Customer Reviews

Epic: The Story God Is Telling and the Role That Is Yours to Play

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've read a few of the other reviews here, a couple of which claim Eldredge is weak on the doctrine of the sinfulness of man. I've read this book now, as well as his other titles. I just don't see that problem with his writings. He does speak of the depravity of man, and how Christ is our only hope.

I admire how Eldredge takes the Christian message and makes it so culturally relevant. He doesn't change the content of the message, only the way in which it is conveyed. He uses life experiences with which most people can identify. He also is obviously a movie buff, using many scenes from Hollywood classics to illustrate his points.

Eldredge doesn't offer lofty theology, nor does he offer nuts and bolts advice on Christian living. He falls somewhere in the middle of the two, communicating timeless spiritual truths to the heart. I enjoy his work, and recommend it to any Christian who wants a bit of refreshment in his/her devotional life.

The book Epic by John Eldridge portrays a wonderful message for both believers and non-believers. We are in the midst of a grand story. Our sufferings on earth are not idly received. Eldridge refutes his points very effectively through both Bible verses and quotes from popular stories, eg. The Chronicles of Narnia (of which I am a huge fan), Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, the list goes on. I believe that he quotes Lewis the most and how could you go wrong when quoting the works of C.S. Lewis who wrote as a devout Christian with great messages in his works. This is a book that helps you stop and realize some things about the life we live, and provides a lot to think about throughout the day. And anything that causes us to think about the things of God during the day is a good thing in my book. I love this book because it reminds us of the reason we're here, the battle we must fight, and the reason we fight it. Read this book and the rest of Eldridge's work.

Ok, so a lot of books bring tears to my eyes, but it seemed the best way to describe Eldredge's latest book. It is so easy to get mired down in the hassles and headaches of daily living, and Eldredge lifts up our eyes to the much bigger story, the Epic that God has been writing since time began. No, it won't win any awards on brilliance of systematic theology, but it is beautiful, inspiring, highly recommended devotional reading.

Upon beginning to read Eldredge's latest book, I found myself with a knife in one hand, a razor in the other, ready to cut, shred, slice and dice my way through--what I had falsely believed-- was going to be another milquetoast, week-kneed "inspirational" piece of nonsense foisted upon the unsuspecting masses. How very wrong my initial perceptions were! Rather than cutting and ripping my way through this book, I found my self pleasantly delighted by each wonderful page. I can honestly say that this is the best little book I've read in the past year.

What is it about certain stories that capture the imagination and adoration of so many people? Just in the past fifty years or so, we have had the great pleasure of being blessed with many wonderful stories, both in book and film, like "The Lord of the Rings," "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Star Wars," "The Matrix," "Titanic" and a host of others. Something about these films and stories spoke to us on a deep, emotional level, bypassing our analytical minds and moving upon us in a genuinely spiritual fashion. Eldredge has discovered the common theme that unites all these wonderful stories, and shows us how they all are very similar to the Greatest Story Ever Told.

Could it be that all these famous, well known stories have become so popular because there is something in us that wants, or possibly even knows that they are true? Whether it be the heroics displayed upon the decks of the sinking Titanic, or the courageousness of two lonely little hobbits trekking across forlorn lands to destroy ultimate evil, there is something about those stories that we wish were true for ourselves. But what if these stories could, in fact, be speaking of a reality that is available for us? Is it possible that we too could live "happily ever after" upon completion of a heroic deed? The surprising but honest answer Eldredge gives us is a resounding "yes."

The ultimate story of all history is that of the God/man Jesus. Here is a man who lived a simple, but powerful life. He was a champion and a friend to many, and a bitter enemy and a thorn in the side of a few. But those few were the power-brokers of the day, and decided it would be convenient to do away with this miracle worker who so rudely upset their conscience. But the miracle worker, so quickly and violently put to death, had one last message he wanted to deliver before he left this planet: death is NOT the end, but the beginning of Real Life.

Eldredge correctly points out that films like "Titanic" and "Gladiator" succeed because they plainly show that there is life after death, there is a happy ending no matter the tragedy. Isn't that what we long for, hope for, pray for? Our lives are not just meaningless little accidents that are the results of random chemical reactions, but we are here for a purpose, not matter how wonderful or horrible the circumstances around us. But the purpose does not reach it's ultimate fulfillment until we've reconciled with the Son of God.

In this short, six chapter book, Eldredge presents us with God's plan of salvation. But though he quotes from the Bible where appropriate, the book never, ever becomes one of those dry, dull theological treatments that read more like a recipe for meatloaf than an introduction to the living God. Theological terminology has been banned from this book, and it is all the better for it. Rather than aiming at the brain, Eldredge correctly and expertly aims at the heart, and hits the bulls-eye page after page. This book is the finest gospel presentation I've ever come across in my many years of Christianity.

But there is a group who will hate this gem of a book, who will easily find tremendous fault with it. They would be the modern Pharisees of today, the holier-than-thou religious folk who can't stand a presentation of Jesus that can't be read without a theological dictionary in one hand and a King James Bible in the other. Poor folks, they will be greatly missed (not!)

If I could, I'd give "Epic" one hundred stars. Five just isn't enough.

I first saw the DVD, which I recommend watching first and using the book to supplement. Eldredge offers three versions in DVD set--a short 37 minute version, an hour long version, and a small group study version that is just over 1 1/2 hours with commentaries if you watch all 6 parts at once. I highly HIGHLY recommend that the first time you watch it, you go ahead and commit to watching the study version all the way through in one sitting. I got several life-changing insights and they keep coming. After seeing the DVD, I wanted more and read the book. While the book doesn't have quite the same impact, it does offer a little more information.

I've been a Christian for 30 of my 36 years and this DVD (and book) impacted me more than any sermon I've heard.

The Prologue sets up the format. He presents the gospel as an epic--a story and gives us a larger view of Christianity and where we fit into it. It's SOOO not all about us, yet we are a valuable part of it, we have our role to play.

The first "Act" is Eternal Love. It made me see God's nature more clearly. Yes, God is love, as we have all heard. But understanding the Trinity love relationship helped lay a foundation for the overall insight of We can trust the heart of God. That we are invited into something good that already exists and offers a sense of belonging to something greater.

The second act "Entrance of Evil" reminded me that sometimes I forget and see the world (and thus God)as if there weren't a villian. I also see how his biggest lie (You can't trust the heart of God) was being perpetuated long before creation. It was effective with the fallen angels and I fall prey to it sometimes myself.

The third act is where creation began and we currently are. I've heard (even occasionally taught) that God loves me innumerable times. While I knew in my head that this was unmistakeably true, I never experienced it like I did because of this. "The Passion of Christ" gave me a glimmer, but this much, much more so. The way Eldridge describes creation and us made in the Trinity's likeness (an echo) made me feel Psalms 139:13 like never before. I've struggled with feeling valuable and this insight offered a sense of security I've had a difficult time obtaining. Despite what we do (the she-camel verse struck my very heart), God still melts for us and pursues us, without force. Christ's life and death somehow seem more real to me. With love like this, I can trust the heart of God.

Act four talks about Heaven. NOT the typical (unfortunately) view of heaven and endless (i.e. boring) worship and praisefests. (Yes, we will worship God, but not just through song and church services in the sky) This presents a biblical view of heaven that really does sound like heaven. You really need to hear this, it's inspiring and exhilirating.

The Epilogue wraps it up and reasserts our place in the epic.

There isn't any way to convey all the ways or the degree how this DVD (and book) moved me and changed me. It's still happening. I find myself coming back to it again and again. I know Eldredge has written for men, I'm a woman and I don't think this is targeted just for men at all. I think it will speak most strongly to those who enjoy reading and movies a little more, just because he references so many. Each reference, if you're familiar with it, can evoke a feeling or situation in an instant that only adds to the message he is conveying. However, you don't have to know all the references to get an amazing amount out of it.

John Eldredge does a dynamic job of bringing to light something that so many people miss. So many separate our God and His ways so far out of the secular culture, failing to recognize the symbolic significance of even the most pagan practices and festivals. Knowingly or unknowingly they all point to the True Light of the world...to the truth that is far above men's ways.

God's story (and ours!) is being told in powerful ways by His enemies (yes, even!) and His friends. What a wonderful, fresh understanding John reveals in this books! But should we be surprised?

Highly recommended!

Nothing has been more helpful to my personal and spiritual life than understanding that my life is a small part (but a crucial part) in an ancient story, a grand drama, an EPIC! And John Eldredge paints a portrait of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in words that makes my soul soar and causes the deep desires of my heart to come to the surface where I realize everything my heart truly loves is found in being caught up in something, more specifically, Someone much bigger than myself. I encourage everyone who has ever cried during a movie, or found themselves wanting to jump off the couch and go do something during their favorite film to read this book and let your heart be moved by the most adventurous, dangerous, emotionally gripping story ever told, the great story that all other good stories borrow from. At the heart of it all, you'll find the Hero all of us have ever wished we could know and wanted to be like.

I bought this book yesterday and read it last night. John Eldredge has a way of saying things that gets under your skin and into your heart and mind. I have no doubt that God empowers his writing and makes it stick in the heart and mind as it does. John is encouraging us to live in a larger story, the story that is about God with us as major characters, if we will take on those roles. Most of us are afraid of our Glory and afraid of taking a larger role; Eldredge encourages us to do so.

Since I teach literature, I just love the premise of this book - that we were all dropped into an ongoing story. The reason that we are attracted to good literature is because God designed us that way. (Oh, thank goodness, no more guilt for reading a good book even when the bathroom needs cleaning.) Good literature parallels God's story for our own lives: fellowships, villains, struggles, romance, victory, and a hero who saves us just in the nick of time! Eldredge's book allows the reader to see his seemingly "normal" life in light of the plot God dropped us into. A fun and quick book to read.

I just completed teaching a Sunday School class using John Elderidge's Epic along with the DVD as a curriculum. The class was a cross generational men's group.

I must admit I was somewhat concerned about how this material would be received by the over 60 age group. My fears were unnecessay. The Epic served as a springboard for many good discussions. We discussed everything from relationships to the meaning of life. (You do encounter these topics when you ponder your role in the "Big" story.)

I was really blessed by the insights expressed by our group and came away with a greater appreciation for my seniors. The Epic also appealed to the younger members who could more easily relate to the media connections.

As some of the other reviews have pointed out, I agree that the Epic is not strongest work of scholarly theology. If this is your expectation then I would suggest you look elsewhere. If you are looking for a curriculum with broad appeal and is easy to teach this is just the ticket.