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Epic: The Story God Is Telling And The Role That Is Yours To Play
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.
104 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
255 people are currently reading
1773 people want to read
About the author
John Eldredge
227 books1,938 followersJohn Eldredge is an American author, counselor, and lecturer on Christianity. He is known for his best-selling book Wild at Heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
June 4, 2015
I get so tired of books.
That break up paragraphs.
To make them seem.
That.
Much.
More.
Dramatic.
This is a device which should be used sparingly. But I think John Eldredge read the memo backwards, because "normal" paragraphs almost seem to be the exception in his epic (but tiny) book. Epic but tiny. And that's just it: Eldredge wants to make every sentence in this small book breathless (see the last sentence on page 80). His topic justifies that desire, but his treatment of it does not.
And my complaints aren't done. Here's one that seems minor but isn't, given how often it shows up: I just don't think evangelical books need to assume that their readers have watched all of the most popular R-rated movies in the modern canon. (11–12) Many, many illustrations rely on the reader's knowledge of these films.
But references to people's common experience are part of what a popularizer does, and here comes something nice to say: Eldredge knows how to popularize. I don't frown on this ability. It's an essential role needed throughout the body of Christ.
Eldredge also popularizes some truths that ought to be more popular:
• He ties together the personality of God and the way creation reflects not relativity but personality. (21)
• He shows that at the foundation of all reality is a community, "a fellowship of hearts," the Trinity. (22)
• He argues that the very stories we tell show that, deep down, we know there is a malevolent villain in this world. (29)
• He argues that the very stories we tell show that, deep down, we know there is a rescuer coming to put the world right. (61)
• The problem of evil points to the existence of that same wicked being. (39)
• The problem with the world infects us, too; our own sin is heinous and frequent. (57)
• The greatest sin in is to break the Greatest Commandments. (58)
• Creation and humanity in it will one day be restored to what God intended. (87)
• Humanity was created to rule the earth and will one day do so. (94)
And I really liked these lines:
• "Rescuing the human heart is the hardest mission in the world." (62)
• "I mean, really. We have dreamed better dreams [in our popular movies] than God can dream? We have written stories that have a better ending than God has provided? It cannot be." (80)
But my problem with this book is that Eldredge is popularizing some of the wrong ideas.
• Robert Alter is brilliant, but he's wrong to say that Genesis 1:1 should be translated, "When God began to create..." (18)
• I don't think Philip Yancey's point about the relationship between love and free will accounts for all the scriptural data, particularly Romans 9. (51–52)
• The kinds of people Eldredge likes to quote just aren't the most reliable theological voices. Most lean toward the left side of the evangelical spectrum, if not further.
• God is pictured as a wounded lover shackled by my free will from doing what really needs to be done. (64)
• Eldredge says God needs us. (102) Scripture says God is not "served by human hands, as though he needed anything" (Act 17:25 ESV).
And worse, Eldredge minimizes or ignores some essential ideas:
• Israel doesn't seem to play a role in this story. We skip straight from Adam to Jesus.
• My personal holiness—and what Christ's death has to do with it—don't seem to play a role in this Epic, either.
• The life and death—and life again—of Jesus don't rise to the top of this Epic like they do in the Bible. I could not give this book to a non-Christian and expect him or her to get the gospel out of it. Even though one of the last lines on the last page of the book is "This is the gospel," I did not see the gospel. I'm left extremely uncertain about what in the world Eldredge is trying to say.
Fundamentally, you won't read this book and come away with greater ability to make sense of your Bible. You'll get some good (truly good) one-liners, you'll collect some good (truly good) Narnia allusions, and you'll be confirmed in your decision to view some movies you shouldn't, but you won't know that the Bible tells one story.
If you want to catch a vision for the sweeping epic that is the story of Scripture, and you want to do it in a small space, and you want the author to demonstrate that what he's doing actually comes from the Bible, read Vaughan Roberts' God's Big Picture instead.
That break up paragraphs.
To make them seem.
That.
Much.
More.
Dramatic.
This is a device which should be used sparingly. But I think John Eldredge read the memo backwards, because "normal" paragraphs almost seem to be the exception in his epic (but tiny) book. Epic but tiny. And that's just it: Eldredge wants to make every sentence in this small book breathless (see the last sentence on page 80). His topic justifies that desire, but his treatment of it does not.
And my complaints aren't done. Here's one that seems minor but isn't, given how often it shows up: I just don't think evangelical books need to assume that their readers have watched all of the most popular R-rated movies in the modern canon. (11–12) Many, many illustrations rely on the reader's knowledge of these films.
But references to people's common experience are part of what a popularizer does, and here comes something nice to say: Eldredge knows how to popularize. I don't frown on this ability. It's an essential role needed throughout the body of Christ.
Eldredge also popularizes some truths that ought to be more popular:
• He ties together the personality of God and the way creation reflects not relativity but personality. (21)
• He shows that at the foundation of all reality is a community, "a fellowship of hearts," the Trinity. (22)
• He argues that the very stories we tell show that, deep down, we know there is a malevolent villain in this world. (29)
• He argues that the very stories we tell show that, deep down, we know there is a rescuer coming to put the world right. (61)
• The problem of evil points to the existence of that same wicked being. (39)
• The problem with the world infects us, too; our own sin is heinous and frequent. (57)
• The greatest sin in is to break the Greatest Commandments. (58)
• Creation and humanity in it will one day be restored to what God intended. (87)
• Humanity was created to rule the earth and will one day do so. (94)
And I really liked these lines:
• "Rescuing the human heart is the hardest mission in the world." (62)
• "I mean, really. We have dreamed better dreams [in our popular movies] than God can dream? We have written stories that have a better ending than God has provided? It cannot be." (80)
But my problem with this book is that Eldredge is popularizing some of the wrong ideas.
• Robert Alter is brilliant, but he's wrong to say that Genesis 1:1 should be translated, "When God began to create..." (18)
• I don't think Philip Yancey's point about the relationship between love and free will accounts for all the scriptural data, particularly Romans 9. (51–52)
• The kinds of people Eldredge likes to quote just aren't the most reliable theological voices. Most lean toward the left side of the evangelical spectrum, if not further.
• God is pictured as a wounded lover shackled by my free will from doing what really needs to be done. (64)
• Eldredge says God needs us. (102) Scripture says God is not "served by human hands, as though he needed anything" (Act 17:25 ESV).
And worse, Eldredge minimizes or ignores some essential ideas:
• Israel doesn't seem to play a role in this story. We skip straight from Adam to Jesus.
• My personal holiness—and what Christ's death has to do with it—don't seem to play a role in this Epic, either.
• The life and death—and life again—of Jesus don't rise to the top of this Epic like they do in the Bible. I could not give this book to a non-Christian and expect him or her to get the gospel out of it. Even though one of the last lines on the last page of the book is "This is the gospel," I did not see the gospel. I'm left extremely uncertain about what in the world Eldredge is trying to say.
Fundamentally, you won't read this book and come away with greater ability to make sense of your Bible. You'll get some good (truly good) one-liners, you'll collect some good (truly good) Narnia allusions, and you'll be confirmed in your decision to view some movies you shouldn't, but you won't know that the Bible tells one story.
If you want to catch a vision for the sweeping epic that is the story of Scripture, and you want to do it in a small space, and you want the author to demonstrate that what he's doing actually comes from the Bible, read Vaughan Roberts' God's Big Picture instead.
December 6, 2023
I understand for the first time what Lewis meant when he said Christianity is the True myth. The Truth all the myths and legends and stories of the world are mere shadows and echoes of.
This book is probably the best explanation of the gospel I've ever read or heard. (Barring the Bible itself, of course.) A Christian or non-Christian, be they old or young, could gain from it. It all just clicked and made sense in a deeper way.
It's the sort of book you want to read again but also give away, so others can experience it.
Very good.
CW: Mention of sex/Romantic longing
This book is probably the best explanation of the gospel I've ever read or heard. (Barring the Bible itself, of course.) A Christian or non-Christian, be they old or young, could gain from it. It all just clicked and made sense in a deeper way.
It's the sort of book you want to read again but also give away, so others can experience it.
Very good.
CW: Mention of sex/Romantic longing
September 26, 2019
30th book of 2019.
Not what I expected. Can't really explain it, I liked it a lot but also had some issues with parts of it.
John Eldredge is definitely a good writer, weaving popular culture with the gospel to make it accessible for the masses.
Why else use sooooooo many examples from movies?
You almost don't have to watch Narnia, that's how much Eldredge reveals in Epic.
Not what I expected. Can't really explain it, I liked it a lot but also had some issues with parts of it.
John Eldredge is definitely a good writer, weaving popular culture with the gospel to make it accessible for the masses.
Why else use sooooooo many examples from movies?
You almost don't have to watch Narnia, that's how much Eldredge reveals in Epic.
February 6, 2023
Despite this being a short book, it felt desperately tedious. The essential premise is that our life is a story and we must imagine how we inhabit God's larger story. It takes just about 100 pages of fluff to not really answer these questions. The entire book is so bloated with movie references from the early 2000s that I would bet these mentions and quotations outweigh any actual original content. See, look, your life is a story just like Lord of the Rings is a story! Though I'm sure Apollo 13 is a fine enough film, a four-page shot-for-shot retelling of the climax doesn't seem like the best use of space for such a short book. When it's not movie references its paragraphs from other literary figures (also quoted in great length) often with no explanation for their inclusion and no proper referencing.
What might be most painful to me is that the publisher also offers a study guide and DVD set.
Maybe I'm being too hard on a book that's not meant for such deep reflection, but it's safe to say this little book will be leaving my shelf.
What might be most painful to me is that the publisher also offers a study guide and DVD set.
Maybe I'm being too hard on a book that's not meant for such deep reflection, but it's safe to say this little book will be leaving my shelf.
December 14, 2022
Admittedly, I keep picking up really short books so I can round out the number of books I read this year to a pretty number. But this one was Lowkey a heavy hitter which I #wasn’texpecting but it wasn’t too much where I wanted to pull my hair out. Easy, with the perfect amount of density. #luvvvv #hashtag!!!!!!!!
February 2, 2021
As someone who enjoys acting, I really enjoyed the different way he told the gospel. He separated it into 4 Acts and in these he has many references to scriptures, books, and movies. To show how we are living in this very real story, and these books/movies all address what people yearn for, a happily ever after. And with Christ we have that.
June 15, 2024
This is my third time reading this book, and it’s so beautiful to me everytime. It’s been relevant to me everytime I’ve read it, but for a different reason with each read. I’m always glad I read it. :)
November 11, 2025
The story of reality is the story of how God created a universe with love and gave mankind free will. The villain of the story is at war with mankind and tries to defeat each human heart with sin and deceit. But God sent Himself as a Hero to the rescue, who gave His Life on a cross to redeem lost humanity and set us free. Right now, we are in the middle of a spiritual battle, but someday the happy ending will come where, if we have accepted His rescue, we will live happily ever after in heaven with Him.
The author shows how every great story that tugs at our hearts is really a reflection of the story of God. Each chapter shows a different part of the story, the beginning when the universe was created, the middle when we are battling against evil, the Hero who saves us all, and the happy ending when all is restored and healed.
I enjoyed this short little book! It's interesting to see how so many stories follow the same type of structure as humanity reflects on the reality of God's plan for us.
The author shows how every great story that tugs at our hearts is really a reflection of the story of God. Each chapter shows a different part of the story, the beginning when the universe was created, the middle when we are battling against evil, the Hero who saves us all, and the happy ending when all is restored and healed.
I enjoyed this short little book! It's interesting to see how so many stories follow the same type of structure as humanity reflects on the reality of God's plan for us.
June 18, 2024
I heard John Eldredge speak in 1998 and it changed my life. In fact, I would not have this reading project were it not for the desire sparked in me by Eldredge to read the classics. This book is a short recap of his main points from other books. It's broken down into the Four Acts of the story of God. He says we're currently living in Act 3, so it's important to know what happened in Acts 1 & 2 and what's coming up in Act 4.
September 7, 2008
Something of a ripoff. Is excerpts from previous works, all of which I'd read. Not so identified. Disappointed.
August 8, 2024
This book reminded me of a message that a good friend of mine preached at a youth camp many years ago. It was a reminder to the teens that God’s story isn’t finished, even though we know the ending. He is continuing His story with our very lives!
This books central theme is viewing our lives as an amazing story that God is telling for our good and His glory. I was especially challenged by the thought of our eternal home being much like our current home, but perfect, without sin, shame, sickness and sorrow. There will be worship, but we will also rule and reign with King Jesus! It will be creative and adventurous!
Overall a good read.
This books central theme is viewing our lives as an amazing story that God is telling for our good and His glory. I was especially challenged by the thought of our eternal home being much like our current home, but perfect, without sin, shame, sickness and sorrow. There will be worship, but we will also rule and reign with King Jesus! It will be creative and adventurous!
Overall a good read.
August 24, 2020
No es una novela, pero habla de la épica más interesante que jamás hayamos leído: la propia vida. Eldredge sostiene que las historias que tanto nos gustan, como El señor de los anillos, La guerra de las galaxias, Las Crónicas de Narnia, Titanic, Corazón valiente, etc., no son más que un reflejo de que en el fondo sabemos que somos parte de una historia mucho más grande que quizá no hemos comprendido del todo; con valientes y villanos, batallas y romance.
June 2, 2025
prolly my least favorite book I have ever read. I think he quoted more Narnia and Titanic than he did Scripture. He'd make a good point about the Gospel then ruin it by quoting something silly like the Wizard of Oz (no hate to Wizard of Oz tho, just not very comparative in significance to the Gospel imo)
massive L
massive L
May 31, 2020
At some point, this crossed my youngest son's path from a Sunday School teacher. I thought I'd pick it up and read it a bit at a time.
I was intrigued by the thesis, which places the Gospel into the epic stories that we tell to understand the world. He, however, uses only contemporary films as illustrations of these stories, and is both very Protestant and very Ransom Theory.
As a quick, bit at a time read, it was fine. As serious theology, it is problematic.
I was intrigued by the thesis, which places the Gospel into the epic stories that we tell to understand the world. He, however, uses only contemporary films as illustrations of these stories, and is both very Protestant and very Ransom Theory.
As a quick, bit at a time read, it was fine. As serious theology, it is problematic.
November 5, 2021
Just know that this book can ruin a whole lot of stories/ movies if you haven’t already read or seen them. If you haven’t read some mentioned, you do miss a little of what the author is saying, which I found to be annoying since I was unfamiliar with several of them.
April 17, 2022
An incredible book. The story God has written is mirrored in all of the stories that we love. We are a part of this story, which is an encouraging truth and ongoing journey
November 17, 2025
This is a lovely book that helps us dwell on one of the greatest beauties there is, the story of reality.
May 29, 2025
An inspiring read, especially for Christians who are weary or wandering, wondering about their purpose. The references, comparisons, and parallels are all put in a way that is easy and fun to understand, not thick theology that is boring to read. A really great, short and sweet, but deeply impactful book!
September 14, 2025
To understand the heart
October 31, 2009
Have you ever heard someone refer to the Bible “God’s love story”? Sure it sounds good, but what does it really mean? Eldredge does a nice job describing exactly why the Bible IS, in fact, God’s love story: how a God who was already in perfect relationship chose to create people who are free to rebel against Him and through time God continues to love, pursue, and rescue these rebellious people.
However, the full book title is “Epic: The Story God Is Telling and the Role That Is Yours to Play,” and I think Eldredge fails on conveying “the role that is yours to play.” He devotes a paltry six pages at the end of the book to suggest that the reader embrace his/her role in God’s story, without really explaining what that means. If the reader is interested to find out more, they are directed to read “Waking The Dead,” written by, you guessed it, John Eldredge, or go to a website (which I didn’t bother to do.)
The gimmick of this book is that Eldredge pulls together a variety of cultural references (mainly recent films) and uses the scenes from these films to describe the "epic" story of God. To a certain extent, this is an effective literary device, but after a while gets a bit annoying when there is reference after reference to Titanic, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc, etc, etc. It felt amost as if Eldredge has elevated these films to be somehow "Christian." I do understand that he intends to use these scenes as archetypes to demonstrate that there is in every person some kind of innate longing to be a part of the story of God. But I did particularly bristle at the fact that he uses scenes from "Titanic" and "Lord of The Rings" (pp 48, 70) to describe God's wooing and rescue of humankind, when the characters are actually engaging in sexual sin and not according to God's standard of "not even a hint of sexual immorality" (Eph 5:3).
I felt quite engaged upon reading the first half of this book, but the second half fell flat. Overall, the impression I am left with a day after reading this book is one that is quite forgettable.
However, the full book title is “Epic: The Story God Is Telling and the Role That Is Yours to Play,” and I think Eldredge fails on conveying “the role that is yours to play.” He devotes a paltry six pages at the end of the book to suggest that the reader embrace his/her role in God’s story, without really explaining what that means. If the reader is interested to find out more, they are directed to read “Waking The Dead,” written by, you guessed it, John Eldredge, or go to a website (which I didn’t bother to do.)
The gimmick of this book is that Eldredge pulls together a variety of cultural references (mainly recent films) and uses the scenes from these films to describe the "epic" story of God. To a certain extent, this is an effective literary device, but after a while gets a bit annoying when there is reference after reference to Titanic, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc, etc, etc. It felt amost as if Eldredge has elevated these films to be somehow "Christian." I do understand that he intends to use these scenes as archetypes to demonstrate that there is in every person some kind of innate longing to be a part of the story of God. But I did particularly bristle at the fact that he uses scenes from "Titanic" and "Lord of The Rings" (pp 48, 70) to describe God's wooing and rescue of humankind, when the characters are actually engaging in sexual sin and not according to God's standard of "not even a hint of sexual immorality" (Eph 5:3).
I felt quite engaged upon reading the first half of this book, but the second half fell flat. Overall, the impression I am left with a day after reading this book is one that is quite forgettable.
July 3, 2021
We went through this book over 6 weeks with my men's small group. Most of us had read Wild at Heart, so we were ready for another inspirational journey courtesy of Eldredge. Unfortunately, what we experienced was a set of chapters that seemed less like a carefully constructed book for and more like a series of blog posts loosely relating the most popular movies of the 90s and early 2000s with Biblical themes. The length and topic of the chapters was inconsistent--for example, while creation and the introduction of evil were covered in their own chapters, the fall of man, Jesus, and salvation were all stuffed into one chapter. In addition, there were more quotes from popular movies and literature (e.g. Dante's inferno) than from Biblical passages.
If you're looking for a reasonably quick read on the overarching Biblical story and you are a fan of slightly dated movies, then you may enjoy this book. However, I don't recommend it for small group use or serious study.
The optional study guide also reiterated most of what was written in the chapters themselves, and could have been much more useful if it was one third of the length.
If you're looking for a reasonably quick read on the overarching Biblical story and you are a fan of slightly dated movies, then you may enjoy this book. However, I don't recommend it for small group use or serious study.
The optional study guide also reiterated most of what was written in the chapters themselves, and could have been much more useful if it was one third of the length.
April 21, 2015
Epic is "the story God is trying to tell us". I personally am a big fan of John's writings because they say a lot to me, and where I have been in life. That being said, if your looking for deep bible based things, then this is not the place to look. Eldridge compares the story that God created for us to many popular movies of heroism and alturistic behaviors among people that we hold in high regard. He claims this is because the story of God is in every person, and it gets expressed in things like these famous movies (Brave Heart, Gladiator, etc..). I feel that he may be on to a really neat perspective on why those types of films hit home emotionally with so many people, but this is a book based mainly on experiences and personally views so dont look for anything else in it. All in all, a fun and interesting read.
June 4, 2018
I love that this little book does what we teach at our school: reminds us that the Bible is one, big true story, and that every believer has a part to play in God’s story. It also illustrates another truth emphasized at our school: that every good story in our world contains elements of the BEST story - God’s story of creation-fall-redemption. Beyond that, this little gem is chock-full of literary references (and movie references) that I love. It’s like the author peeked at my shelf of favorite stories as he wrote the book. I usually associate John Eldridge with a kind of pop-psych mentality which doesn’t interest me, but I really liked “Epic”.
January 17, 2016
John Eldredge launches his fresh look at Gospel with this quote: "I wonder what sort of tale we've fallen into" (J. R. R. Tolkien, LOTR). Christianity is not a series of rules and church attendance, but the opportunity to participate in "the story God is telling."
Eldredge draws frequent parallels with various books and movies to show that our best loved stories reflect God's great true story because "eternity is written in our hearts." This short book is both thought-provoking and beautiful.
Eldredge draws frequent parallels with various books and movies to show that our best loved stories reflect God's great true story because "eternity is written in our hearts." This short book is both thought-provoking and beautiful.
August 17, 2024
3.7 stars
A nice, short read that summarizes the gospel story quite well, but still managed to engage me and bring up new points that other “geared for new believers” books haven’t. His writing style was a little difficult to get used to, and I felt myself reading the same sentence a lot, but that’s entirely on me. Definitely something I’ll reread, there’s enough good stuff in here I’d love to remember, and I’ll definitely be recommending this book to others!
Update: this was really bland. 2 stars.
A nice, short read that summarizes the gospel story quite well, but still managed to engage me and bring up new points that other “geared for new believers” books haven’t. His writing style was a little difficult to get used to, and I felt myself reading the same sentence a lot, but that’s entirely on me. Definitely something I’ll reread, there’s enough good stuff in here I’d love to remember, and I’ll definitely be recommending this book to others!
Update: this was really bland. 2 stars.
October 28, 2020
I read "Wild at Heart" last Christmas and thought that it was one of the most important books I would read in a while. This book, however, makes me see a few faults in Eldredge's style. The repetitive nature of his writing gets old once you notice it, and he likes to use scripture liberally to fit his means. My big problem is that he didn't tell me anything I didn't already know.
A good devotion book but nothing to base a change on.
A good devotion book but nothing to base a change on.
July 1, 2014
Oh my heart. Truly epic. Thanks dad, for introducing me to this author.
Eldredge paints pictures with his words and I like his use of scripture throughout.
Although some reviews give it a thumbs down for referencing pop culture, I think Eldredge uses the references wisely in tying in with the Story. I think the book flows smoothly and I would recommend it to anyone.
Eldredge paints pictures with his words and I like his use of scripture throughout.
Although some reviews give it a thumbs down for referencing pop culture, I think Eldredge uses the references wisely in tying in with the Story. I think the book flows smoothly and I would recommend it to anyone.
July 9, 2018
I enjoyed this book but...
"So Commodus was thrown down in the arena; so Darth Vader was hurled spinning into space; so the trinity foiled Magua's first assault, and he fled into the wilderness." pg. 39
The Emperor was hurled spinning into space by Darth Vader. Vader was ceremonially burned upon a funeral pyre. Correct this grave error in future printings!
"So Commodus was thrown down in the arena; so Darth Vader was hurled spinning into space; so the trinity foiled Magua's first assault, and he fled into the wilderness." pg. 39
The Emperor was hurled spinning into space by Darth Vader. Vader was ceremonially burned upon a funeral pyre. Correct this grave error in future printings!
August 9, 2016
I enjoyed this book. Nice that it's short. Not sure I entirely agree that the Gospel is the entire story Eldredge points to, but I get his point. Also, I don't think I'm his target audience, but it was a decent read anyway.
February 28, 2015
I bought it a month ago and my jaw dropped. First deception? In the site looked bigger. 100 pages in a tiny lil book. Second? Its a religious book, not a historic novel as they kinda sell it. Giving it a chance tho. Its really short
Update: Pure crap. If i could put zero stars id do it
Update: Pure crap. If i could put zero stars id do it
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