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Why Christianity Makes Sense

A Book About Jesus, the Mysteries of the World, and the Longings in Your Heart

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Why Christianity Makes Sense

By: Gavin Ortlund
Narrated by: Mike Lenz
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Summary

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 like:

  • 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.

Reflection questions can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

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Critic Reviews

'Gavin Ortlund has earned a reputation as one of the clearest and calmest communicators of complex and contested ideas. In Why Christianity Makes Sense, he brings those gifts to the biggest question of all: the intellectual and emotional case for Christianity in doubting times. This is a book for readers who are unsure what to make of the world's largest faith. Avoiding simplistic apologetics, Ortlund invites readers not to a leap of faith but to little steps in the right direction. I read every page and loved it.'
'Gavin Ortlund has lined up the most powerful arguments for the existence of God and the truth of the Christian faith, showing that belief in a Creator and the God-man Jesus Christ is not a blind leap of faith but a journey of reason itself. Writing in clear and compelling prose, Ortlund shows that Christianity offers satisfaction for *both* the head and the heart.'
'Gavin Ortlund has shown himself to be a sensitive as well as rigorous defender of the Christian faith. In this book, he draws together a wide array of historical and philosophical arguments, making a case that is not only intellectually serious but deeply attentive to the longings of the human heart. This is an important and distinctive contribution to contemporary Christian apologetics.'
'Gavin Ortlund has written a lucid, lively, and generous case for Christianity's intellectual and existential plausibility. This is not a book that merely answers questions; it asks better ones, gently drawing readers toward the ache beneath their doubts and desires. For Christians looking for something to give to a thoughtful non-Christian friend, for culturally Christian readers wondering whether the faith still makes sense, or for anyone beginning to investigate Christianity for themselves, this is a splendid place to start.'
'Gavin Ortlund maintains an appealing balance in this book between the intellectual and the existential, appealing to both reason and the imagination. Ortlund cites both the classics and very recent academic research, including the best advocates and the best critics of Christian theism. The book spans a broad range, from metaphysics and cosmology to history and moral experience. I was especially pleased to find a rich discussion of messianic prophecy, a crucial piece of evidence.'
'I can think of no better companion on the journey of exploring Christianity than Gavin Ortlund. This book transforms daunting questions into a friendly invitation to learn more.'
All stars
Most relevant
A well-written case for one reason why one should consider Christianity. Written for the seeker. If you want to hear a contemporary defense of Christianity, this book is one of the best.
The reading by Mike Lenz was good (although I would have preferred it to be read by the author).
Here are the contents:
Intro: The Ache Within
Part I: Religion deserves curiosity
1. Absurdity: Is Life Without God Worth It?
2. Enchantment: What If Jesus Rose from the Dead?
Part II: God Is Plausible
3. Contingency: Why Is There Anything?
4. Fine-Tuning: Is Our Universe Designed?
5. Morality: Do Good and Evil Point to God?
Part III: Jesus Is Compelling
6. Jesus: Did a Man Really Claim to Be God?
7. Resurrection: Hod Did the Christian Movement Start?
8. Prophecy: Is the Bible's Story Coherent?
Part IV: The Bible Is Good for Humanity
9. Slavery: Does the Bible Support Human Dignity?
10. Violence: Did God Command Genocide?
Part V: Faith Is Worth the Wager
11. Hiddenness: Why Isn't God More Obvious?
12. Wagering: How Do We Decide Without Certainty?
Conclusion: Now What?

An engaging presentation of Christianity

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