Epic - An Around the World Journey through Christian History
Through thirty-three objects, Tim Challies explores the history of what God is accomplishing in this world, whether through princes or peasants, triumph or trial. Each object offers a tangible link between the present and the past, between Christians of the twenty-first century and those who lived and died centuries past. Join us on the journey of a lifetime!
Episodes10
Israel & Italy
This first journey takes Tim to the ancient cities of Jerusalem and Rome, where so much of the Christian story begins. Here, Tim finds objects, including "Augustus of Prima Porta," the Pilate Stone, Alexamenos graffito, and "The Triumph of Faith Over Heresy" that help tell the story of the founding of the Christian faith and then recovery of that foundation at the Reformation.
England
There may be no country with more church history per square mile than England. Tim explores museums, churches, cemeteries, an orphanage, homes, libraries, and more to find objects here such as the John Rylands Manuscript P52, the Brookes slave ship model, the shackles that bound Thomas Cranmer, and Charles Wesley's organ, showing that sometimes the mundane can tell a profound story.
Ireland & Scotland
They're two of the most beautiful countries in the world, two countries that each have deep, Christian roots. On this journey, Tim travels to Ireland and Scotland to learn that while they each have a history all their own, they're also bound together by one special, beautiful object - the Book of Kells.
France & Switzerland
Tim journeys to the south of France, to learn more about those persecuted French Protestants forever known as the Huguenots, where he learns more about Marie Durand. This journey through France and Switzerland introduces Tim to objects from the life of the scholar Erasmus and theologian John Calvin.
Germany & Ecuador
Tim connects the countries of Germany and Ecuador through an oft-overlooked wonder - world-changing advances in technology. Tim traces the spread of Christianity from Martin Luther's revolutionary Ninety-five Theses to the Gutenberg Bible and the printing press to the advent of the radio in South America.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia was the last of the continents to hear the gospel, but Christians played a key role in founding it and in settling it. They left some treasures behind for Tim to find, including a special King James Bible, prayer books, and a mission site, giving testimony to the many kind, warm, generous Christians who, in their own way, are part of the legacy begun at the founding of these nations.
Zambia & Zimbabwe
Tim visits Zambia to see the museum dedicated to David Livingstone, exploring objects such as his writing desk, and the enduring legacy he and others sharing the love of Jesus left behind. Tim is encouraged by his time spent with believers, who continue to carry on the long, long legacy of the Christian faith on the African continent.
India
This journey takes Tim to India to search for objects that will help tell the story of two faithful missionaries - William Carey and Amy Carmichael. Tim finds objects that help tell their stories, such as a snuff box used to collect funds for missions and a series of plaques used for encouragement in dark days.
China, Philippines, & South Korea
Tim travels to China to learn about the amazing things that God is doing in China through the underground church and real persecution, with millions and millions of people coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Tim learns that this story can be told through memorials dedicated to people like Hudson Taylor, Robert Hardy, Ruby Kendrick, and many others.
USA
Through the past couple of centuries, no country has been more at the forefront of Christianity than America. Tim focuses on four themes-- pilgrims, preachers, pentecostals, and prosperity-- and sees objects like Pilgrim Rock, Lemuel Haynes's sermon, Whitefield Rock, the Bonnie Brae House, Oral Roberts's Praying Hands, and Spurgeon's Preaching Rail.