Drive Through History

Drive Through History is an enthralling educational documentary series that began airing on TBN in 2005. The show offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and Christian history driven by the charismatic host, Dave Stotts. The show is structured around Stotts, an adventurous history buff, who embarks on expeditions in his gaugy yet equally adventurous jeep to prime historical locations across the world, exploring the roots of western civilization.

The purpose of the show, while steeped in historical discovery, is to create an immersive experience for the viewer that transcends the ordinary historical documentary. Stotts and his team take history out of textbooks and place it in the laps of these viewers, stimulating mental pictures of key people and historical events. As the show journeys through various times and places in history, it watches the world through the lenses of the Bible, weaving biblical history and scriptural truths into the narrative of mankind's story.

The series begins with an exploration of ancient civilizations starting from Rome, Greece, and Turkey before transitioning to the rich history of early Christian and Jewish cultures. The host's exploration is not limited just to the echoes of ancient civilizations but also extends to the unique artefacts, architecture, culture, and food of these indigenous cultures. Informative as well as entertaining, Stotts articulates the historical narrative in a lighthearted and humorous tone to engage viewers of all ages.

Drive Through History depicts history as an exciting adventure. Stotts sprints towards the archaeological sites of the Pyramids of Giza, sails the Mediterranean Sea to reach Apostle Paul's shipwreck site, and even traverses the bumpy roads of the Roman Empire—all to draw a realistic picture of the past. Similarly, Stotts dives into the heart of Greece to bring to life the erudition of Plato and Aristotle, the courage of the Spartans at Thermopylae, and many factual accounts, anecdotes, and parables that enliven the viewers’ historical imagination.

The deviations from the traditional trajectory of documentary storytelling make this show unique. Stott's capability to involve his audience through an engaging narrative fosters an enriching journey through history. His energetic demeanor coupled with vast knowledge sparks genuine enthusiasm for historical exploration in the viewers.

One of the distinctive elements of the show is its high-quality production. The cinematography is captivating and immersive, featuring sweeping overhead shots of archaeological sites juxtaposed with intimate footage of Stotts’ journey. The selection of historical sites, ingrained with a repository of stories and transformations, adds an authentic charm to the narrative. The show's focus on primary source texts and artifacts ensures that the history presented is accurate and well researched.

Moreover, Drive Through History sets the stage not only for understanding our cultural heritage better but also for thorough Christian education. Seemingly routine events and locations directly linked to the Bible come alive as Stotts traces them back to their sources.

Episodes often smoothly transition into Bible lessons as Stotts brings alive pivotal biblical moments like Jesus' life, Paul's missionary journeys, and the brave saga of early Christian martyrs. By linking certain invaluable historical elements to Christian theology, the series allows its viewers to connect more deeply with their faith through history.

Overall, Drive Through History is a captivating, educational, family-friendly show that makes learning about history fun and interactive. The series breaks through the boring mould of monotonous historical exploration and creates a rich tapestry of past civilizations, coupled with Christian teachings. Viewers get to indulge in a multidimensional view of history that builds a sense of cultural belonging. It is, in essence, a journey back in time to unfold the roots of our civilization and its inherent connection to Christianity. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a believer seeking to deep dive into the journey of faith, or someone simply seeking to learn more, Drive Through History offers an engaging, adventurous, and eye-opening journey.