I often hear people say they don’t care much about history. There was a time when I would have said something similar. However, I eventually learned that my dislike for history was actually a dislike for boring history books. I had been scarred by reading dry textbooks that overwhelmed me with dates and facts without capturing the power of story.
History is filled with powerful and moving stories. We are inspired when 300 warriors fight off an entire army much longer than they should. We admire the bravery and sacrifice of those who would not deny their faith even as they are being burned at the stake. These stories don’t just fill our heads with facts, they capture our hearts. Finding a history book that captures the power of these stories can sometimes be a challenge.
This is where a book like Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History is different. Authored by Tim Challies, who is not only a student of history but a regular writer, Epic tells a story…the story of Christianity. It is a journey that examines thirty-three historical objects and their significance in church history. It provides pictures and is filled with interesting and helpful context. You will be confronted with both high points and low points in church history.
Epic is not written merely for academic scholars but is accessible to anyone who wants a broader understanding of how we got to where we are today.
How did the gospel spread so quickly in the first century? How accurate is our copy of the Bible? How did God use believers to abolish slavery in England? How did the modern missions movement begin? You will discover answers to these questions as you embark on this epic journey. Along the way, you’ll encounter familiar names like John Bunyan and Billy Graham. You will also read about lesser-known heroes of the faith such as Marie Durand and find out what she carved into the stone wall where she was imprisoned for 38 years.
Epic will be released on March 31st, but you can pre-order here. There is also a documentary series that is on sale if you pre-order. If you already love history, I highly recommend it. If you think you don’t like history, I encourage you to give it a read and see if you are not moved by the inspirational stories and the many ways God has worked to provide for his church for the past 2000 years!
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