The Story of Everything: How You, Your Pets, and the Swiss Alps Fit into God's Plan for the World

by Jared Wilson

Most of life is work, school, home, TV, church, sleep, repeat. Sometimes it seem as if there’s no point to our “normal” lives. But what we must remember is that we’re actually part of something God’s story—the greatest story ever told. In The Story of Everything, Jared Wilson takes readers on a journey that starts before the creation of the world and ends after everything has been made new. Wilson shows us that the gospel isn’t just a ticket to heaven but God’s incredible and unstoppable vision for all of creation. Looking at God’s redemptive plan for humanity, this book will help you understand what the gospel means for your life, your home, your pets, your hobbies, and more.

Genres: Christian Living, Faith, Theology, Christian, God, Nonfiction, Audiobook

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

This is the disambiguation page for otherwise unseparated authors publishing as Jared Wilson.

See also: Jared C. Wilson.

Reviews

[Zach Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So what do we make of everything? Is God going to remake . . .

Coffee? Yes.

Sports? Yes.

Movies? Sure.

Music? Of course.

Comic books? I think so.

Circuses? Yes, all right.

Tex-Mex? I can’t imagine how it could get better, but yes.

Chocolate? Darn tootin’.

Quinoa? No, I think this will become bacon.

Cats? See quinoa, above.

But dogs and the Swiss Alps and everything in between? A thousand times yes.

In the introduction of the book (which comes at the end of the book, and you’ll just have to read it to understand why), Jared C. Wilson lays out this witty, yet entirely serious answer to a fundamental question we all have: Where does _______ fit into God’s plan for the world?

In The Story of Everything, Wilson takes time to unpack why he can answer these questions about sports, circuses, and dogs with confidence. In fact, each chapter is devoted to a subsection of life. At the heart of every chapter is an unfolding of a better understanding of God’s plan, so Wilson starts with God’s overarching plan (ch. 1), then addresses God’s plan specifically for history (ch. 2), creation (ch. 3), nations (ch. 4), art, sciences, and work (ch. 5), evil (ch. 6), pain (ch. 7), fun (ch. 8), romance, marriage, and sex (ch. 9), and you (ch. 10). There really is a story to everything, and not only should we think about these things and how they affect our lives, but we should celebrate these things and wait with eager hope for God’s plan to be fulfilled day by day.

In opening the book, Wilson talks a lot about humanity’s universal desire to search for life outside of earth. Whether we’re highly speculative conspiracy theorists or casual watchers of sci-fi movies, “we’re all really trying to solve two fundamental human problems: loneliness and insignificance.” Back up a second and think about the Fall. Eve feared insignificance, and the lie that she was missing out on a life of significance led her to take of the fruit. Adam feared potential loneliness if he rejected Eve’s persistent offer, so he took of it as well. These two fundamental problems helped usher in a lifestyle of sin. Our idol-factory hearts are summed up well by our search for extra-terrestrial life; driven by these two polarizing fears, we search helplessly for an answer, any solution that suffices.

As Wilson suggests, he’s got the answer we need. It’s not a mathematic formula or a conspiracy theory. It’s a simple understanding of who God is and what he has made us to be:

Mankind’s joy is inextricably connected to God’s glory. [W]hat determines whether you are totally fulfilled and saved from ultimate despair is what you do with God’s glory…Mankind is meant to enjoy God through engagement with him and reflection of him in creation.

This affects everything, as Wilson will draw out for us. Literally everythingcomes into focus through the lens of God’s plan. It all begins with God’s cultural mandate for the earth, as he commands Adam and Eve to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Gen. 1:28). This is for his glory. So is God’s plan and purpose for sin, salvation, sanctification, suffering…but even for sports, streets, salsa, and sunshine.

This book is important, for a few reasons. First, it reorients our focuses, our hopes, and our anticipations back onto our unwavering, sovereign God. In the tense, frustrating seasons of life, no matter how longstanding and strong our relationship with God is, most of us have a natural, sin-filled reaction to our circumstances: Why? The more we work to remember that not only does God have a purpose, but that it cannot be thwarted, we will find rest, trust, and faith come easier. Second, it shows us just how important the glory of God is for not only our worship of him, but our life on earth. Wilson writes:

Lest we think [God being the point of everything] is a really a raw deal for us, we ought to remember that the gospel that proclaims God’s glory in Christ does so precisely through our redemption in Christ. The story is not about us, but it is for us! Therefore, if we are bringing glory to Jesus, not a thing about us is wasted, because the mission of the Spirit of God is to maximize the glory of Christ over all the universe.

God didn’t have to send his only son to die for us, but he did. The grace shown to us in this action alone is insurmountable. Even after this, he could have paid the debt and left us to live miserable lives on a miserable planet for eternity. But he took it a step further. He gave us gifts. He gave us glimpses of his glory in an amazing steak, a rich wine, sex in marriage, and views from beaches and mountains. And he left us with a promise. Christ is coming again, and what we thought was glorious in this life will soon seem like stale, disgusting imitations of what we’ll have eventually in the new heaven and new earth. Not only this, but evil will be squashed, pain will be erased, and King Jesus will reign eternally. That’s someone worth our worship. Not worship reserved for a couple hours on Sunday mornings. This gives us reason to look at both our lovely spouse and our impossible boss with the same mindset: “God is good.”

Jared C. Wilson is one of my favorite authors. If you’ve read his stuff before,The Story of Everything won’t seem very provocative or innovative. That’s okay. He’s not in the business of new perspectives. He preaches the same old gospel to us with each book, and that’s all we need. The beauty about Wilson’s writing is that while each book is held together by the same thread of God’s amazing grace, I find that each book is helping me realign my affections and rhythms better to Christ in its own unique way. If you’ve never read this stuff, what a great place to start with this book! All of his writings funnel back to the ideas found in The Story of Everything.

I won’t quote it totally here (to give you perhaps a little more incentive to read this book), but the final two pages of the book were some of the most touching, poetic, and refreshing words that have stirred my heart in a while. I don’t cry much reading, but I did here. Maybe it was because the Spirit let these words fly off the page because my soul needed to hear it. Maybe it was because Jared is such a gifted communicator, a true wordsmith. I’d say it’s a bit of both. He talks about how Genesis 1 “lays the groundwork for the new creation work of salvation. Step by step it foreshadows the work God does in a through us by the power of the gospel.” Don’t skip ahead to this section. Learn the secret of the universe in the previous chapters first, then proceed.

Let this book encourage you to fixate on Jesus Christ and the magnificence of his glory. Let it soak you in an unshakable confidence in God’s plan. Let it cause you to tremble in worship. Let Wilson help you see the story better.

Stars: 4.5/5.0

Note: I was provided this book by Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Brandon Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good, however I didn't understand all the American Football references, which I think would have made much more sense if they were relating to rugby (which is the sport we will all be playing / watching in the age to come. I think.)
I really hope they make a new Taken movie for Jared.

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ This will be a re-read for sure. So much to ponder!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses mostly on the Genesis 1-3 story to talk about God's plan for the world and our lives. I don't agree with everything Wilson says, but (as usual) I really enjoyed how he said it. It was a very comforting book.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything is your life is meaningful and is part of a grander story being told. It is the story that God is weaving together and you get to play a part in it, that is if you recognize you are just part not the main character.

Jared Wilson’s recent offering of The Story of Everything: How You, Your Pets, and the Swiss Alps Fit into God’s Plan for the World helps us recognize the story and the value of all the things, the everything, and God’s purpose in them.

Wilson follows the words of the preacher in Ecclesiastes and gives us a clear sense of the weight we could be placing on things in our lives and exactly how meaningful they are in light of the love of the Creator and his care for us.

There is something for everyone in this enjoyable book. For the young woman planning a life after school, to the husband living for things other than his wife and family, for the pastor looking to leave behind a lasting legacy. All will be challenged and comforted by the grace and glory of God as Wilson unpacks it for us.

In reading The Story of Everything we get a taste of God’s intervention and plan in all corners of life by evaluating our existence, pain, relaxation, loves and even how governments do their part. We are left not in a place of desperation but of hope, ultimately in the story and the divine author. Jesus’ work and reign make everything worthwhile and allows us to understand it all the more. And I hope you decide to see yourself in the story.

If you are still forming your reading list for the year I can highly recommend The Story of Everything.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good but could be a lot better. Wilson took a simple approach to Biblical Theology - a subject that is sorely lacking today - and continuously adds subtle amillennial statements in it. Look - I disagree with dispensationalists in a number of ways. But I'd much prefer a guy being straightforward rather than almost sneaking in amill statements. I'm sure this was done because he knows his target audience for this type book is probably premill. But there's a dishonesty about it to me.

Now all that said, there is much good here. I am glad I read the book. We are using it for a camp this year where I am teaching adults. 100% of these adults are premillennial - and some are probably more dispensational than others. So, it will take some work to weed through this. BUT - pointing out a metanarrative in the Bible is important. Most people don't think that way. And they should.

I doubt I'll ever recommend this book to anybody because of Wilson's subtlety (or sneakiness really) regarding eschatological things, sadly. And I truly am sad about that because there is much good here. But it simply was unnecessary when dealing with this subject. And I cannot help but believe he knows that. There are also a few places that SOUND "woke". There wasn't enough clarity in those places so I'm not sure. Perhaps I'm just too on guard on that subject.

Ok read. I'm certain there's something better out there at this level.

[Tung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nerds like me that read Hitchhiker’s Guide found out the "Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything" is 42. But the Christian in me knows that the real answer to that question is God. In The Story of Everything, Christian author Jared Wilson makes the case that everything in our lives either reflects the gospel or finds its perfection in the gospel; and that the purpose of everything is to bring God glory. According to Wilson, the gospel’s framework is creation, fall, redemption, and eternity, and is rooted in God’s infinite love and holiness and sovereignty. Wilson then connects this story to art and culture, to work and leisure, to politics, to suffering, to marriage and sex – indeed, to everything. Wilson’s prose is engaging and cohesive. And unlike other Christian books I’ve read that lack a lot of theological depth (looking at you, Love Does), Wilson’s language is filled with Scripture and doctrine and the language of the gospel. Wilson successfully connects the gospel-centered Christian worldview to, well, how we ought to view of the world. Recommended, especially for Christians.

[Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that is both fun and theologically engaging. Wilson writes about a different aspect of life in each chapter, and ties it all to God's grand purpose (the secret) of the universe. I really enjoyed how he discusses the impact of the Creation story in Genesis on many different aspects of life, even some things that we take for granted. This is an encouraging book that relates everyday real life to the good news of the Gospel. Reading this book has definitely made me think of this sinful, fallen world in a new light. I highly recommend this book.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The author shares a biblical worldview on every matter as a pertains to a human being. The final chapter, Body and Soul, summed everything up for me as it called the reader to question what is going to happen after they die, and contemplate the length and breadth and depth of what eternity actually means. Every chapter contained the gospel message, every chapter addressed circumstances that we face in our day-to-day lives, and strives to help us understand them from the biblical worldview.

We are regularly confronted with how we seek our own glory, neglecting God, and I feel that this entire book speaks effectively to believers and the lost alike.

I recommend this book as an excellent discipling and evangelizing tool! For ages preteen to adult.

I bought a copy for each of my adult children to read...praying that if they ever do pick it up to read, they will find a big roadmap directly to the Words of Light and Life that will grant them salvation and help them understand why living a life clothed in the righteousness of Christ is exceedingly, abundantly more wonderful than anything they could ever imagine. Follow the King, His way is best. This book is an effective tool and resource as we walk in His ways, strive to grow in understanding of Him, and in sharing His glorious gospel.

[Catherine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Love his repeated references to Ecclesiastes, love his eternal perspective, love his sly camouflage of super-deep thoughts with funny references, just love it. Wish I had a stack to give people. Would be a great read for those curious about what Christians think, for new Christians getting acclimated, for old Christians wanting to hear it afresh. Want to make my kids read it! I listened to the audio version, which was great for driving, but I want to go back and mark up a paper copy.

[Mark D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book preparing for a week of camp. Wilson takes an interesting look at biblical theology. Instead of only sharing the overall them of Scripture, Wilson shares the reason for everything. What is God's plan for everything in this world.
This is going to be the material I use for camp. The intention will be to help the campers to understand the purpose of everything in their life, their purpose, and even pain they may experience. This book would be a great book to help someone find purpose in this world.

[Jasmine Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Jared C Wilson both as a writer and teacher, so I always enjoy when I get a chance to read (or re-read, in this case) his books. I think this is a great book to give to someone who is not familiar with the entirety of the Christian worldview, whether a non-Christian or new Christian. It’s a good book for seasoned Christians, too, but I think especially helpful for those less familiar. Overall, a good Christian apologetic. Not as thorough as The Universe Next Door by James Sire, but much more accessible and digestible.

[Asher Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out as a 4, then moved to a 4.5, but by the end I'm comfortable giving it 5 stars. Maybe a 4.75.

Meant to just leave a short review saying that it was really good, but now I'm in the middle of one of my periodic existential crises about whether I devalue 5 (and even 4) star ratings by handing them out too liberally.

But yeah, good book. You, your pets, and the Swiss Alps (and everything else) belong to and glorify God. He is using each and each has some eternal value. Read the book for the details.

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great exposition of God’s plan for all of history. Wilson is always refreshing to read in the way he doesn’t minimize the glory of God in and through the work of Christ, but can also make you belly laugh at how silly we really can be as humans. I urge anyone who struggles to see God’s gracious hand in every day seemingly mundane things, to get The Story of Everything” and have Wilson help give you lenses to see, enjoy, and rejoice.

[Edy Gies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I love how Wilson can tell a funny story or talk about something completely unrelated to the point at hand then BAM! he connects the dots and there's a gut-punching revelation. This would be a great book for a new believer or someone searching. That said I found it very comforting to hear words of Truth spoken. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Wilson’s work here in a lot of ways reminds me of N.D. Wilson’s work “Death by living.” We were created for many things, ultimately worship and praise, but for other things too like exploring, adventure, family, nation, and fellow believers. This book takes us through all of that while showing us that both Kilamanjaro and the ant hills both find their place in the plan of God.

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you need encouragement because of all the negative stories in the world today I recommend you read the story of everything. The author does a great job of showing how this is indeed our Father’s world. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was due to some differences in the chapter regarding the Sabbath/Lord’s Day and how we apply that today. Overall a great read.

[Clintandkristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this clear and readable, even funny, telling of the purposes of God for anything and everything in life. I'm recommending this to many of various ages. Especially love the chapter on work and culture. Just wonderful.

[Brooks Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So very good. The last section of the next to last chapter alone is worth reading and re-reading again and again. God speaking us into existence through the created order of Genesis 1...it’s captivating. Highly recommend!!

[Jonathan Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book! I went through it with a group at church, and I strongly feel that we all came away from the Ten Weeks with The Story of Everything better understanding God's providence in all the aspects of life.

[C.J. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for navigating the gospel-centered life, giving meaning to that which used to fail in giving you fulfillment.

[Michael Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of everything. That is a rather all-encompassing statement to make is it not? But when it comes to assessing the God of the universe, at least according to what Scripture says about Him, one has to submit to the reality that all things fit within God’s perfect plan for His creation. In his latest book aptly titled The Story of Everything: How You, Your Pets, and the Swiss Alps Fit into God’s Plan for the World, Jared Wilson outlines just what this looks like.

This is not one of those deeply theological books that walks the reader through all the various terms theologians and theological systems use when it comes to God’s sovereignty. Wilson is not focused on parsing out all those concepts from that type of approach. With that said, this is not a book of unfounded opinions either. Wilson spends a great deal of time searching the Scriptures and demonstrating why every single thing fits into God’s plans. Nothing is unimportant or trivial when it comes to this overarching strategy of the Creator.

Grasping that everything fits within that plan is an absolute necessity, especially in a world today that daily sees its share of sorrow with a few rays of sunshine sprinkled in the mix. People die as a result of horrific weather events, starvation, and at the cruel hands of other humans. This often leaves people wondering if anyone or anything, let alone a supreme being cares or is in control. People search for answers in the midst of trouble. Believers must be equipped to present the reality that in the midst of what seems like despair, God is still fully in control and has been all along.

Wilson saliently notes, “God’s plan to bring lasting, satisfying connection and significance to mankind, to cure the angst for more that we all feel deep inside, to make us feel less like aliens and less like searching for them – is found in this thing the Bible calls grace. Grace is God’s modus operandi in the world.” God sending His Son into the world is the crux of this modus operandi, the focal point of His marvelous plan that has been unfolding in history since eternity past. We are all part of this story – His story.

Thus, when we grasp that as believers we play an important role in God’s story, we can better understand what God has told us to be about doing, namely the commands given in His word. We understand there is a purpose to our lives, one that seeks to glorify God at all times in all that we do. Wilson correctly states, that “if we are bringing glory to Jesus, not a thing about us is wasted, because the mission of the Spirit of God is to maximize the glory of Christ over all the universe.”
Having this focus in our lives helps us remember that one day God will bring all things to restoration and will restore the broken relationship between Him and those He has called to be His own. We can then go into all the world and share this message, the gospel message that Jesus came to save us from death and to bring us to life in relationship with our Creator.

The Story of Everything is an exciting book and one that will help a great many refocus their perspective on life. Nothing we do is unimportant and all that we do should be focused on declaring to a world that needs to hear the fact that despite what seems like chaos all around, God is in control, He loves you, and He sent His Son to pay the penalty for sin in order to in God’s perfect timing, redeem that which has been so marred by man’s rebellion. A curious title perhaps for a book but one that is spot on target and one that will get you thinking in the right direction about your role in God’s plan and what He desires you to be about doing for His glory and honor.

I received this book for free from Crossway Books and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Hyacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time hearing of Jared Wilson. This won't be my last. When I started reading, initially I was like what is this? As I continued on, I found it resonating with my spirit. It gave me fresh perspective of the purpose of the church and what we are really put here to do. I will read it again and again.

[Mwvickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read Randy Alcorn’s "Heaven," I have been extremely interested in deepening my understanding of eternity and how the current world fits in to God’s plan. "The Story of Everything" by Jared C. Wilson is an excellent addition to my library and my thoughts in this area.

In the book, Wilson examines multiple aspects of the world to arrive at a theological understanding of how it all fits in to the story God is telling. He examines history, creation, politics, culture, evil, pain, fun, and marriage (along with sex and family). By looking it at from the view of a story God is telling, he manages to unify these things and tie them together with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also points out that all of these aspects will ultimately not be overturned in total, but will find their fulfillment at the end of all things, when all things are made new.

I found the book to be very biblically sound and gospel centered.

I think my biggest takeaway is the chapter on “God’s Plan for Romance, Marriage, and Sex.” Wilson does a tremendous job of examining how the gospel orients husbands and wives and provides that guidance and union necessary to make a marriage work. He reminds us that marriage is a covenant, not a contract, and that, as such, we can love no matter what, just as Christ has loved us despite our shortcomings and failures. The entire chapter is a pointed reminder that ultimately we are to serve our spouse rather than being served, and that ultimately our marriage is about God:

“The story that God is telling with the world calls us back to a radical reshaping of what we think marriage is for. Personal happiness and romantic fulfillment can be the by-products of a healthy marriage, but the husband’s and wife’s primary purpose in marriage is not happiness and romance. The primary purpose of marriage is giving God glory by bearing witness to the gospel. The primary purpose of marriage is to make Jesus look big.” (Kindle location 3135)

If we could keep this in mind, really if we could memorize the whole chapter and live it out, our marriages would be transformed. To me, the chapter on marriage alone is worth getting the book.

So, what do we do with the information in Wilson’s book? We remember this quote and live it out: “Jesus is indeed making all things new. The purpose of life now is to live in such a way that everything we do with everything points to his remaking of everything.” (Kindle location 3665) We orient our lives so that we are constantly living out the reality that everything is working toward a renewal that God will bring about. Imagine how attractive the gospel will become in our lives if we live this out daily with everyone we meet!

I would strongly encourage everyone to pick up this book and read through it slowly, soaking it in. You won’t regret it!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crossway through their Blog Review Program in exchange for my honest review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have said for many years now that all stories point back to The Story, that is the story of God’s plan for the world. In The Story of Everything, Jared C. Wilson not only reiterates this idea but backs it up with illustrations from society, science, entertainment, and of course the Bible. Wilson teaches this concept – that every facet of life has to do with God and our part in His Story – thoroughly and with a wry wit that keeps it from becoming too academic. He also tells us what to do about it – how to live as people who are aware that this isn’t all there is.

His chapters cover everything from The Game of Thrones (God’s plan for nations) to Non-Trivial Pursuit (God’s plan for art, science, and work) to God’s plan for evil, fun, romance/marriage/sex, and the afterlife. Before he embarks on that ambitious journey, he spends a lot of (well-spent) time focusing on how it all begins and why you have to understand that before you can understand your place in The Story.

One thing that stood out to me the most – one of the truths that I know will linger with me long after I’ve moved on to the next book – is this: “[God’s Story] starts with a conclusion – ‘It was very good’ (Genesis 1:31). And it ends with a beginning – ‘Behold, I am making all things new’ (Revelation 21:5). And it’s these bookends that help us see how the big story…impacts all the little stories under heaven.” To further emphasize the point, the first chapter of The Story of Everytihng is titled “Conclusion”; the last – “Introduction”.

Bottom Line: Jared Wilson covers a whole lot of topics in The Story of Everything, but he covers them with wit and a conversational style that’s (mostly) easy to understand. Occasionally he throws in words like “conflate” and “exigete” but the majority of the book is accessible for those of who didn’t go to seminary ;) There are some very profound and important truths explained in these pages in ways that you may not have considered before. I particularly thought the chapter which discussed a Christian’s approach to politics should be read in every church on every Sunday from now until the election – and then it probably wouldn’t hurt to continue reminding us. (Spoiler alert: Politics can become a god. Don’t let it.) This would be a great small group resource, as well as an imperative book to read for anyone who often finds themselves in a capacity to teach The Story.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

See some of my favorite quotes from the book at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace is the secret of the universe….There is something coming through in this transmission of grace that affects everything, that changes everything. If we pan out and look at grace from the cosmological perspective, we see nothing less than the eternally expansive glory of God. The problem of loneliness and insignificance is actually a lack of glory. The Glory of God solves these problems (and a million others besides). It actually cracks the code of human existence and the future of creation. See, God has not been silent. He has declared these realities. He actually tells us what he’s going to do with everything!

Now that I have spilled the secret of the universe you may be inclined not to bother with this book or this review. I hope you chose the book. The Story of Everything begins at the beginning and the beginning is Genesis. Wilson is a gifted teacher in bringing the word of God and the world we live in today together where it makes sense. It makes sense when we see God for who he really is and who we really are. Because we were created for God’s glory, our joy, our significance is tied when we embrace his glory. Having a good handle on what the glory of God is and what it means to us gives us a better understanding of who God is. The glory of God gives purpose for everything. That was one of the strengths of this study. It is not the stuff or the benefits but it is Jesus. It is abiding in his glory. Strength of this study is the Kingdom of God and how it relates to the gospel. The gospel is the plumb line of what kingdom we are seeking.


Quotes that I liked..

Mankind is meant to enjoy God through engagement with him and reflection of him in creation.

When God announces judgment, he also announces the way of escape. When he reveals condemnation, he promises consecration. When the curse of the law is declared, the cure of the gospel is not far behind. (2 Peter 2:4-9)


The hope of the world is not America, but Jesus. And mixing up the two has been a subtle building of Babel towers for too many Christians.


It is a great reminder of our place in the story.

A Special Thank You to Crossway Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about how a biblical view of Christianity shapes one’s interpretation and view of everything. Because of the truth about God and His works the point of the book is that life and everything else is meaningful. Ultimately everything exists for the glory of God. In ten chapters the author Jared Wilson explores what a Biblical view has to say about God’s plan and our world. His discussion ranges from creation, history, art, science, work, pain, rest and marriage.
I enjoyed the book and thought it was a fun and edifying read. This book is really helpful for the readers to grasp that Christianity isn’t just a “pie-in-the-sky” religion. Sometimes Christians and non-Christians can think Christianity believes in the dualism of spiritual versus physical. But that’s not necessarily the case; the physical isn’t necessarily in of itself sinful and if God created the world everything can be spiritual if its for the Glory of God. I love the chapter on rest and Wilson’s discussion about how some people find rest in doing something else and that can be a kind of “work.” For instance, someone might have a job of working in an office finds enjoyment with exercising in the weekends. I think this really made me view serving God as a form of rests as well and also a reminder that sometimes it’s great to have sanctified fun. His chapter on love was also good. This book is accessible for general readers since Wilson writes in such a way that beautifully communicates God’s truth and one grasp his love for God and love for life. It is Gospel centered as well and he articulates the truth about sin, Christ and salvation in the book.

[Carter Hemphill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author effectively demonstrates how theology is relevant today by linking with culture, marriage, death, work and other topics. Some of the chapters were more valuable and meaningful than other chapters, as some of the chapter went beyond general themes in theology that I'd read many times before and provided a new angle or perspective. While I recall the reference to pets in the book, I'm not sure where the Swiss Alps were mentioned as indicated in the subtitle. The reason for the average score is that it had a confusing tone which made me wonder who the target audience is. The playfulness of the title isn't a theme used much in the book and the author provides limited personal examples. Several of the chapters bog down with multiple scripture references that make it a slow read. Yet some of the chapters have a strong evangelistic message for non-believers who likely would be repelled by the potential "arrogance" of the title --- "The Story of Everything." Still, there are some good gems throughout the book.

[Isaac Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Everybody ought to read Jared Wilson's The Story of Everything! He doesn't exactly cover every thing in the book (it would have to be a lot longer!), but he addresses a great number of things -- very important things -- looking through the "spectacles" of the biblical worldview at history, nature, the nations, art, science, work, evil, pain, play, sex, marriage, and several other topics. He even discloses "the secret of the universe." The gospel is presented very clearly throughout the book, and readers are encouraged to live now in light of the new heavens and the new earth which await us in the future because of God's grace. This book deserves a wide readership. I encourage you to get a copy and treat yourself to some good (and often humorous) theology.

[Blake Western · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientists search for a theory which will explain everything. The author believes the Bible is the story of everything. More specifically, it is "the glory of God brought to bear by the grace of God." The book begins with the conclusion and ends with the introduction. The rest of the book makes application. I found chapters 8 and 9 to be especially good. Like all of Jared Wilson's writings, he has something important to say. He shows how God's purpose is related to everything we do in life and everything around us in creation.