Gavin Ortlund: The Woke Theologian We Didn't Ask For

Gavin Ortlund is a name that’s been making waves in Christian circles lately, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Known for his attempts to reconcile Christianity with modern cultural trends, Ortlund has landed himself in hot water more than once. His recent dispute with Megan Basham over her book Shepherds for Sale is a prime example of how his 'peacemaking' approach often turns into a full-on capitulation to woke ideology.

For those unfamiliar, Gavin Ortlund is a theologian and content creator who serves as the theologian in residence at Emmanuel Nashville, where he focuses primarily on his YouTube ministry. Previously, he was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai in California, but he has since shifted his focus to online ministry, where he continues to engage with cultural and theological issues. His background as the son of Ray Ortlund, a prominent evangelical pastor, gives him a significant platform, though one he often uses in ways that blur the lines between biblical truth and cultural accommodation.

The Climate Change Conundrum

The most recent kerfuffle involving Ortlund revolves around climate change. Basham’s book doesn’t pull any punches, accusing Ortlund of aligning with leftist ideologies on climate science. In response, Ortlund went on the defensive, accusing Basham of misrepresentation and distortion. He claimed her summary of his views was a “shady tactic” and called it “bearing false testimony.” But here’s the thing: when the facts were laid out, it became clear that Basham’s portrayal was, if anything, too generous. Ortlund's own words condemned him, revealing his tendency to frame opposition to the mainstream climate narrative as conspiracy theories—a far cry from a biblically based critique.

Waffling on the Word

Ortlund’s tendency to waver doesn't stop at climate change. His past comments on issues like homosexuality and universalism have also resurfaced, adding more fuel to the fire. Ortlund has been accused of soft-pedaling on homosexuality, treating it as a secondary issue rather than a clear-cut matter of biblical truth. His comments on universalism, where he refuses to label it as heresy, further demonstrate his willingness to blur the lines between orthodoxy and cultural acceptance.

Ortlund’s Dance with Wokeness

It's no surprise that Ortlund is now being scrutinized more than ever. His approach to theology seems more concerned with avoiding offense than with standing firm on biblical truth. This is exactly what Basham’s book warns against—a drift towards cultural relevance at the expense of doctrinal clarity. Ortlund’s attempts to portray himself as a victim in this dispute only highlight his inability to take a strong, uncompromising stand.

The Verdict: Woke and Wavering

Gavin Ortlund may be intelligent, articulate, and well-meaning, but these qualities don’t make him based. In fact, they make him the perfect candidate for woke theology—a theology that bends and twists to fit the ever-changing demands of the culture, rather than standing firm on the eternal Word of God. If you’re looking for a theologian who will tickle your ears with cultural compromise, Ortlund is your guy. But if you’re seeking someone who is unapologetically based, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

In conclusion, Gavin Ortlund’s latest antics—whether it’s his spat with Megan Basham or his soft stance on critical issues—reveal a man who is anything but based. He's a cautionary tale of what happens when a theologian tries too hard to be liked by the world. And we all know what Scripture says about those who seek the approval of men rather than God.