Why Christianity Makes Sense: A Book About Jesus, the Mysteries of the World, and the Longings in Your Heart

by Gavin Ortlund

The Christian faith makes a lot of sense--of the world around us and the ache we feel inside.

If you've ever felt a longing deep in your heart for something you cannot name, this is your chance to explore it. It's an opportunity to ask hard questions, like why is there something and not nothing? What's the point of life if everything came into existence by accident? And if Jesus rose from the dead, would that really be good news?

Why Christianity Makes Sense tackles those questions head-on by showing how the Christian faith not only provides the best explanation for why the universe is the way it is, but also for why that’s the happiest possible news we could get.

Because Christianity makes a lot more sense than you may realize.

When C.S. Lewis presented what would become Mere Christianity in a series of radio broadcasts during World War II, he was telling his audience about the sensibility of being a Christian, from a logical and moral standpoint. Now, award-winning author Gavin Ortlund takes up Lewis's tradition by presenting the gospel to a new generation in a fresh way designed to reveal its astounding beauty and depth.

Written in a welcoming style that’s easy to pick up and read, Why Christianity Makes Sense unpacks questions about the Christian faith

Will having faith make you happier?Does the Bible endorse evils like slavery and war?If God is real, why isn't he more obvious?What are some of the strongest arguments for the truth of Christianity?
For anyone in search of meaningful answers to the mysteries of the world and the purpose for their life, Why Christianity Makes Sense offers a fresh sense of wonder and enchantment at the gospel of Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 29, 2026

About the author

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Ojai in Ojai, California. He was previously a research fellow for the Creation Project at the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is the author of Finding the Right Hills to Die On, Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals, and Anselm's Pursuit of Joy.

Reviews

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books, when you read them, are like emotional or spiritual time capsules. They speak to you in a particular way at a particular time that would be hard to duplicate and may not be true everyone. Such books are treasures in their own right. This is not one of those. This is the kind of book that I would like to put in the hands of as many people as possible to bolster their faith and confidence in Jesus. It is not light reading, but neither will it scare off any bot the most lackadaisical reader. In fact, it’s thoughtfulness dignifies both the truth of Christianity and the mind of the reader. For generations Mere Christianity was the popular level Christian explainer. I think Why Christianity Makes Sense could step in for it, speaking to the questions and challenges of the present day with the appropriate voice and arguments. It’s exceptional.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I have spent years hoping for. It describes my own trodding through the probability of Christianity’s truth, from the study of science to philosophy to the historical basis of Christian scripture and Jesus himself. Gavin Ortlund expertly gives a 10,000 foot view of the major evidences and challenges in the search for truth.

Most important is the way he addresses what we do when we exhaust our studies in the intellectual search for God. Personally, when I started to doubt the existence of God, and truthfully did not think He was real, I prayed to Him asking that He would help me figure out if He was real, silly as I felt talking to what I saw as the void. I thought, if He’s not real, then who cares that I’m talking to myself? But if He is real, who else is going to help me figure this out? Best decision ever. I recommend anyone unsure of the truth to do the same, and to read this book.

[Jack Smith · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

If I were to give an unbelieving friend a book on Christianity, it might well be this. A brilliant blend of classical apologetics, as well as existential arguments from philosophy and literature—all the while both evangelistic, and pastoral.

[Danny Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a compelling apologetic for the Christian faith. There are times I wish Gavin felt the freedom to be a little more definitive, but I love how he includes the idea of longing or 'the ache' as an apologetic for the faith, and includes existential evidence for the faith as well as historical, scientific, and philosophical evidence for the faith. A short, easy, readable book for those exploring Christianity, or for those who want to better explain their faith to others.

[Clayton Windham · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Gavin Ortlund has one fan, I am alive. If Gavin Ortlund has no fans, I am dead. An amazing explanation of the Christian faith that ties in more than just heady arguments, but the aches and longings of the human heart. It points to Christ at every turn and is a great read for anyone of any faith.

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book. I believe I've heard this book presented as analogous to Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Perhaps not quite aiming at those heights, but identical in purpose. Presenting Christianity to a skeptical world and giving reasons that may cause one to tilt the head and consider. Why not Christ? Why not Christianity? Is it true? Is it good? I confess as I write these few words that I'm a bit biased coming into this. I greatly appreciate Ortlund's ministry (both written and on the screen!) and I had no doubts I would be encouraged by this read. And so it turned out to be. I am not quite sure I'm the target audience, as I have no need of persuasion in regards to the claims of Christianity, but nonetheless this book warmed my soul.

I too have an ache in my heart, a longing for that far country. Ortlund identifies this ache itself as a testimony to the truth that this material world is not all there is. I won't dare summarize this entire book as I fear it would be too unwieldy and not do the book justice, but I will say I heartily enjoyed it all. The middle section of this book - on Jesus Christ and the beauty intertwined with the historical reality that is God made man - was by far my favourite part. Just reading about Jesus and why it is indeed so reasonable to consider him the very answer the universe strains to grasp was indeed rich food for my weary soul. I am grateful for this book. Again, I feel this book is written to people that may be seeking - and perhaps it will be of use for those who cry as they wonder what is beyond the veil. I hope and pray that this book is one that is as impactful to this generation as Mere Christianity was to its own. I have considered Jesus and found him to be that for which my soul longs. I hear the gulls call and look out across the waters and my heart skips a beat as I see the first glimmering star near the horizon. There is beauty that pricks my heart near to bursting and I sigh for wonder that I have found my answer in Jesus. Maybe you will consider him too.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

My appreciation for Gavin keeps growing. This title is much like his “Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t” but with more emphasis on commending Christianity and with a more popular audience in view.

The tone of this work is engaging and gentle towards a potential inquirer. “Christianity seems remarkably plausible,” rather than an overbearing (or oft-implied) “Christianity is just obviously true.” Likewise, the emphasis is not merely on what makes the most rational sense, but what also satisfies the longings of the human imagination and deep human intuitions. For example, much is said about a topic (be that the resurrection, the truthfulness of deeply felt moral values, the hope of ultimate justice, etc.) with the observation: “how enthralling is this idea, if true?”

On the whole, “Why Christianity Makes Sense” is a modest, though compelling work that I would gladly recommend to someone seriously beginning to think about Christianity.

[Ben Torno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent work by Mr. (g)ortlund. As per usual, he is quite modest in his claims and nails the tricky balance between rigor and clarity. Essentially, this is a distillation of the best arguments from Tolkien, Lewis, Pascal, Kierkegaard, Plantinga, etc. Gavin's Truth Unites project has injected some much-needed sanity into the pop-apologetics world. Hopefully, it's also put the final nail in the coffin of the incessantly frustrating "New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" era.

A few brief weaknesses: Gavin omits any discussion of the Problem of Evil, which I would have preferred over the slavery sidebar. I also wonder if his discussion of the Canaanite Conquest and Ancient Near Eastern war rhetoric will cause raised eyebrows in more conservative traditions. Other parts were quite cheesy (a few too many "my dear reader(s)!" for my taste), but then again, that's just not my style.

[Tim Eichorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ortlunds don't miss.

This book is my favorite of Gavin Ortlund's works so far. As an established Christian I was mostly reading this book to see if I would be able to recommend it to my seeking friends, but ended up honing my knowledge of the topics covered quite a bit as I read. Definitely my new top choice to recommend to seekers. Ortlund effortlessly blends the intellectual and emotional reasoning in support of Christianity like I haven't seen in any other work. It's not so heady that one gets lost in the weeds, but not so stuck in the clouds that it lacks real substance.

Chapters 6-8, covering the person and work of Christ especially resonated with me.

Definitely recommended for anyone interested in Christianity, apologetics, and seeking the lost.

[Lianna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a believer since I was a little girl, and reading this book brought tears to my eyes. That Christianity “looks to be true” (as Ortlund concludes)—and I am fully convinced that it is. That some who don’t know God might come to find Jesus beautiful, as I do. That Christianity provides a foundation for the dignity of every person. That the ache (Sehnsucht) within us points us toward something real.

I really love this book, both for emotional and intellectual reasons.

[James-Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic popular-level apologetics book that balances "head" and "heart"...and numerous C.S. Lewis references are always appreciated!

[Colin Michaelis · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This book is unique among apologetic books. At one level it draws on some of the more common and important topics and arguments - the arguments from contingency, fine tuning and morality for example. But at another level Gavin Ortlund has woven in a more conversational style and personal touch. You feel like we are sitting on his porch and having a friendly and yet deeply serious chat.

Throughout the book there is the thread of "the ache", which when honest, I think all have us can find resonates at a deep level.

I found the first five chapters to be absolutely wonderful - definitely among the best apologetic chapters written.

Later on, some chapters, such as the one on Jesus claim of divinity, and the prophecy one, seemed more technical. In typical Ortlund style, he provides deeply reasoned arguments - countering well some of the positions of people like Bart Ehrman and Alex O'Connor. The quotes and examples provide clarity, however, I suspect that those few chapters will resonate more with some readers, and be too technical for some.

The book finishes so well too. It circles back to "the ache" for that country that we've never visited that feels like home, and beauty - whether in music or a walk in the forest or love for a child - and then gives the reader some concrete next steps to consider and then to do or try.

Gavin draws on so many of my favorite authors - Tolkien, Pascal, Lewis and more. And Ortlund himself, is, and will be, someone who will be quoted for years to come. The simplicity and profundity of "If the universe is not an accident, then neither are you" is just one example.

As I said at the beginning, Ortlund has put together a wonderful apologetic book. I will recommend it as one of the best to read for anyone with an interest in in the topic - either as a skeptic or as a believer.

[Nathan Bozeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Ortlund has, in this book, given an incredibly moving and powerful case for wagering on God. He follows in the footsteps of intellectual giants in the Christian faith like Blaise Pascal, Søren Kierkegaard, and CS Lewis, probably my three favorite historic Christian authors and thinkers (William Paley possibly being the only one who could replace one of them in my top 3). He starts with the ache in the human heart, showing why it should be viewed as a clue and not illusory. He follows by showing that God's existence and the truth of Christianity is plausible, ending with a call to take Pacal's Wager in the midst of uncertainty. If I were to give a cumulative case for Christianity, it would be incredibly similar to this. Given this, I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone wrestling with the aches and longings of their heart... discover where it leads.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is to Gen Z what Mere Christianity was to CS Lewis’ original audience. There are real questions and concerns to wrestle with in considering Christianity. The chapters on Slavery, Violence, and Divine Hiddenness were so helpful in reconciling competing notions of Christianity with the genuine beauty of the Gospel story of Redemption. Gavin does a great job of showing how the person and work of Christ are not just good or happy thoughts, but are intellectually satisfying. I really enjoyed the entirety of this short, engaging book.

[Marcas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gavin Ortlund makes us feel the existential need to wrestle with questions of God, ultimate meaning, and more in this book.

It asks good questions; it gives some good answers.

It is not going to satisfy all of those questions but it does provide a helpful frame for approaching them in Christ.

For certain niggly problem passages, I would follow this by reading Paul Copan, Greg Boyd, etc for different schools.
We can also return to church fathers like Origen, whose symbolic approach frees us from the dark sides of some literalist readings without undermining God's revealed Word.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book summarize a lot of key aspects of the “spiritual apologetic” for Christianity that those such as Keller first most clearly articulated. However, Ortlund’s decision to try and tackle slavery and violence in the Bible ought not to have been included, as they are unnecessary quagmires that are on the backend of belief and thus detract from his otherwise solid arguments. Full review for WORLD forthcoming.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but meaningful

Ortlund starts this apologetic work in the right place: Answering the "So what?"
So often an apologist will launch into their work without defining what it is that their argument changes. Ortlund starts by providing the reason why it matters at all.

This book is philosophical in nature but addresses many modern criticisms of Christianity and the Bible in a very gentle and loving way.

[Ross Hearne · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Great Gen Z introduction to apologetics. A modern mere Christianity. I enjoyed how Gavin mentioned that at the end of all, deductive reasoning can only get you to probability, not certainty. Only faith can do that. Great thought and so true. Praise Jesus that he is indeed the way, the truth, and the life. The bible is 100% true and it is centered on one God/man who gave himself as a ransom for many.

[Evan Cruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is the same whisper I hear through the leaves rustling in the trees when I'm on my nightly walks. It's the most thrilling experience of my life. The One addressing me is infinitely distant, yet somehow I know him and love him."

[Dan Wilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my new go-to book to hand out to people exploring the Christian faith. My only critique (if you could call it that) is that chapters 3 & 4 felt a little lofty and philosophical for an otherwise pretty accessible book.

[Shinba Saady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really touches the intellect and the heart, and leaves you feeling enchanted - stepping out of the wardrobe

[Matthew McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful that Gavin wrote this book. It may very well be my go-to recommendation going forward for those beginning to look into Christianity. Ortlund takes up the tradition of C.S. Lewis in presenting the truth claims of Christianity with simplicity and care. He is deeply attentive to what he calls “the ache” or what Lewis called “Sehnsucht.” This has to do with our heartfelt longing for truth, beauty, and goodness, experienced in listening to a beautiful symphony or watching the sun rise over the ocean. Ortlund helpfully never allows us to forget that man’s search for God is deeply emotional—it is not a mere scientific analysis into the probability of truth claims. We are searching for a Person. No other argument for God’s existence is more compelling to me personally than the fact that I have this ache within me, this longing within my heart, for Transcendence, for the Creator of all.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭‬‬

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to see the frequent appearance of Christian thinkers such as Blaise Pascal and Søren Kierkegaard. Ortlund’s extensive quotation of these two makes me want to dive into their writings on my own eventually!

[Collin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to reasons to believe in Christianity that is short, accessible and modest in its claims. It recognizes that rational arguments can only get one to probabilities and not certainty regarding God’s existence, while explaining why God may have intended things to be this way and urging readers in this uncertainty that seeking God is worth it. A dedicated section to the problem of God’s hiddenness is so valuable and isn’t covered in so many apologetics books that consider the strength of their arguments to move past the need to answer this question. I also like that the author took time to address apparent violence and evil in the Old Testament, as this will be the kind of obstacle that for many will be non-starters that prevent belief no matter how good other arguments may be. I think in this same vein it may also be worthwhile to include a section (in a future addition maybe) on why the Christian story of reconciliation makes sense, since up there with objections to Old Testament violence and evil are objections to so-called divine child abuse. Although, I’m not sure I’d agree with the authors rendition of a section like this as I move away from PSA as the centerpiece of Christian atonement. I would have also loved to see a small section defending the possibility of miracles with examples of modern miracles to bolster the section on resurrection. Overall, this is a great starting point for anyone open to considering Christianity.

[Rex Landis · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I don’t really like thought experiments, though this can be helpful for those who aren’t familiar with the cosmological and ontological arguments. Also I feel it is a little cheap to use Pascal’s wager as a crux at the end of the book when he is making his biggest claims and could lead to other larger logical fallacies.