Even those who have traveled widely may testify that they have not seen the range of Christian artifacts that Tim Challies presents in his book, Epic. The author describes the breakfast meeting where he was presented with the question, “If you could take on any project, and money was no object, what would you want to do?” His response? “I’d travel the world to search for historical objects that tell the story of Christianity.” Throughout the book, Challies describes the project from a viewpoint that reflects his awe of the experience. Statistics in the opening pages record travel encompassing more than twenty countries, 180,000 miles, and eighty museums over six continents.
Challies’s format makes the book an interesting option for readers across the gamut, from homeschool students to informed scholars. The written version of his adventure is described in thirty-three brief narratives and seven vignettes, each centered around a historical object.
The adventuresome approach of this book is reminiscent of Drive Through History without the antics, geared toward a wider audience. The chapters’ brief narratives follow more of a modern travelogue format than a historical continuum. Tim’s writing talent shows through in these chapters as stories of the items are told in summary fashion along with the author’s travel experience and some historical context. Even with the informative summaries, though, a reader may find it difficult to understand the significance of several objects without an understanding of the corresponding context. The stories are arranged in chronological order, and often cover nuances related to specific historical figures or events.
Epic
Follow Pastor Tim Challies in his journey across 6 continents, tracking down 33 key objects to tell the story of church history with tangible links to the past. The Epic story is also available as a lively documentary. Check out a free-to-stream episode on Challies's blog, in which he visits India to track down the history of missionaries William Carey and Amy Carmichael. (Zondervan, 2020)
For the scholar who has explored Christian history from multiple angles, the book presents a surprising collection of found items. And for the young student who is studying about a certain related figure in Christian history, this book presents artifacts that speak to the reality and the humanity of actual historic events. Because of the narrow focus of distinct objects—William Carey’s snuff box for instance—Epic lends itself as a companion volume to a basic Christian history book for those seeking an “untold story” within a larger historical setting. Many of the items are not primary icons representing a historical epoch or figure, but are interesting and significant, nonetheless.
Challies sticks close to the factual details of each object without using storytelling methods or imaginative conjecture, but he does mention that each relic speaks to history in a specific way. Instead of building the tension surrounding certain pieces—for example, picturing Calvin in his chair corresponding with and later condemning Dr. Michael Servetus—Challies chooses a main takeaway and application for each article, sometimes referencing scripture. He does not completely avoid controversy, however. His commentary on the Bonnie Brae house and on Oral Roberts’s praying hands clearly state his understandings of Pentecostalism and televangelists, respectively.
Above: The Alexamenos Graffito
Two of the most notable and moving chapters in the book are related to Christian persecution. Challies’s explanation of the Alexamenos Graffito—ancient graffiti that mocked both Jesus Christ and an early Christian named Alexamenos who worshiped Him—portrays a moving scenario illustrating difficulties Christians have faced since early times. A later picture of persecution comes to light through examination of the Slave Bible, a heavily edited version of the Holy Scriptures developed in the early 1800s that removed all references to slavery or the Exodus that might influence slaves to think independently of slave holders.
Challies footnotes his chapters well with links that encourage further investigation. The photos in the book beautifully illustrate the artifacts and are accompanied by unique graphic design. For the student, appendices containing a basic pictorial timeline linking items to major events/figures, a glossary, and discussion questions would optimize this book’s possibilities; I hope that these will be included in a second edition.
A reader of any age who explores Challies’s volume will find not only a wealth of discoveries, but see the frustrations of an investigative journalist and experience the breathless wonder of a time traveler. Tim Challies’s unique travelogue is thus a beneficial resource for the world traveler and the armchair historian alike.
Angela Unruh lives in Colorado with her husband Myron and six children. She holds an MDiv from Gateway Seminary and serves in women’s ministry at her local church. She has been a contributor to the “A Cup of Comfort” series, Pray! Magazine, and Clubhouse Magazine, among other publications. She loves baking, Bible study, and big hugs from her kids.