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Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History
Each generation suffers from self-obsession, and we do well to keep one eye on the past, to consider not only where we wish to go, where we have been. Christianity has a long and storied past that testifies to God's enduring grace, and even though so much of Christian history has passed away and many of its people and objects have been lost to time, a few precious relics and locations remain.
As we consider these objects with careful eyes and look at them in their historical context, we find the beginnings of a story. Through thirty-three carefully selected objects, author and pastor Tim Challies introduces readers to the history of Christianity in a unique and creative way. It's a story that tells us what God is accomplishing in this world, whether through princes or peasants, triumph or trial. Each of these objects offers us a tangible link between the present and the past, between the Christians of the twenty-first century and the Christians who lived and died in centuries past.
In a few cases these objects are hidden away or in private collections, but more commonly they are there for all who wish to see them. Beginning with the relics of the earliest Christians, we journey through history to look at the importance of a peculiar scrawl of graffiti and the creedal significance of an otherwise unremarkable carving. We take a leap forward in time to consider the loving labor of monks and the martyrdom of Christians who called for reform long before the days of Luther. We look at pulpits and paintings and posters and pieces of machinery. And, of course, we look at books and the remains of books - for nothing has so charted and maintained the course of Christian history as its books.
As we consider these objects with careful eyes and look at them in their historical context, we find the beginnings of a story. Through thirty-three carefully selected objects, author and pastor Tim Challies introduces readers to the history of Christianity in a unique and creative way. It's a story that tells us what God is accomplishing in this world, whether through princes or peasants, triumph or trial. Each of these objects offers us a tangible link between the present and the past, between the Christians of the twenty-first century and the Christians who lived and died in centuries past.
In a few cases these objects are hidden away or in private collections, but more commonly they are there for all who wish to see them. Beginning with the relics of the earliest Christians, we journey through history to look at the importance of a peculiar scrawl of graffiti and the creedal significance of an otherwise unremarkable carving. We take a leap forward in time to consider the loving labor of monks and the martyrdom of Christians who called for reform long before the days of Luther. We look at pulpits and paintings and posters and pieces of machinery. And, of course, we look at books and the remains of books - for nothing has so charted and maintained the course of Christian history as its books.
176 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2020
84 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Tim Challies
62 books1,571 followersTim Challies is a leading evangelical blogger. A self-employed web designer, Tim lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children.
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February 20, 2024
I ordered this book to be shipped to me, with the video companion, as soon as it became available. Through homeschooling, it came to my attention that outstanding Church History resources for students are severely lacking. Although Simonetta Carr’s Christian Biographies for Young Readers provides person by person insight into Church History, I’m seeking a resource that ties Church History together, examining its themes, how the church has shaped history and how historical context shaped the church, its failings and triumphs. Challies’ effort seemed to have young people top of mind and I was drawn to order his work over another that had drawn my attention.
With great excitement I read the introduction. It wasn’t a complete downpour upon my excitement, but more like clouds on the horizon that threatened rain. Perhaps you will feel the clouds gathering on page 9 when Challies discusses his methodology in a textbox at the top of the page:
“A note about my methodology. My focus for this journey was on historical objects, not buildings or locations. I also wanted to avoid statues, markers and memorials that had been constructed after the fact. I wanted to focus on original, historical artifacts. I also wanted to focus on objects that are available to the public, not locked away in archives and available only to scholars or researchers.” (pg 9, Epic: An Around the World Journey through Christian History, Challies, 2020)
In the well-crafted introduction, Challies explains the “why” of his “how”:
“For the past few years I had felt a deep longing to explore the roots of *my Christian faith* [emphasis added]. I had wanted to *experience the places* [emphasis added] where significant events in the history of Christianity had occurred, to see and hear and touch the objects that continued to serve as reminders of these pivotal moments and key characters.” (pg 7, Epic: An Around the World Journey through Christian History, Challies, 2020)
My expectations and Challies’ project do not match up as well as I had hoped, thoroughly diffusing my excitement as I read the book and watched the videos. I think the key might be in Challies statements above. He references “my Christian faith,” and the project reveals that while Challies is concerned about Christianity – the movement arising after Jesus’ death and resurrection –he has little interest in Old Testament artifacts or events even though Christian faith is built upon the Jewish tradition. This is especially disconcerting when he stands in the Israel Museum of Jerusalem and ignores the Assyrian, Babylonian and Jewish objects that testify to 2/3 of the Bible he holds to be God’s Word to men! He doesn’t mention the Jewish faith of the Apostles or Paul, which the New Testament teaches Jesus grew up within and came to fulfill. Additionally, Challies is dismissive of Orthodox and Catholic worshippers in Jerusalem and Rome (particularly egregious in the first chapter of video) without recognizing that both Christian traditions proceed his Protestantism by over a thousand years. What does he think our God was doing in the world before Christ and in the 1500 years between Jesus’ earthly ministry and the Protestant Reformation? Apparently, little that forms “my Christian faith” or connection with the people that lived it out as he manages to identify 5 objects prior to the Reformation.
#1 Augustus of Prima Porta
#2 John Rylands New Testament manuscript fragment (from the Gospel of John)
#3 Alexamenos Graffiti (secular graffiti mocking a believer)
#4 Dogmatic Sarcophagus (testimony to the Trinity)
#5 Book of Kells
Returning to his opening in which Challies states: “I had wanted to *experience the places* [emphasis added] where significant events in the history of Christianity had occurred, to see and hear and touch the objects that continued to serve as reminders of these pivotal moments and key characters.” There is something strongly and strangely millennial about Challies documentation of the “story an object has to tell,” that closes each chapter. Perhaps he feels an apologetic connection to these objects as witness of the life and struggles of believers in ages past? Yet he rejects Eastern Christian experiences with icons and the incredible stories of expansive beautiful heaven brought to earth of cathedrals and other buildings because, why? Because he doesn’t understand them? Because they aren’t part of *his* faith? Because he didn’t have time/ money to dig deeper? The Notes section at the end indicates that some research was conducted (some sources much stronger than others), but many sections are poorly sourced referencing single titles or information gathered through museum displays.
These huge blind spots have yielded a view limited to white, European, English speaking, Protestant experience. Challies may have gone “Around the World” but he’s hardly stepped into the river of “Christian History.” In fact, all 33 objects presented are of Euro-American (including Challies Canada in North America) descent. The only non-Euro-American object discussed is Quick Look 15/16 Defiled Tongan Idols, which has a powerful story but is presented in a way hardly representative of the faith the Tongans chose. The faith and history of African Christians is ignored (nothing on the Church fathers, the Roman martyrs of North Africa, etc), but two African Americans received “Quick Looks,” though they are not counted among the 33 objects that form Challies timeline (#22/23 Quick Look Lemuel Haynes’ Sermon Manuscript and #24/25 Quick Look Josiah Henson). Christian believers from Africa, Asia and South America are alluded to only through missionary service of Euro-Americans as indicated in the following objects located outside the European and/or English speaking world:
#25 David Livingstone’s Writing Box (mid-1800s) used by the English doctor/ explorer/ missionary to Africa
#26 Amy Carmichael’s Plaques (late 1800’s-early 1900s) posted in by the Irish missionary in her Indian home
#27 Hudson Taylor’s grave (death in 1905, grave site opened to public in 2018) the Englishman’s commemoration by Chinese believers
#29 The Papallacta Dam (1971) built by the American ministry HCJB to fund ministry
#31 Nate Saint’s Aircraft (circa 1956) the American missionary’s plane that was destroyed in Ecuador and is now housed in memorial at Mission Aviation Fellowship headquarters in Idaho, USA.
Though Challies covers some failures of the Protestant faith (such as #24 Slave Bible – rather sloppily as he implies sections of the Bible are not Scriptural – and the prosperity gospel represented by #30 Oral Roberts Hands – which he struggles to condemn while recognizing large swaths of the Christian faith that have embraced these teachings) and the many flavors of Protestantism (Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian/ Scottish Reformed, Lutheran, etc) he writes vignettes that do not put these objects into either Christian or secular historical context. His labeling of the different movements is unclear and he doesn’t examine either the historical cultural events that gave rise to these various practices or the problems of multi-denominational (or non-denominational) Protestantism. He seems to either assume his readers are aware of the context or dismiss its importance.
I did find one individual whose brief article captured my interest. I had not previously heard of Selina Hastings, The Countess of Huntington, who invested in people and buildings to resource the church while struggling with chronic pain and great personal loss. Challies cites two sources, which I’ve listed below. I also took a trek through GoodReads to seek out additional work on the Countess.
Unfortunately, I found Epic: An Around the World Journey Through Christian History to be skimming with the illusion of mastery, possessing knowledge without wisdom, wading in the shallow. The stories of the objects are interesting and some of them were new to me, but overall, I wasn’t inspired or even particularly educated. While I have greatly appreciated Challies work via his blog, the shortened format seems to be his forte. Challies blogs provide an overview for adults, at about elementary level, by introducing facts within simple stories. The longer work lacked depth, nuance, or scholarly examination of the objects he fit into his unclear and incomplete timeline, while being dismissive of other branches of Christianity that lay outside his personal faith narrative. I will continue to search for outstanding resources to teach Church History to upcoming generations.
Update:
I have finally found a wonderful overview of the history of the Christian Church that I would recommend wholeheartedly. It's from the prolific Simonetta Carr:
Church History for Young Readers, Carr, 2022
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For biographies full of depth and context (the Marie Durand title is even referenced by Challies), see
Christian Biographies for Young Readers (series of biographies), Carr
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...
For a broader narrative on Christianity around the world in the early 19th century (often alluded to in Challies work), see the wonderful
On the Missionary Trail, Hiney, 2001
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Challies notes two books on Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon:
The Elect Lady, Kirby, 1972
Selina, Countess of Huntingon, Cook, 2001
With great excitement I read the introduction. It wasn’t a complete downpour upon my excitement, but more like clouds on the horizon that threatened rain. Perhaps you will feel the clouds gathering on page 9 when Challies discusses his methodology in a textbox at the top of the page:
“A note about my methodology. My focus for this journey was on historical objects, not buildings or locations. I also wanted to avoid statues, markers and memorials that had been constructed after the fact. I wanted to focus on original, historical artifacts. I also wanted to focus on objects that are available to the public, not locked away in archives and available only to scholars or researchers.” (pg 9, Epic: An Around the World Journey through Christian History, Challies, 2020)
In the well-crafted introduction, Challies explains the “why” of his “how”:
“For the past few years I had felt a deep longing to explore the roots of *my Christian faith* [emphasis added]. I had wanted to *experience the places* [emphasis added] where significant events in the history of Christianity had occurred, to see and hear and touch the objects that continued to serve as reminders of these pivotal moments and key characters.” (pg 7, Epic: An Around the World Journey through Christian History, Challies, 2020)
My expectations and Challies’ project do not match up as well as I had hoped, thoroughly diffusing my excitement as I read the book and watched the videos. I think the key might be in Challies statements above. He references “my Christian faith,” and the project reveals that while Challies is concerned about Christianity – the movement arising after Jesus’ death and resurrection –he has little interest in Old Testament artifacts or events even though Christian faith is built upon the Jewish tradition. This is especially disconcerting when he stands in the Israel Museum of Jerusalem and ignores the Assyrian, Babylonian and Jewish objects that testify to 2/3 of the Bible he holds to be God’s Word to men! He doesn’t mention the Jewish faith of the Apostles or Paul, which the New Testament teaches Jesus grew up within and came to fulfill. Additionally, Challies is dismissive of Orthodox and Catholic worshippers in Jerusalem and Rome (particularly egregious in the first chapter of video) without recognizing that both Christian traditions proceed his Protestantism by over a thousand years. What does he think our God was doing in the world before Christ and in the 1500 years between Jesus’ earthly ministry and the Protestant Reformation? Apparently, little that forms “my Christian faith” or connection with the people that lived it out as he manages to identify 5 objects prior to the Reformation.
#1 Augustus of Prima Porta
#2 John Rylands New Testament manuscript fragment (from the Gospel of John)
#3 Alexamenos Graffiti (secular graffiti mocking a believer)
#4 Dogmatic Sarcophagus (testimony to the Trinity)
#5 Book of Kells
Returning to his opening in which Challies states: “I had wanted to *experience the places* [emphasis added] where significant events in the history of Christianity had occurred, to see and hear and touch the objects that continued to serve as reminders of these pivotal moments and key characters.” There is something strongly and strangely millennial about Challies documentation of the “story an object has to tell,” that closes each chapter. Perhaps he feels an apologetic connection to these objects as witness of the life and struggles of believers in ages past? Yet he rejects Eastern Christian experiences with icons and the incredible stories of expansive beautiful heaven brought to earth of cathedrals and other buildings because, why? Because he doesn’t understand them? Because they aren’t part of *his* faith? Because he didn’t have time/ money to dig deeper? The Notes section at the end indicates that some research was conducted (some sources much stronger than others), but many sections are poorly sourced referencing single titles or information gathered through museum displays.
These huge blind spots have yielded a view limited to white, European, English speaking, Protestant experience. Challies may have gone “Around the World” but he’s hardly stepped into the river of “Christian History.” In fact, all 33 objects presented are of Euro-American (including Challies Canada in North America) descent. The only non-Euro-American object discussed is Quick Look 15/16 Defiled Tongan Idols, which has a powerful story but is presented in a way hardly representative of the faith the Tongans chose. The faith and history of African Christians is ignored (nothing on the Church fathers, the Roman martyrs of North Africa, etc), but two African Americans received “Quick Looks,” though they are not counted among the 33 objects that form Challies timeline (#22/23 Quick Look Lemuel Haynes’ Sermon Manuscript and #24/25 Quick Look Josiah Henson). Christian believers from Africa, Asia and South America are alluded to only through missionary service of Euro-Americans as indicated in the following objects located outside the European and/or English speaking world:
#25 David Livingstone’s Writing Box (mid-1800s) used by the English doctor/ explorer/ missionary to Africa
#26 Amy Carmichael’s Plaques (late 1800’s-early 1900s) posted in by the Irish missionary in her Indian home
#27 Hudson Taylor’s grave (death in 1905, grave site opened to public in 2018) the Englishman’s commemoration by Chinese believers
#29 The Papallacta Dam (1971) built by the American ministry HCJB to fund ministry
#31 Nate Saint’s Aircraft (circa 1956) the American missionary’s plane that was destroyed in Ecuador and is now housed in memorial at Mission Aviation Fellowship headquarters in Idaho, USA.
Though Challies covers some failures of the Protestant faith (such as #24 Slave Bible – rather sloppily as he implies sections of the Bible are not Scriptural – and the prosperity gospel represented by #30 Oral Roberts Hands – which he struggles to condemn while recognizing large swaths of the Christian faith that have embraced these teachings) and the many flavors of Protestantism (Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Presbyterian/ Scottish Reformed, Lutheran, etc) he writes vignettes that do not put these objects into either Christian or secular historical context. His labeling of the different movements is unclear and he doesn’t examine either the historical cultural events that gave rise to these various practices or the problems of multi-denominational (or non-denominational) Protestantism. He seems to either assume his readers are aware of the context or dismiss its importance.
I did find one individual whose brief article captured my interest. I had not previously heard of Selina Hastings, The Countess of Huntington, who invested in people and buildings to resource the church while struggling with chronic pain and great personal loss. Challies cites two sources, which I’ve listed below. I also took a trek through GoodReads to seek out additional work on the Countess.
Unfortunately, I found Epic: An Around the World Journey Through Christian History to be skimming with the illusion of mastery, possessing knowledge without wisdom, wading in the shallow. The stories of the objects are interesting and some of them were new to me, but overall, I wasn’t inspired or even particularly educated. While I have greatly appreciated Challies work via his blog, the shortened format seems to be his forte. Challies blogs provide an overview for adults, at about elementary level, by introducing facts within simple stories. The longer work lacked depth, nuance, or scholarly examination of the objects he fit into his unclear and incomplete timeline, while being dismissive of other branches of Christianity that lay outside his personal faith narrative. I will continue to search for outstanding resources to teach Church History to upcoming generations.
Update:
I have finally found a wonderful overview of the history of the Christian Church that I would recommend wholeheartedly. It's from the prolific Simonetta Carr:
Church History for Young Readers, Carr, 2022
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For biographies full of depth and context (the Marie Durand title is even referenced by Challies), see
Christian Biographies for Young Readers (series of biographies), Carr
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...
For a broader narrative on Christianity around the world in the early 19th century (often alluded to in Challies work), see the wonderful
On the Missionary Trail, Hiney, 2001
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Challies notes two books on Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon:
The Elect Lady, Kirby, 1972
Selina, Countess of Huntingon, Cook, 2001
April 3, 2020
A fascinating, engaging journey through Christian history that glorifies God.
The Christian faith has a rich and complex history. Countless books are dedicated to giving readers an overview of this history or diving into particular parts of it. Tim Challies makes a unique contribution with his new book Epic.
He invites us to join him on this fascinating quest, travelling the globe to explore 33 objects which help tell the story of our faith. An accompanying documentary was produced as well, but so far I’ve only read the book. Challies tells us his purpose in the introduction: “Together we will listen to these voices of the past tell us the epic story of what God has done and continues to do in our world today.” (p. 9)
The objects Challies has selected to tell this story are strikingly varied—everything from a towering statue to a small water jug. He treks to every continent (except Antarctica) and traces two thousand years of history. We dive into the colourful lives of preachers, martyrs, and prisoners.
But despite the variation in these objects, they tell a cohesive story. Certain themes emerge time and time again. For example, by exploring several different editions and fragments of the Bible we see how God worked throughout history to preserve his Word. He used believers who suffered greatly to give us access to the Bibles we now have lining our shelves and on our smartphones. Epic left me profoundly thankful to God for this gift and humbled by my own neglect of it.
For a history focused on objects, this book was not at all dry or boring. All the objects were windows into the lives of people. God has always worked out his purposes through humans—both those who zealously preached the gospel, and those who tried to suppress it.
Among my favourite chapters were, naturally, those relating to Christian figures and periods I was familiar with. I’ve read a biography of Amy Carmichael and some of her writings, so I loved the chapter about the plaques she had around her room. As an Australian, it was fascinating to read more about the Fleet Bible—especially as I got to meet Tim Challies on his trip out here.
But this book also introduced me to new stories. I was particularly moved by the account of Marie Durand’s tragic life. Despite all the pain and loss she suffered, Marie continued to trust steadfastly in God. She had the kind of courage that can only come from deeply loving Jesus Christ.
These objects are not just relics of a bygone age—they have lessons to teach us now. I found Epic a particularly encouraging book to read in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We stand in a history-defining moment, and most of us are facing constant uncertainty and anxiety. It was greatly comforting to be reminded that God has always worked out his purposes even through tragedy and suffering. Nothing can stop him from saving people through the gospel; not persecution or heresy or pestilence. After reading Epic I came away agreeing with Challies: “If I learned anything from my journey around the world, it’s the simple truth that the Lord is always at work” (p. 94). God has proved this through history, so I can keep trusting him now.
I encourage you to pick up this book that left me feeling hopeful in a time of crisis. I’m sure I’ll return to this treasure-trove time and time again to be reminded of what God has always been doing in the world.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
The Christian faith has a rich and complex history. Countless books are dedicated to giving readers an overview of this history or diving into particular parts of it. Tim Challies makes a unique contribution with his new book Epic.
He invites us to join him on this fascinating quest, travelling the globe to explore 33 objects which help tell the story of our faith. An accompanying documentary was produced as well, but so far I’ve only read the book. Challies tells us his purpose in the introduction: “Together we will listen to these voices of the past tell us the epic story of what God has done and continues to do in our world today.” (p. 9)
The objects Challies has selected to tell this story are strikingly varied—everything from a towering statue to a small water jug. He treks to every continent (except Antarctica) and traces two thousand years of history. We dive into the colourful lives of preachers, martyrs, and prisoners.
But despite the variation in these objects, they tell a cohesive story. Certain themes emerge time and time again. For example, by exploring several different editions and fragments of the Bible we see how God worked throughout history to preserve his Word. He used believers who suffered greatly to give us access to the Bibles we now have lining our shelves and on our smartphones. Epic left me profoundly thankful to God for this gift and humbled by my own neglect of it.
For a history focused on objects, this book was not at all dry or boring. All the objects were windows into the lives of people. God has always worked out his purposes through humans—both those who zealously preached the gospel, and those who tried to suppress it.
Among my favourite chapters were, naturally, those relating to Christian figures and periods I was familiar with. I’ve read a biography of Amy Carmichael and some of her writings, so I loved the chapter about the plaques she had around her room. As an Australian, it was fascinating to read more about the Fleet Bible—especially as I got to meet Tim Challies on his trip out here.
But this book also introduced me to new stories. I was particularly moved by the account of Marie Durand’s tragic life. Despite all the pain and loss she suffered, Marie continued to trust steadfastly in God. She had the kind of courage that can only come from deeply loving Jesus Christ.
These objects are not just relics of a bygone age—they have lessons to teach us now. I found Epic a particularly encouraging book to read in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We stand in a history-defining moment, and most of us are facing constant uncertainty and anxiety. It was greatly comforting to be reminded that God has always worked out his purposes even through tragedy and suffering. Nothing can stop him from saving people through the gospel; not persecution or heresy or pestilence. After reading Epic I came away agreeing with Challies: “If I learned anything from my journey around the world, it’s the simple truth that the Lord is always at work” (p. 94). God has proved this through history, so I can keep trusting him now.
I encourage you to pick up this book that left me feeling hopeful in a time of crisis. I’m sure I’ll return to this treasure-trove time and time again to be reminded of what God has always been doing in the world.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
June 11, 2020
Objects tell a story.
An old low German Bible, pieces of sea glass, and an arrow head; Tanzanian fabric that hang as curtains, a small Zanzibari wood chest, a stuffie that slept with my daughter all three months we were in hospital. These objects sit on my shelves and around my home, reminding me of people, of seasons in my life and lessons I've learned along the way.
These are pieces of my history, my family's history.
There are tangible historical objects available for us to view in museums across the world. They too act as pieces of remembrance, teaching us how history has shaped the world today.
Tim Challies embarked on a project to “travel the world to search for historical objects that tell the story of Christianity.”
He ventured to 5 continents, visiting museums, buildings, meeting with various people along the way, to tell us “the epic story of what God has done and continues to do in our world today.”
Many of these objects I may never have known existed, or wouldn’t have thought twice about. From the Augusta Prima Porta statue in Rome, Thomas Cranmer’s Shackle in England, to David Livingstone’s Writing Box in Zambia, Challies takes us across the world to discover these objects, and the stories that they leave behind for believers today.
These objects remind us of 5 stories that we hear, both in Scripture and through history:
1. God Preserves His Word
We see through the Book of Kells, the Gutenberg Bible, Erasmus’s New Testament, and the Tyndale Bible, the great care God has taken to preserve His Word through the generations. We see how it has been translated, made widely available, and the cost it took for it to be available to us in this way. The last chapter of the book is about the YouVersion Bible app, which now puts Scripture at the fingertips of everyone with a smartphone. Challies reflects,
"we are reminded that you and I are Christians today only because God has preserved his Word, the Bible."
What an amazing privilege we have as believers, to carry God's Word with us. May we be people whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2).
2. Faithful preaching of God’s Word
Revivals and reformation led by teaching true to the Word of God has spurred on the Christian faith over the centuries, shaping who we are and who we are becoming. The legacies of John Knox, John Calvin, Martin Luther and Billy Graham show us that great preachers have carried the message of the Gospel, sometimes through very difficult times, bearing fruit for His kingdom. We are reminded that,
“All God needs to carry out his work is a faithful believer who will faithfully preach his gospel”
Will we continue this legacy and be faithful to His Word, and faithful to carry its message in this time and this season?
3. Steadfastness in Suffering
Here's a story that we often find hard to face. The presence of suffering in our world. We need not look further than our Savior to recall that God's purposes are sometimes fulfilled in suffering. We see through the life of Marie Durand, Thomas Cranmer, John Bunyan and Nate Saint, that the willingness of God's people to suffer has the divine ability to further His kingdom work. Challies notes that,
“Because the gospel’s greatest advances often are met with the greatest suffering, it’s also a story of God sovereignly using suffering for his purposes and for the advance of his mission.”
May we reflect on the model of Christ, and the faithfulness of these believers in the midst of persecution and suffering, to trust God's purposes in our own lives and also be willing to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
4. Unity of Believers
Hymns that were written by John Wesley, generous gifts that were bestowed by a wealthy Countess, the blessings, talents and abilities God has given us prove a stark reminder of the unity among the church.
“Wesley’s simple organ reminded me that when I stand to sing and worship today, I do not stand alone.”
The Countess of Huntington gave very generously out of her wealth to support missions, evangelists and seminary students. The gifts God has given to us are meant to serve those around us, and through the lives of these, we recall the privilege to serve others with what we are given.
5. The Sobering Reality of Sin
By far the Slave Bible impacted me the most. I did not know that this object existed. That Christians would modify a Bible, in order to preserve their practice of slavery is a piece of Christian history that has left a legacy in much need of confession, repentance and reconciliation. Challies writes,
“Far from an object to celebrate, it’s a sober reminder of the lengths human beings will go to hide and cover their sin…it told me of the evils of slavery and the long legacy of this horrific practice within “Christian” nations. Knowing that this great evil was often perpetuated by those who called themselves after the name of Christ humbled me. Likewise, considering that many of those who disagreed with slavery remained silent rather than risk their reputation by speaking up humbled me. And the Slave Bible reminded me that Christians must teach and know and proclaim the whole counsel of God in every generation.”
Given the current events, it seems fitting to continue learning about this painful part of Christian history, to recognize what has happened in the past, and bend our knees before the Father. My unawareness of the slave bible somewhat proves a point, that my lack of understanding and knowledge about history leaves me ignorant to the grieving of generations before me, prodding a more intentional approach to listen and learn.
Conclusion
I thought this book was a very interesting read. I give it 5 stars. It is one I will come back to, and one I will read with my kids to help them discover different parts of the world and the believers who have gone before us to glorify God in their work, their suffering and their gifts.
This book will be of interest for the believer who wants to learn more about church history through a discovery of objects around the world. There are 33 chapters, each are short and manageable for a quick read. A video documentary was also put together, which you can find at www.epicchristianhistory.com (the video on the trip to India was free to watch click here).
If you’re already intrigued and want to find out more, here’s an article and trailer at his blog and the link to Amazon!
These tangible pieces of history represent the work of God in the world, spanning continents, crossing cultures and enduring through chaos.
How does the epic story of what God has done, impact you today?
Thanks to Zondervan and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy of this book, and the opportunity to post an honest review!
#EpicanaroundtheWorldJourneyThroughChristianHistory #netgalley #bookreview #bibliophile
An old low German Bible, pieces of sea glass, and an arrow head; Tanzanian fabric that hang as curtains, a small Zanzibari wood chest, a stuffie that slept with my daughter all three months we were in hospital. These objects sit on my shelves and around my home, reminding me of people, of seasons in my life and lessons I've learned along the way.
These are pieces of my history, my family's history.
There are tangible historical objects available for us to view in museums across the world. They too act as pieces of remembrance, teaching us how history has shaped the world today.
Tim Challies embarked on a project to “travel the world to search for historical objects that tell the story of Christianity.”
He ventured to 5 continents, visiting museums, buildings, meeting with various people along the way, to tell us “the epic story of what God has done and continues to do in our world today.”
Many of these objects I may never have known existed, or wouldn’t have thought twice about. From the Augusta Prima Porta statue in Rome, Thomas Cranmer’s Shackle in England, to David Livingstone’s Writing Box in Zambia, Challies takes us across the world to discover these objects, and the stories that they leave behind for believers today.
These objects remind us of 5 stories that we hear, both in Scripture and through history:
1. God Preserves His Word
We see through the Book of Kells, the Gutenberg Bible, Erasmus’s New Testament, and the Tyndale Bible, the great care God has taken to preserve His Word through the generations. We see how it has been translated, made widely available, and the cost it took for it to be available to us in this way. The last chapter of the book is about the YouVersion Bible app, which now puts Scripture at the fingertips of everyone with a smartphone. Challies reflects,
"we are reminded that you and I are Christians today only because God has preserved his Word, the Bible."
What an amazing privilege we have as believers, to carry God's Word with us. May we be people whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2).
2. Faithful preaching of God’s Word
Revivals and reformation led by teaching true to the Word of God has spurred on the Christian faith over the centuries, shaping who we are and who we are becoming. The legacies of John Knox, John Calvin, Martin Luther and Billy Graham show us that great preachers have carried the message of the Gospel, sometimes through very difficult times, bearing fruit for His kingdom. We are reminded that,
“All God needs to carry out his work is a faithful believer who will faithfully preach his gospel”
Will we continue this legacy and be faithful to His Word, and faithful to carry its message in this time and this season?
3. Steadfastness in Suffering
Here's a story that we often find hard to face. The presence of suffering in our world. We need not look further than our Savior to recall that God's purposes are sometimes fulfilled in suffering. We see through the life of Marie Durand, Thomas Cranmer, John Bunyan and Nate Saint, that the willingness of God's people to suffer has the divine ability to further His kingdom work. Challies notes that,
“Because the gospel’s greatest advances often are met with the greatest suffering, it’s also a story of God sovereignly using suffering for his purposes and for the advance of his mission.”
May we reflect on the model of Christ, and the faithfulness of these believers in the midst of persecution and suffering, to trust God's purposes in our own lives and also be willing to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
4. Unity of Believers
Hymns that were written by John Wesley, generous gifts that were bestowed by a wealthy Countess, the blessings, talents and abilities God has given us prove a stark reminder of the unity among the church.
“Wesley’s simple organ reminded me that when I stand to sing and worship today, I do not stand alone.”
The Countess of Huntington gave very generously out of her wealth to support missions, evangelists and seminary students. The gifts God has given to us are meant to serve those around us, and through the lives of these, we recall the privilege to serve others with what we are given.
5. The Sobering Reality of Sin
By far the Slave Bible impacted me the most. I did not know that this object existed. That Christians would modify a Bible, in order to preserve their practice of slavery is a piece of Christian history that has left a legacy in much need of confession, repentance and reconciliation. Challies writes,
“Far from an object to celebrate, it’s a sober reminder of the lengths human beings will go to hide and cover their sin…it told me of the evils of slavery and the long legacy of this horrific practice within “Christian” nations. Knowing that this great evil was often perpetuated by those who called themselves after the name of Christ humbled me. Likewise, considering that many of those who disagreed with slavery remained silent rather than risk their reputation by speaking up humbled me. And the Slave Bible reminded me that Christians must teach and know and proclaim the whole counsel of God in every generation.”
Given the current events, it seems fitting to continue learning about this painful part of Christian history, to recognize what has happened in the past, and bend our knees before the Father. My unawareness of the slave bible somewhat proves a point, that my lack of understanding and knowledge about history leaves me ignorant to the grieving of generations before me, prodding a more intentional approach to listen and learn.
Conclusion
I thought this book was a very interesting read. I give it 5 stars. It is one I will come back to, and one I will read with my kids to help them discover different parts of the world and the believers who have gone before us to glorify God in their work, their suffering and their gifts.
This book will be of interest for the believer who wants to learn more about church history through a discovery of objects around the world. There are 33 chapters, each are short and manageable for a quick read. A video documentary was also put together, which you can find at www.epicchristianhistory.com (the video on the trip to India was free to watch click here).
If you’re already intrigued and want to find out more, here’s an article and trailer at his blog and the link to Amazon!
These tangible pieces of history represent the work of God in the world, spanning continents, crossing cultures and enduring through chaos.
How does the epic story of what God has done, impact you today?
Thanks to Zondervan and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy of this book, and the opportunity to post an honest review!
#EpicanaroundtheWorldJourneyThroughChristianHistory #netgalley #bookreview #bibliophile
February 1, 2024
A great overview of Christian history through the eyes of historical artifacts. This book feels under-appreciated- a fantastic and creative take on the history of our church! Would have loved a few more chapters on pre-reformation history.
March 8, 2023
This was really fun! I enjoy learning about history through the artifacts left behind. On a total random note, both my son and my husband referenced pieces I’d just read about at different times. It was kind of fun to say I knew just what they were talking about!
February 8, 2023
An look at various objects from various time periods and continents that tell a story about important events in church history. Also tells the story of the author's travels to see the artefacts. Everything from the Pilate Stone to the Youversion Bible app. Excellent introduction to many important events and time periods told in an educational and inspirational way. Makes the reader want to study more, and to emulate the historical figures. Will be recommending this to those wanting a wide and simple introuction to church history.
December 9, 2023
A unique yet interesting approach to telling the story of Christianity's progress. Read this book and watch the corresponding documentary.
August 18, 2021
This is a great introduction to church history for those who want to learn more but feel overwhelmed with where to start. Highly recommend and I'm looking forward to watching the documentary series made a it.
**My only criticism is that Lady Jane Grey was skipped over completely in the history recitation despite one of her artifacts being mentioned earlier in the book.
**My only criticism is that Lady Jane Grey was skipped over completely in the history recitation despite one of her artifacts being mentioned earlier in the book.
February 18, 2022
I love to read about travel, but this book is the best kind of travel log. Tim Challies takes the reader on a fast paced trip all over the world to places where 32 significant objects are found. Each tells a fascinating part of Christian History. Challies writes beautifully about each object and helps the reader see, understand and relish the importance.
I loved especially reading about John Bunyan's jug, Marie Durand's inscription, Jonathan Edwards's lazy susan desk (Now I want one!), and Brookes slave ship model.
I loved especially reading about John Bunyan's jug, Marie Durand's inscription, Jonathan Edwards's lazy susan desk (Now I want one!), and Brookes slave ship model.
October 29, 2024
This was a fantastic book going through church history and the significant impact different preachers, theologians, etc have had on the Christian faith.
April 26, 2020
Though he travels the globe it's often to follow the white people to those countries. Where are the Asian, African, South American, etc heroes of the faith? I feel like this book (and many like books) are missing huge chucks of history. I want to know. Loved that he included dark points in christian history as a reminder to never repeat the very wrongs of the past.
The stories that are included are interesting and encouraging. God is incredible and he shines through all history.
The stories that are included are interesting and encouraging. God is incredible and he shines through all history.
December 22, 2023
This is a neat little jaunt into Christian history. The format of artifacts across time is an interesting one, though each point is given a pretty short amount of time to shine.
My only gripe with the book is that it falls into the all-too-common Protestant trap of acting like nothing worth talking about really exists between Nicea and Wycliffe. Though I'm sure the author believes no such thing, it's always a bother when otherwise solid authors pay short shrift to the saints who lived in the 5th-13th centuries. That's 40% of the time the church has existed! If you are a student of history, especially church history, you will probably learn very little from this book specifically, and I would recommend some other in its ilk.
My only gripe with the book is that it falls into the all-too-common Protestant trap of acting like nothing worth talking about really exists between Nicea and Wycliffe. Though I'm sure the author believes no such thing, it's always a bother when otherwise solid authors pay short shrift to the saints who lived in the 5th-13th centuries. That's 40% of the time the church has existed! If you are a student of history, especially church history, you will probably learn very little from this book specifically, and I would recommend some other in its ilk.
May 22, 2021
After reading Jesus and John Wayne, this was a refresher on some of the good that the church has done. I know our history is a mixed bag and I’m not trying to deny that, but it is nice to see the consistently earnest Tim Challies celebrating the spread of the good news of Jesus across the globe. I loved the premise of this book: some sponsors asked Challies to dream up a big project, and he had already planned out this epic around the world journey to see the artifacts of the spread of Christianity just the day before. So they offered him the funds to send him packing, with a photographer, in order to tell the story. I plan to watch the video series with my kids this summer. Read it for the unique glimpse of church history, knowing there’s a great deal more to the story and knowing the kind of writing you can expect from Challies if you’ve ever read his blog: earnest, plain language.
May 22, 2021
This was a really fun listen, and I ended up getting a copy of the book as well so that I could check out the corresponding pictures to go in line with what (so far) I've only imagined.
It's definitely short (only a 5-ish hour listen), and includes only a handful of items significant to Christianity (so is by no means comprehensive). I thought it really does serve as a great stepping stone to pursue the topic further; there are indeed so many significant objects out there, it can be hard to know where to begin! We all have our own niche interests and things we'd like to read more about, amirite? So - let this be your kickstarter to pursuing those.
It's definitely short (only a 5-ish hour listen), and includes only a handful of items significant to Christianity (so is by no means comprehensive). I thought it really does serve as a great stepping stone to pursue the topic further; there are indeed so many significant objects out there, it can be hard to know where to begin! We all have our own niche interests and things we'd like to read more about, amirite? So - let this be your kickstarter to pursuing those.
July 13, 2020
Kind of a scattershot historical survey of Christianity told through 33 objects. A fun idea and I’m sure it made for a great globetrotting trip. This book cannot substitute for a more comprehensive history, but it is still interesting. Apparently there is a video documentary too, which I will now need to find.
One of the chapters is about the Oral Roberts’ statue of praying hands in front of the City of Faith towers. This was supposed to be a hospital, but it quickly went bankrupt, so the statue was then moved to the ORU entrance. Challies appropriately uses this chapter to explain and then slam the heresy that is the Prosperity Gospel. Ouch.
One of the chapters is about the Oral Roberts’ statue of praying hands in front of the City of Faith towers. This was supposed to be a hospital, but it quickly went bankrupt, so the statue was then moved to the ORU entrance. Challies appropriately uses this chapter to explain and then slam the heresy that is the Prosperity Gospel. Ouch.
May 20, 2020
First sentence: It began with a breakfast.
Epic: An Around the World Journey Through Christian History chronicles the Tim Challies' global travels as he seeks to tell the history of the Christian faith through objects. It is a journey that would see him travel in 24 countries, six continents, and eighty museums. Each object gets its own chapter. Chapters cover his travels, his experiences, his reasons for selection, and why he believes it contributes significantly to the epic story that is Christianity.
He writes, " My focus for this journey was on historical objects, not buildings or locations. I also wanted to avoid statues, markers, and memorials that had been constructed after the fact. I wanted to focus on original, historical artifacts. I also wanted to focus on objects that are available to the public, not locked away in archives and available only to scholars or researchers."
Other objects are included almost as asides that don't quite meet all the above perimeters.
I would recommend this one to those that love to travel, to do research, to study history.
Epic: An Around the World Journey Through Christian History chronicles the Tim Challies' global travels as he seeks to tell the history of the Christian faith through objects. It is a journey that would see him travel in 24 countries, six continents, and eighty museums. Each object gets its own chapter. Chapters cover his travels, his experiences, his reasons for selection, and why he believes it contributes significantly to the epic story that is Christianity.
He writes, " My focus for this journey was on historical objects, not buildings or locations. I also wanted to avoid statues, markers, and memorials that had been constructed after the fact. I wanted to focus on original, historical artifacts. I also wanted to focus on objects that are available to the public, not locked away in archives and available only to scholars or researchers."
Other objects are included almost as asides that don't quite meet all the above perimeters.
I would recommend this one to those that love to travel, to do research, to study history.
July 24, 2023
This book was mostly more interesting than educational. It follows Tim Challies on a global journey, using objects belonging to influential Christians throughout history as the basis for each chapter. If you’re looking to dive into church history, I would recommend Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelly. If you love traveling and/or short anecdotes about historic influential Christians, you’ll love this book.
November 12, 2020
Learn about Christian History by looking at a different item in each chapter. While you may be familiar with several items already, this book will bring more details and some surprises.
My favorite part of the book was reading about missionaries that I knew (and had met) as well as a place I'd been. It brought history into my living room.
My favorite part of the book was reading about missionaries that I knew (and had met) as well as a place I'd been. It brought history into my living room.
May 17, 2020
The content of this book is great!!! Although I was a little disappointed with the pictures!! I wanted more and bigger pictures. But reading the story of Christianity from the first century until today was amazing! Love it! Thanks to this great author.
July 12, 2022
Such a good and unique book exploring Christian history through 33 objects.
April 16, 2025
Very basic overview of church history, easy to follow, well-written!
March 18, 2021
Such an interesting concept, a trip around the world to see objects that verify the lives or events of Christianity. This is a great book for lovers of facts, tidbits really.
June 11, 2024
Fascinating! I learned so much about Christian history and it makes me want to learn more!
May 28, 2024
This book was amazing! Being able to learn about Christian history throughout the world was incredible. It opened my eyes to the bravery and faith of my brothers and sisters in Christ.
April 2, 2020
A Book about Church History. I had the privilege of purchasing a copy of "Epic" at a conference this year, so have been able to read it in its entirety prior to release. In my mind, this shines over other introductions to church history for three reasons.
First, the book is based on Tim's travels, which allows him to present history in a fresh and compelling way. "Epic" is the result of visits to 24 different countries and 80 museums around the world. The book condenses all of that down to 33 objects that, when taken together, provide a broad overview of church history. Because the stories are told through actual objects, this book feels alive where others seem dry. Challies is not trying to sound academic; he is trying to bring history alive through his encounters with these different historical objects.
Second, the book is formatted around beautiful photos that allow us to not just read the history, but to see it. Some of the photos are clearly taken by Tim and crew, while others are credited to third parties. Regardless, the balance between text and image is perfect in my opinion. "Epic" reflects the same quality paper, graphic design, and visual presentation as the "Visual Theology" series Challies has also put together.
Third, the ultimate goal of the book is not solely to teach us history, but to show is the faithfulness of God through history. As we move through the chronology of the book, from Augustus in the first century to the YouVersion app today, Challies provides more than facts; he shows us how God has been at work in history, and how He is still at work today.
As I read, I was moved by the story behind Marie Durand's inscription. I laughed at the comments Charles Spurgeon wrote in his personal books. I sat in awe at the retelling of Thomas Cranmer's execution. But more than that, in all 33 objects, I was reminded of this immense truth: God has been at work, and He still is today. For that alone, this journey is "Epic" indeed.
First, the book is based on Tim's travels, which allows him to present history in a fresh and compelling way. "Epic" is the result of visits to 24 different countries and 80 museums around the world. The book condenses all of that down to 33 objects that, when taken together, provide a broad overview of church history. Because the stories are told through actual objects, this book feels alive where others seem dry. Challies is not trying to sound academic; he is trying to bring history alive through his encounters with these different historical objects.
Second, the book is formatted around beautiful photos that allow us to not just read the history, but to see it. Some of the photos are clearly taken by Tim and crew, while others are credited to third parties. Regardless, the balance between text and image is perfect in my opinion. "Epic" reflects the same quality paper, graphic design, and visual presentation as the "Visual Theology" series Challies has also put together.
Third, the ultimate goal of the book is not solely to teach us history, but to show is the faithfulness of God through history. As we move through the chronology of the book, from Augustus in the first century to the YouVersion app today, Challies provides more than facts; he shows us how God has been at work in history, and how He is still at work today.
As I read, I was moved by the story behind Marie Durand's inscription. I laughed at the comments Charles Spurgeon wrote in his personal books. I sat in awe at the retelling of Thomas Cranmer's execution. But more than that, in all 33 objects, I was reminded of this immense truth: God has been at work, and He still is today. For that alone, this journey is "Epic" indeed.
August 23, 2021
I like Tim Challies' blog, and have been greatly blessed and challenged by many of his articles. So, I wanted to like this book, but it ended up being "it's ok."
The whole book is based on a personal project. Tim says, "I had felt a deep longing to explore the roots of my Christian faith. I had wanted to experience the places where significant events in the history of Christianity had occurred, to see and hear and touch the objects that continued to serve as reminders of these pivotal moments and key characters."
He then writes, "I love to read history, and I had devoured more books than I could count, looking for answers to my questions. For this project I wanted to do more than read. I wanted to go. I wanted to explore. I wanted to experience it myself. To see where these people had lived. To experience what it was like to stand where they stood. … I wanted to 'experience' the history of Christianity."
And herein lies the shortcoming. This was an excellent project for Tim Challies. He got to see and hear and touch the objects. He got to "experience" the history, but once it is passed on to the reader, it is just another book.
He also says, "My focus for this journey was on historical objects, not buildings or locations. I also wanted to avoid statues, markers and memorials that had been constructed after the fact. I wanted to focus on original, historical artifacts. I also wanted to focus on objects that are available to the public, not locked away in archives and available only to scholars or researchers."
Having such a narrow focus makes this project something that would be more easily repeatable for others who might want to retrace his steps as part of their own journey to experience the history. However, as a book it comes across as a pieced together collection of random objects.
So in the end, it was fine. I learned a number of interesting facts about the objects covered. I might try to check out some of them if I'm ever in the area, so that I too can experience the history for myself.
The whole book is based on a personal project. Tim says, "I had felt a deep longing to explore the roots of my Christian faith. I had wanted to experience the places where significant events in the history of Christianity had occurred, to see and hear and touch the objects that continued to serve as reminders of these pivotal moments and key characters."
He then writes, "I love to read history, and I had devoured more books than I could count, looking for answers to my questions. For this project I wanted to do more than read. I wanted to go. I wanted to explore. I wanted to experience it myself. To see where these people had lived. To experience what it was like to stand where they stood. … I wanted to 'experience' the history of Christianity."
And herein lies the shortcoming. This was an excellent project for Tim Challies. He got to see and hear and touch the objects. He got to "experience" the history, but once it is passed on to the reader, it is just another book.
He also says, "My focus for this journey was on historical objects, not buildings or locations. I also wanted to avoid statues, markers and memorials that had been constructed after the fact. I wanted to focus on original, historical artifacts. I also wanted to focus on objects that are available to the public, not locked away in archives and available only to scholars or researchers."
Having such a narrow focus makes this project something that would be more easily repeatable for others who might want to retrace his steps as part of their own journey to experience the history. However, as a book it comes across as a pieced together collection of random objects.
So in the end, it was fine. I learned a number of interesting facts about the objects covered. I might try to check out some of them if I'm ever in the area, so that I too can experience the history for myself.
April 6, 2020
A great intro to church history.
March 1, 2021
My daughter made the bold decision to buy me a book for Christmas, unsure that it would be something that a. I hadn't already read and b. I would want to read/enjoy. The first was not a problem nor the second in general. I had problems with it in some ways but was certainly intrigued enough to get through it. The problems: 1. The historical bias is weighted massively to recent centuries - I would have preferred more about early Christian artifacts since this period is less well known; 2. The focus is overly Protestant/reformed (related to the first) - which gives the impression that the rest doesn't count; 3. Relicism - the veneration of saints artifacts is strangely like a Catholic practise Protestants protested; 4. Benefactor sponsored globetrotting - while I assume the trips didn't take place as written, there was a lot of travel involved for information and photos which are mostly available online.
There is some attempt to recognize the global church, particularly the efforts of modern missions. In a book of such brevity, this is unlikely to capture everything, but the omissions left me wondering what else was sacrificed for the sake of the message it was targeting. Did certain parts not make the cut because the funding body wouldn't have approved (or constrained the scope from the outset)? The book does touch on many positives elements in Christian history, which are significant for the modern church and perhaps beyond, and encourages a more detailed look at these elements than a non-artifact history would touch on. Perhaps some of these will prove more useful in time than they have on first reading.
There is some attempt to recognize the global church, particularly the efforts of modern missions. In a book of such brevity, this is unlikely to capture everything, but the omissions left me wondering what else was sacrificed for the sake of the message it was targeting. Did certain parts not make the cut because the funding body wouldn't have approved (or constrained the scope from the outset)? The book does touch on many positives elements in Christian history, which are significant for the modern church and perhaps beyond, and encourages a more detailed look at these elements than a non-artifact history would touch on. Perhaps some of these will prove more useful in time than they have on first reading.
May 7, 2020
The author is more tourist than historian. The more you like his style, the more you will enjoy this book. I found it too wordy; each section could have been significantly shorter. I will say that there were some awesome highlights within the book. I learned plenty and have been inspired to learn more about a few people and stories within the book. Be advised that, even with a trip “around the world,“ this is a very Western-centric book.
August 2, 2020
I really wanted to like this book more and tried throughout the reading. Most of the connections to each artifact felt forced and the discussion of each, and the stories of the people behind them, was far to brief. I was also bothered by a sense of relic worship that Catholics tend towards and could never shake that uneasiness.
There were a few useful pieces of Christian history I relearned and it has spurred me to revisit some of the lives of past Christian leaders. For that I am thankful.
There were a few useful pieces of Christian history I relearned and it has spurred me to revisit some of the lives of past Christian leaders. For that I am thankful.
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