomas highlights Bunyan's forgiving heart in portraying such a friend.
Worldly Temptation As A Permanent Marketplace
- Bunyan portrays Vanity Fair as the world's continual market of temptation built by satanic forces.
- He warns that good things become vanities when they replace Christ as our highest allegiance.
Good Things Can Become Idols
- Everyday goods and relationships can become idols if they take precedence over Jesus.
- Bunyan stresses that placing family or possessions before Christ makes them part of Vanity Fair.
