We don’t usually identify with the author of a great story. Instead we bond with the hero and heroine-the ones that the story is about. We share in their heartaches and triumphs. We cheer their accomplishments and mourn their losses.
When we think about our own story, we may see God as the author-an omniscient and omnipotent cosmic mastermind-but fail to recognize Him as the central character. In Epic, a retelling of the gospel in four acts, John Eldredge invites us to revisit the drama of life, viewing God not only as the author but also as the lead actor, exploring His motives and His heart. Eldredge examines the power of story, the universal longing for a "plot" that makes sense deep inside us, our desire for a meaningful role to play, our love of books and movies, and how all of this points us to the gospel itself.
It’s a story better than any fairy tale! Our human hearts are made for great drama, and the gospel, with its tragedy and grandeur, truly is epic. Also available as an unabridged audio on CD, as well as hardcover Spanish edition.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 19 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Lynn (Highgate Vt), September 27, 2009
We are currently using this and the DVD series with study guide for our youth group. It has been well received and is good for all spiritual levels in our group. Those new to Christ are seeing Him as their Hero and those who have been Christians for a long time are getting a new perspective and also an evangelistic tool to share Him. The teens and adults all relate to the idea of our lives being a story and that we have a part to play. It is not deep theology, but very meaningful.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by James Marshall (Fort Polk, LA), July 16, 2009
Excellent! Arrived quickly, in excellent shape, and just as described. The price was the best on the net.
3 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jeremy Larson (North Charleston, SC), June 19, 2009
I was very excited to get this book, and was only a little disappointed. As an English teacher and a Christian, I appreciated the emphasis on life as a story, and not only that, but also the metanarrative that we know is behind it all--there's purpose to our stories, despite trials.
There were three downsides to the book, the first two of which were very minor, but still a little distracting. The author focuses largely on his favorite movies/books and keeps repeating it throughout the book. After a while, it's like, "Yes, I know you Really like the Matrix movies...." Connected with the first downside is this: It was unclear whether he was promoting the Matrix and other movies as Christian, or just as items with Christian elements in them.
Finally, I disagree that dignity comes only when man has free will. It's a romantic notion that God leaves the final choice up to us, but ultimately that is hugely unsatisfying--to think that my eternal destination lies in my own weak and sinful hands.
For all of the negative comments I've made here, I really did appreciate the attempt to show God's providence in terms of a story that is unfolding.
0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Joy Oden (Beaumont, TX), May 11, 2009
This is a book I want to share with graduates to encourage them
that God is present with them as they move into a new stage of live.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by George Wagner (Marietta, GA), March 31, 2009
The best $2 book in the universe! The Christian love story told in modern terms. I ordered 15 to give to friends and my Bible class.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Wendi Wilkins (Northglenn, CO), February 10, 2009
Second only to the Bible, this book is FABULOUS! It so clearly tells, "The Story God is Telling", and I highly recommend it to everybody! It's so intriguing that I believe it appeals to atheists (to see if the "non-existent" God has a story worth knowing) all the way over to the very mature Christian.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Billie Myers (Brevard, NC), December 26, 2008
One of my all time favorites. I love how this book is written in story form and uses scenes from movies to help the reader to understand the gospel. The book is a very easy read and I think it really appeals to teens and twenty-somethings.
I have given out alot of these. The price makes it affordable to use as an evangelism tool.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Peggy Woods (Dothan, AL), December 15, 2008
Easy read little book stuffed full with wonderful fresh insights. We gave one to each of our Sunday school students.It has a unique way of reminding us of how great and awesome our God really is.
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