Have you ever felt that the world has become a little... gray? Not literally, of course. The sun still rises, flowers bloom, and children laugh. But something inside feels flat, as if the color has been drained from everyday life. This sense of disenchantment is not new. Philosophers and poets have lamented it for centuries. But for Christians, it raises a deeper question: Where is God in all this?
Many of us were taught that Jesus is the answer to every problem. And that is true. But sometimes the answer feels abstract, like a slogan rather than a living reality. We long for something more tangible, a way to experience the presence of God in the midst of our ordinary routines.
Recently, a number of Christian thinkers have been talking about re-enchantment—the idea that we can recover a sense of wonder and spiritual depth in a world that has become overly rational and materialistic. One such voice is pastor and author Brian Zahnd. In his book Unseen Existences, Zahnd offers a vision of re-enchantment that is deeply centered on Christ. He reminds us that the spiritual world is not a distant fantasy but a reality that surrounds us every moment.
The Problem with a Flat World
Zahnd argues that modern society has taught us to see the world as nothing more than matter in motion. If that is true, then life becomes meaningless. As he puts it, “If matter is all there is, then not much really matters.” This is the root of our existential discontent. We were made for more than just biological survival. We were made for communion with the living God.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians that all things were created through Christ and for Christ—things visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). This includes not only angels and spiritual beings but also the deep structure of reality itself. The universe is charged with the presence of God. We simply need eyes to see it.
Heaven Is Closer Than You Think
One of the most encouraging insights in Zahnd's book is his understanding of heaven. Heaven is not a faraway place we go to after death. Instead, Zahnd describes it as “a different dimension” that is “all around us.” This is not a new idea. The early Christians believed that heaven and earth overlap, and that through Christ we can experience the reality of God's kingdom even now.
This changes everything. If heaven is near, then every moment is an opportunity to encounter the divine. A meal with friends, a walk in the park, a moment of silence—all can become windows into eternity. The problem is that we have been trained to ignore these windows. We are so busy, so distracted, so focused on the next task that we miss the presence of God right in front of us.
Three Ways of Relating to Heaven and Earth
Zahnd helpfully outlines three approaches to the relationship between heaven and earth. The first is escapist faith. This view sees this life as merely a test, a waiting room for the real life to come. Earth is a vale of tears, and our only hope is to get out. While there is some truth in longing for heaven, this approach can lead to a neglect of our responsibilities here and now. It can also make us indifferent to suffering and injustice.
The second approach is earthly faith. This view focuses entirely on this world. It emphasizes social justice, community, and human flourishing, but sometimes forgets the transcendent. While these are good things, a faith without heaven can become just another human philosophy.
The third approach, which Zahnd calls re-enchanted faith, holds heaven and earth together. It recognizes that the spiritual and material are intertwined. We are called to live fully in this world, but with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). This is the biblical vision. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Heaven is not just a future destination; it is a reality that can break into our present.
How to Re-Enchant Your Faith
So how do we move from a disenchanted faith to a re-enchanted one? It starts with attention. We must slow down and pay attention to the presence of God in our lives. This can be as simple as starting the day with a prayer of gratitude, or taking a moment to notice the beauty of a sunset. It means reading Scripture not as an ancient document but as a living word that speaks to us today.
Another key practice is community. We were not meant to live this journey alone. When we gather with other believers to worship, pray, and break bread, we experience a foretaste of heaven. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). In these ordinary activities, the extraordinary God meets us.
Finally, we must embrace the mystery. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting the One who does. As Paul wrote, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). We do not have to understand everything. We just need to keep our eyes on Jesus.
A Practical Step for Today
Take a few minutes today to sit quietly and ask God to open your eyes to his presence. Look around your room, your home, your neighborhood. Where do you see signs of God's goodness? It might be in the kindness of a stranger, the laughter of a child, or the peace you feel when you pray. Write down one thing you noticed and thank God for it. This simple practice can begin to re-enchant your faith, one moment at a time.
Remember, the answer to our downcast hearts is not a new idea or a better philosophy. It is a person: Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is the one who makes all things new, including our tired hearts.
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