How to Be a Christian Witness for a Disenchanted World | Gavin Ortlund

Dr. Gavin Ortlund delivered a powerful and timely lecture titled “How to Be a Christian Witness for a Disenchanted World.” Drawing from theology, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Ortlund explored how Christians can offer hope in an age marked by spiritual emptiness and social isolation.Key Takeaways:Disenchantment Defines Our AgeOrtlund described the modern West as spiritually dry and emotionally disconnected, echoing thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Charles Taylor. Many today feel a deep, often unspoken sense of meaninglessness.The Ache for TranscendenceBeneath the distractions of modern life lies a longing for beauty, goodness, and something beyond ourselves. Ortlund called this “the ache”—a signal of our need for God.Friendship as a Lost VirtueHe highlighted the cultural loss of deep friendship, once considered the highest form of love. Restoring meaningful relationships is key to healing loneliness and despair.Start with God’s TranscendenceIn sharing the Gospel, Ortlund urged us to begin not just with truth, but with the beauty and goodness of God—meeting people where they are in their search for meaning.Resurrection as the Ultimate HopeThe hope of Jesus’ resurrection transforms suffering into glory. It’s not just a comforting idea—it’s the foundation for a renewed life and a restored world.About Gavin OrtulundGavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is a pastor, author, speaker, and apologist for the Christian faith. He serves as the president of Truth Unites, visiting professor of historical theology at Phoenix Seminary, and theologian-in-residence at Immanuel Nashville. He is the author of several books, including The Art of Disagreeing, Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t, and What It Means to Be Protestant. You can find his work at truthunites.org Send us Fan MailUpper House Commons gathers the university community for spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation.We explore big ideas and engage in conversations that matter within arts and humanities, justice and society, leadership and vocation, science and technology, spiritual formation, and theology. Whether you are a student or faculty member at UW–Madison or beyond, working in the marketplace, or serving in the church, we see you as part of our university community. Gather with us for one of our programs —our “commons”— each a pasture for shared spiritual, intellectual, and vocational formation.Head over to our events page to see what's coming soon, or mark your calendar for these upcoming programs.Find out more slbf.org/upperhousecommons