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Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being
What is gratitude? Where does it come from? Why do we need it? How does it change us?
In Gratitude, award-winning author Cornelius Plantinga explores these questions and more. Celebrating the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that it is the very key to understanding our relationships with one another, the world around us, and God.
Going deeper than mindfulness and positive psychology, Plantinga explores gratitude in a theologically informed and pastorally sensitive way. He shows that being grateful to God is not only our righteous duty but also the single best predictor of our well-being. Gratitude makes us more faithful, joyful, generous, healthy, and content.
While it's easy to focus on the suffering, fear, and worries that surround us, Plantinga places all of that in the larger context of provision, abundance, and delight, empowering listeners to experience the deep joy of giving thanks.
In Gratitude, award-winning author Cornelius Plantinga explores these questions and more. Celebrating the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that it is the very key to understanding our relationships with one another, the world around us, and God.
Going deeper than mindfulness and positive psychology, Plantinga explores gratitude in a theologically informed and pastorally sensitive way. He shows that being grateful to God is not only our righteous duty but also the single best predictor of our well-being. Gratitude makes us more faithful, joyful, generous, healthy, and content.
While it's easy to focus on the suffering, fear, and worries that surround us, Plantinga places all of that in the larger context of provision, abundance, and delight, empowering listeners to experience the deep joy of giving thanks.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2024
6 people are currently reading
2196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 1, 2023
If you are picking up Cornelius Plantinga's "Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being" expecting it to be some feel-good, greeting card reading experience you might want to think again.
Don't get me wrong. There's lots to feel good about here, however, Plantinga's "Gratitude" is far more than simply a feel-good, inspirational experience. It's an engaging and compelling tapestry of science meets theology, a gentle exegetical exploration of gratitude's Biblical foundations along with extensive research around gratitude. In other words, "Gratitude" doesn't drown us in toxic positivity but does, in fact, weave together a theologically based argument for gratitude at all times and in all things.
This might sound one and the same. It's not.
Plantinga explores the definition of gratitude, where gratitude comes from, why we need gratitude, and how gratitude changes our lives. In ultimately affirming the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that gratitude is truly the essential ingredient in understanding our relationships with one another and with God.
"Gratitude" reads like a work of pastoral care, a theologically rooted book that clearly and concisely instructs gratefulness to God as righteous duty AND as the single best predictor of our well-being. Gratitude, Plantinga explains, turns us into more faithful, joyful, healthy, and content human beings.
I always appreciated "Gratitude," though I also can't deny there are times I'm in disagreement with Plantinga about how to and the implications of living into it. While Plantinga for the most part avoids toxic positivity, there are moments in "Gratitude" when I felt it dancing on the line of prosperity theology and when I'd have preferred an approach emphasizing "look for God" instead of "look for good."
Again, there's a difference.
Modest quibbles aside, "Gratitude" is a valuable primer on a central Biblical concept that is often overly simplified and not fully understood. Plantinga makes it all accessible and gently guides us down the road toward a more gratitude filled life.
Don't get me wrong. There's lots to feel good about here, however, Plantinga's "Gratitude" is far more than simply a feel-good, inspirational experience. It's an engaging and compelling tapestry of science meets theology, a gentle exegetical exploration of gratitude's Biblical foundations along with extensive research around gratitude. In other words, "Gratitude" doesn't drown us in toxic positivity but does, in fact, weave together a theologically based argument for gratitude at all times and in all things.
This might sound one and the same. It's not.
Plantinga explores the definition of gratitude, where gratitude comes from, why we need gratitude, and how gratitude changes our lives. In ultimately affirming the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that gratitude is truly the essential ingredient in understanding our relationships with one another and with God.
"Gratitude" reads like a work of pastoral care, a theologically rooted book that clearly and concisely instructs gratefulness to God as righteous duty AND as the single best predictor of our well-being. Gratitude, Plantinga explains, turns us into more faithful, joyful, healthy, and content human beings.
I always appreciated "Gratitude," though I also can't deny there are times I'm in disagreement with Plantinga about how to and the implications of living into it. While Plantinga for the most part avoids toxic positivity, there are moments in "Gratitude" when I felt it dancing on the line of prosperity theology and when I'd have preferred an approach emphasizing "look for God" instead of "look for good."
Again, there's a difference.
Modest quibbles aside, "Gratitude" is a valuable primer on a central Biblical concept that is often overly simplified and not fully understood. Plantinga makes it all accessible and gently guides us down the road toward a more gratitude filled life.
April 12, 2024
Plantinga does an excellent job spelling out the intricacies of gratitude. His work is informed by Scripture and contemporary psychology. What appreciated most about his writing was that it not only provided great insights into gratitude, but it led me to express gratitude in my own life.
June 23, 2025
Grateful for this delightful book on gratitude. Insightful, thoughtful, wise, practical, accessible. All the good things one expects from Plantinga.
“I want to talk about something I believe is close to the heart of every thoughtful teen and adult—namely, how to live with purpose in the world, how to find meaning in it, how to get up in the morning looking forward to doing something constructive” (149).
Thanks, Neal, for this gift of a book. “And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
“I want to talk about something I believe is close to the heart of every thoughtful teen and adult—namely, how to live with purpose in the world, how to find meaning in it, how to get up in the morning looking forward to doing something constructive” (149).
Thanks, Neal, for this gift of a book. “And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
March 27, 2024
“Grateful people go through life alert, observant, [and] mindful. They notice good things that only God could have produced, and they revel in their intricacies.”
Man, how I wish that is something that could be said of me today. Unfortunately, I lean more to the grumbler side than the grateful side. That’s what inspired me to pick up this book. And thankfully, we can grow into grateful people!
In this book, Cornelius Plantinga walks the reader through what gratitude is, how we get it, what blocks it, and what happens when we have it. He also discusses ways that we can express our gratitude and how gratitude is so integral to our well-being.
I love thinking about how intentional God was in calling us to be grateful to Him, knowing that in addition to heightening our reverence for Him, it’d also improve our quality of life!
There were a few things that were really vague and could have used greater clarification (i.e., his view of hell in chapter 6), but they didn’t take away from the overall impact the book had on me.
I was left feeling convicted, but encouraged after putting it down. But most importantly, I was left wanting to do something—to do more to incorporate gratitude into my day-to-day life. Because truthfully, God is too good—even in the midst of hard things—not to be grateful.
Special thanks to @brazospress for providing the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Man, how I wish that is something that could be said of me today. Unfortunately, I lean more to the grumbler side than the grateful side. That’s what inspired me to pick up this book. And thankfully, we can grow into grateful people!
In this book, Cornelius Plantinga walks the reader through what gratitude is, how we get it, what blocks it, and what happens when we have it. He also discusses ways that we can express our gratitude and how gratitude is so integral to our well-being.
I love thinking about how intentional God was in calling us to be grateful to Him, knowing that in addition to heightening our reverence for Him, it’d also improve our quality of life!
There were a few things that were really vague and could have used greater clarification (i.e., his view of hell in chapter 6), but they didn’t take away from the overall impact the book had on me.
I was left feeling convicted, but encouraged after putting it down. But most importantly, I was left wanting to do something—to do more to incorporate gratitude into my day-to-day life. Because truthfully, God is too good—even in the midst of hard things—not to be grateful.
Special thanks to @brazospress for providing the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2024
I was taught, as were many of my generation, that it is important to say please and thank you. It is important to say thank you even if your aunt gives you an ugly sweater, say thank you. While this is a valuable lesson is this the same as having or experiencing gratitude? To answer that question we need to ask what gratitude is. A further question has to do with the value that gratitude might bring to our lives.
Several years ago Diana Butler Bass wrote a book titled Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks. In that book, Diana noted that while many people are anxious, angry, and resentful, most reported being grateful. There seems to be a disconnect between the two, in the end, she wrote that she believed gratitude can be transformative. Six years later Cornelius Plantinga, senior research fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, has written a very similar book in that he too believes that gratitude can be transformative. If nothing else, it's good for you!
Being thankful stands at the foundation of the Christian faith. The word eucharist, a term applied to the Lord's Supper, comes from the Greek eucharistia, which means to give thanks. The Eucharist is a foundational sacrament of the faith. He points out that there in the center of the word is charis, the Greek for grace and thus gratitude. He concludes in his introduction that Christianity is a religion of God's grace (p. 3). To extend the definition, what is gratitude? Plantinga devotes his first chapter to answering that question. He writes that "gratitude is a glad sense of being gifted with something by someone and thus being indebted to the giver" (p. 7). It might be accompanied by a warm feeling, but not necessarily. Nevertheless, what Plantinga notes here is that in many ways gratitude is or perhaps should be a disposition. It can even be a character trait if it defines a person's nature. Gratitude involves both being blessed by someone, including God and therefore being indebted. Maybe that can be repaid with a simple thank you, but maybe it requires more. I think of all the people who have contributed to my life, I am truly indebted to them. Perhaps there is no repayment possible, but we can find ways of expressing gratitude.
If gratitude can be and perhaps should be a disposition, a character trait, how do we get gratitude? That's the question asked in Chapter 2. He offers several possibilities, including spiritual ones, such as prayers at the dinner table. He mentions as well the Jewish practice of the Passover, which includes the word Dayenu, which speaks of something being enough. He writes that "The Dayenu is a remarkable device. With its wonderful interior linkages, it piles up examples of God's generosity, celebrating each in turn, and thus piling up occasions for Israel's gratitude." (pp. 18-19). Ultimately gratitude emerges from observation and reflection on God's acts of goodness. While there are several ways of cultivating gratitude in the end our ability to develop gratitude is rooted in God's grace. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
You might ask, after thinking about cultivating gratitude, "What blocks my gratitude?" That is the question raised in Chapter 3. Plantinga suggests there are both innocent and less innocent blockages. The innocent ones include such things as clinical anxiety and shame. It could even involve the attitude of the giver, such that the giver of the gift seeks to manipulate. On the other hand, there are less innocent ones such as cynicism, a sense of self-sufficiency, apathy, greed, resentment, and entitlement. Plantinga ultimately asks, with so many potential blockages it's a wonder that anyone is grateful. Yet many are.
Having defined gratitude, noted ways of cultivating it, and possible blockages, in chapter 4, Plantinga addresses what might happen to us if we are grateful. What are the benefits? Among the benefits include consolation, contentment, joy, and generosity (yes gratitude leads to generosity). We might expect such benefits, but what about healthier hearts? Apparently, some studies suggest grateful people have healthier hearts (though of course, we all know ungrateful people who live long lives without heart trouble, nonetheless this is interesting), lower blood pressure, and more. But let this not be a self-help project!
So what might the Bible say about gratitude? In answer, Plantinga begins with gratitude being triggered by memories of goodness. We see this with the remembrance of the Passover and in the Eucharist/Lord's Supper. This pattern is found throughout Scripture as God calls both Israel and the church to remember what they have to be thankful for. It is rooted in being raised with Christ, thus the connection with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is, he suggests part of the image of God and an aspect of church unity. With this reminder, Plantinga moves in Chapter 6 to answer the question of why thank God. The answer is found in several places including the gifts we receive in ordinary life as well as God's creation and God's grace to us as sinners. When it comes to giving thanks, as Plantinga writes in Chapter 7, things could be worse. In other words, gratitude is compatible with lament. Biblically, Plantinga points us to Jesus' suffering on the cross, reminding us that God understands. God is not aloof to our suffering. So we might find light even in the midst of darkness. So, we can be grateful even in the midst of difficult times. There is always something to be grateful for.
With these previous chapters as a foundation, in Chapter 8 Plantinga speaks of "Savoring and Celebrating." Grateful people savor things, perhaps as simple as a cup of coffee. They savor good things like a good book, beauty in nature, and many other things. As we savor the good things in life, we can then turn to celebration, as many Psalms invite us to do. There are lots of ways of celebrating things in our lives such as freedom on the Fourth of July or a sports team's parade after winning a championship. But not only might we savor and celebrate, but grateful people take care of things (Chapter 9). Yes, we take care of the things we are grateful for, whether it is a beloved dog, a marriage, or nature. Grateful people take care of their faith. In fact, he suggests that "Good works are the best evidence of our gratitude to God." (p. 137). Chapter 10 summarizes what we've explored using the Thanksgiving image of the cornucopia, inviting us to ponder all the blessings we have received. The foundation for this contemplation is the call to seek first God's realm, for if we do so we'll "never run out of good things to do" (p. 151).
Gratitude is a central theme of the Christian faith. We know that has many benefits that lead to a life of flourishing. If this is true, as Scripture suggests, as well as experience, might we seek to cultivate a disposition of gratitude? Such is the message of Cornelius Plantinga.
Several years ago Diana Butler Bass wrote a book titled Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks. In that book, Diana noted that while many people are anxious, angry, and resentful, most reported being grateful. There seems to be a disconnect between the two, in the end, she wrote that she believed gratitude can be transformative. Six years later Cornelius Plantinga, senior research fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, has written a very similar book in that he too believes that gratitude can be transformative. If nothing else, it's good for you!
Being thankful stands at the foundation of the Christian faith. The word eucharist, a term applied to the Lord's Supper, comes from the Greek eucharistia, which means to give thanks. The Eucharist is a foundational sacrament of the faith. He points out that there in the center of the word is charis, the Greek for grace and thus gratitude. He concludes in his introduction that Christianity is a religion of God's grace (p. 3). To extend the definition, what is gratitude? Plantinga devotes his first chapter to answering that question. He writes that "gratitude is a glad sense of being gifted with something by someone and thus being indebted to the giver" (p. 7). It might be accompanied by a warm feeling, but not necessarily. Nevertheless, what Plantinga notes here is that in many ways gratitude is or perhaps should be a disposition. It can even be a character trait if it defines a person's nature. Gratitude involves both being blessed by someone, including God and therefore being indebted. Maybe that can be repaid with a simple thank you, but maybe it requires more. I think of all the people who have contributed to my life, I am truly indebted to them. Perhaps there is no repayment possible, but we can find ways of expressing gratitude.
If gratitude can be and perhaps should be a disposition, a character trait, how do we get gratitude? That's the question asked in Chapter 2. He offers several possibilities, including spiritual ones, such as prayers at the dinner table. He mentions as well the Jewish practice of the Passover, which includes the word Dayenu, which speaks of something being enough. He writes that "The Dayenu is a remarkable device. With its wonderful interior linkages, it piles up examples of God's generosity, celebrating each in turn, and thus piling up occasions for Israel's gratitude." (pp. 18-19). Ultimately gratitude emerges from observation and reflection on God's acts of goodness. While there are several ways of cultivating gratitude in the end our ability to develop gratitude is rooted in God's grace. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
You might ask, after thinking about cultivating gratitude, "What blocks my gratitude?" That is the question raised in Chapter 3. Plantinga suggests there are both innocent and less innocent blockages. The innocent ones include such things as clinical anxiety and shame. It could even involve the attitude of the giver, such that the giver of the gift seeks to manipulate. On the other hand, there are less innocent ones such as cynicism, a sense of self-sufficiency, apathy, greed, resentment, and entitlement. Plantinga ultimately asks, with so many potential blockages it's a wonder that anyone is grateful. Yet many are.
Having defined gratitude, noted ways of cultivating it, and possible blockages, in chapter 4, Plantinga addresses what might happen to us if we are grateful. What are the benefits? Among the benefits include consolation, contentment, joy, and generosity (yes gratitude leads to generosity). We might expect such benefits, but what about healthier hearts? Apparently, some studies suggest grateful people have healthier hearts (though of course, we all know ungrateful people who live long lives without heart trouble, nonetheless this is interesting), lower blood pressure, and more. But let this not be a self-help project!
So what might the Bible say about gratitude? In answer, Plantinga begins with gratitude being triggered by memories of goodness. We see this with the remembrance of the Passover and in the Eucharist/Lord's Supper. This pattern is found throughout Scripture as God calls both Israel and the church to remember what they have to be thankful for. It is rooted in being raised with Christ, thus the connection with the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is, he suggests part of the image of God and an aspect of church unity. With this reminder, Plantinga moves in Chapter 6 to answer the question of why thank God. The answer is found in several places including the gifts we receive in ordinary life as well as God's creation and God's grace to us as sinners. When it comes to giving thanks, as Plantinga writes in Chapter 7, things could be worse. In other words, gratitude is compatible with lament. Biblically, Plantinga points us to Jesus' suffering on the cross, reminding us that God understands. God is not aloof to our suffering. So we might find light even in the midst of darkness. So, we can be grateful even in the midst of difficult times. There is always something to be grateful for.
With these previous chapters as a foundation, in Chapter 8 Plantinga speaks of "Savoring and Celebrating." Grateful people savor things, perhaps as simple as a cup of coffee. They savor good things like a good book, beauty in nature, and many other things. As we savor the good things in life, we can then turn to celebration, as many Psalms invite us to do. There are lots of ways of celebrating things in our lives such as freedom on the Fourth of July or a sports team's parade after winning a championship. But not only might we savor and celebrate, but grateful people take care of things (Chapter 9). Yes, we take care of the things we are grateful for, whether it is a beloved dog, a marriage, or nature. Grateful people take care of their faith. In fact, he suggests that "Good works are the best evidence of our gratitude to God." (p. 137). Chapter 10 summarizes what we've explored using the Thanksgiving image of the cornucopia, inviting us to ponder all the blessings we have received. The foundation for this contemplation is the call to seek first God's realm, for if we do so we'll "never run out of good things to do" (p. 151).
Gratitude is a central theme of the Christian faith. We know that has many benefits that lead to a life of flourishing. If this is true, as Scripture suggests, as well as experience, might we seek to cultivate a disposition of gratitude? Such is the message of Cornelius Plantinga.
December 5, 2023
Plantinga, Cornelius. Gratitude; Why Giving Thanks is the Key to our well-being. Brazos Press, 2024.
I have suffered from migraine headaches since I was a teenager. Recently, I read an article on Facebook about 15 things I could do to prevent a migraine from occurring. Suggestion 8 said to start a gratitude journal. “Even when your head hurts like …. you can find 10 things to be thankful for. Get your list going and jot down an idea whenever you think of it.” (Ellipsis added) The article then listed begin grateful for caring friends, blooming flowers, and a comfy bed.”
Cornelius Plantinga’s latest book, Gratitude, does a whole lot more than help a person prevent migraines. In ten chapters, the author fully explains gratitude. In the early chapters, he defines it, explains how to get it, details what blocks it, and writes about what happens if we do not have it. Then Planting turns to the Bible to find a base for gratitude, noting Biblical themes and why Christian should thank God. The final chapters offer useful ways to show gratitude.
Gratitude is, according to Plantinga, “A glad sense of being gifted with something by someone and thus being indebted to the giver.” (p.6) This offers a mixed sense of being blessed by someone and therefore indebted to a giver. A kind of relationship is formed between the giver and the recipient. God gives us good health. We give gratitude to God for that gift because we know that we owe our good health to God.
Throughout the book, Plantinga gives much advice both theological ad pastoral, as he does in all his writings. As usual, he uses very appropriate and pointed anecdotes and stories to illustrate the more theoretical aspects of gratitude. Not as usual in his writings, this book has lots lists: a list of for tendencies grateful people possess, a list of things that inspire gratitude, a list of entitlements. Most of these lists are appropriate and helpful to the reader, although the list of parades (p.76) seems rather far-fetched.
Plantinga explores the benefits of gratitude on health relying on the findings of a relatively new branch of psychology, positive psychology. Wikipedia notes that positive psychology studies the conditions that contribute to the optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions. Gratitude is certainly one of the conditions that help people we healthy. A “potent array of benefits” of positive psychology are portrayed in two lists, of course. (p. 38)
Most people are raised with a social sense of gratitude. This book can help raise the level of gratitude above social niceties. Yes, many people today have much to fear, suffer, and worry. But most people also have much for which to show gratitude for. Maybe I should give the gratitude journal a try.
Robert L. Otte,
Librarian, LaGrave Avenue Church
Note: I read the pre-publication e-book, not the final text for which I have great gratitude.
I have suffered from migraine headaches since I was a teenager. Recently, I read an article on Facebook about 15 things I could do to prevent a migraine from occurring. Suggestion 8 said to start a gratitude journal. “Even when your head hurts like …. you can find 10 things to be thankful for. Get your list going and jot down an idea whenever you think of it.” (Ellipsis added) The article then listed begin grateful for caring friends, blooming flowers, and a comfy bed.”
Cornelius Plantinga’s latest book, Gratitude, does a whole lot more than help a person prevent migraines. In ten chapters, the author fully explains gratitude. In the early chapters, he defines it, explains how to get it, details what blocks it, and writes about what happens if we do not have it. Then Planting turns to the Bible to find a base for gratitude, noting Biblical themes and why Christian should thank God. The final chapters offer useful ways to show gratitude.
Gratitude is, according to Plantinga, “A glad sense of being gifted with something by someone and thus being indebted to the giver.” (p.6) This offers a mixed sense of being blessed by someone and therefore indebted to a giver. A kind of relationship is formed between the giver and the recipient. God gives us good health. We give gratitude to God for that gift because we know that we owe our good health to God.
Throughout the book, Plantinga gives much advice both theological ad pastoral, as he does in all his writings. As usual, he uses very appropriate and pointed anecdotes and stories to illustrate the more theoretical aspects of gratitude. Not as usual in his writings, this book has lots lists: a list of for tendencies grateful people possess, a list of things that inspire gratitude, a list of entitlements. Most of these lists are appropriate and helpful to the reader, although the list of parades (p.76) seems rather far-fetched.
Plantinga explores the benefits of gratitude on health relying on the findings of a relatively new branch of psychology, positive psychology. Wikipedia notes that positive psychology studies the conditions that contribute to the optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions. Gratitude is certainly one of the conditions that help people we healthy. A “potent array of benefits” of positive psychology are portrayed in two lists, of course. (p. 38)
Most people are raised with a social sense of gratitude. This book can help raise the level of gratitude above social niceties. Yes, many people today have much to fear, suffer, and worry. But most people also have much for which to show gratitude for. Maybe I should give the gratitude journal a try.
Robert L. Otte,
Librarian, LaGrave Avenue Church
Note: I read the pre-publication e-book, not the final text for which I have great gratitude.
March 8, 2024
In his thought-provoking book "Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being," Cornelius Plantinga delves into the profound impact of gratitude on our lives. Drawing from biblical wisdom, psychological research, and personal anecdotes, Plantinga makes a compelling case for cultivating a grateful disposition.
Plantinga begins by exploring the nature of gratitude, distinguishing between fleeting moments of thankfulness and a deeply ingrained attitude of gratitude. He highlights the characteristics of genuinely grateful individuals, such as feeling grateful with greater intensity, frequency, and breadth. Plantinga then examines the myriad benefits of gratitude, ranging from improved physical health and better sleep to increased resilience, happiness, and stronger relationships.
Throughout the book, Plantinga grounds his insights in scriptural truths, demonstrating how gratitude is central to the Christian faith. He explores biblical themes of thankfulness and provides numerous verses that underscore the importance of expressing gratitude to God for His abundant blessings.
While Plantinga acknowledges the suffering and challenges we face, he encourages readers to view them through the lens of God's provision and care. By embracing gratitude, he argues, we can experience greater joy, generosity, and contentment, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
One of the book's strengths is its practical application. Plantinga offers concrete suggestions for cultivating gratitude, such as keeping a gratitude journal or regularly expressing thanks to others. He also addresses common obstacles to gratitude and provides guidance for overcoming them.
"Gratitude" is a timely and much-needed message in a world often consumed by negativity and entitlement. Plantinga's engaging writing style, coupled with his pastoral sensitivity and theological depth, makes this book accessible and impactful for readers from all walks of life.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your spiritual life, improve your well-being, or simply gain a fresh perspective on the power of thankfulness, "Gratitude" is a must-read. Plantinga's insights will challenge and inspire you to make gratitude a central part of your daily life, transforming your relationships with God, others, and yourself in the process.
Plantinga begins by exploring the nature of gratitude, distinguishing between fleeting moments of thankfulness and a deeply ingrained attitude of gratitude. He highlights the characteristics of genuinely grateful individuals, such as feeling grateful with greater intensity, frequency, and breadth. Plantinga then examines the myriad benefits of gratitude, ranging from improved physical health and better sleep to increased resilience, happiness, and stronger relationships.
Throughout the book, Plantinga grounds his insights in scriptural truths, demonstrating how gratitude is central to the Christian faith. He explores biblical themes of thankfulness and provides numerous verses that underscore the importance of expressing gratitude to God for His abundant blessings.
While Plantinga acknowledges the suffering and challenges we face, he encourages readers to view them through the lens of God's provision and care. By embracing gratitude, he argues, we can experience greater joy, generosity, and contentment, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
One of the book's strengths is its practical application. Plantinga offers concrete suggestions for cultivating gratitude, such as keeping a gratitude journal or regularly expressing thanks to others. He also addresses common obstacles to gratitude and provides guidance for overcoming them.
"Gratitude" is a timely and much-needed message in a world often consumed by negativity and entitlement. Plantinga's engaging writing style, coupled with his pastoral sensitivity and theological depth, makes this book accessible and impactful for readers from all walks of life.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your spiritual life, improve your well-being, or simply gain a fresh perspective on the power of thankfulness, "Gratitude" is a must-read. Plantinga's insights will challenge and inspire you to make gratitude a central part of your daily life, transforming your relationships with God, others, and yourself in the process.
January 22, 2024
Always Be Thankful and Grateful
The author explains what gratitude is and states that there’s a big difference between occasionally feeling grateful and having a grateful disposition. He states that in a seminar on gratitude at Calvin University in July 2017, psychologist Charlotte vanOyen-Witvliet explained to participants that people with a grateful disposition possess four tendencies, which are:
1. Feeling grateful with higher intensity than others
2. Experiencing gratitude with greater frequency
3. Being grateful for a wider array of good things
4. Experiencing gratitude with greater density—that is, having a thicker group of people to whom they are grateful for
He discusses various forms of gratitude, some benefits of being grateful, to include physical benefits. He states that in addition to lower blood pressure and healthier hearts, grateful people enjoy an eye-opening number of other benefits, such as:
1. They experience less depression and anxiety.
2. They sleep longer and better and awaken more refreshed.
3. They have lower levels of systemic inflammation.
4. They have higher levels of happiness and satisfaction with their lives.
5. They are less prone to materialism.
6. They are less prone to workplace burnout.
7. They are more resilient after traumatic events.
8. They are more patient.
9. They are more “prosocial”— more benevolent, more supportive of others.
10. They form and maintain strong relationships more consistently.
The author quotes biblical scriptures as to why we should always be grateful and give thanks to God for all that we have and all that God has done for us.
Very nice read. I enjoyed the fact that the author provided numerous biblical verses on giving thanks and being grateful. Highly recommend.
The author explains what gratitude is and states that there’s a big difference between occasionally feeling grateful and having a grateful disposition. He states that in a seminar on gratitude at Calvin University in July 2017, psychologist Charlotte vanOyen-Witvliet explained to participants that people with a grateful disposition possess four tendencies, which are:
1. Feeling grateful with higher intensity than others
2. Experiencing gratitude with greater frequency
3. Being grateful for a wider array of good things
4. Experiencing gratitude with greater density—that is, having a thicker group of people to whom they are grateful for
He discusses various forms of gratitude, some benefits of being grateful, to include physical benefits. He states that in addition to lower blood pressure and healthier hearts, grateful people enjoy an eye-opening number of other benefits, such as:
1. They experience less depression and anxiety.
2. They sleep longer and better and awaken more refreshed.
3. They have lower levels of systemic inflammation.
4. They have higher levels of happiness and satisfaction with their lives.
5. They are less prone to materialism.
6. They are less prone to workplace burnout.
7. They are more resilient after traumatic events.
8. They are more patient.
9. They are more “prosocial”— more benevolent, more supportive of others.
10. They form and maintain strong relationships more consistently.
The author quotes biblical scriptures as to why we should always be grateful and give thanks to God for all that we have and all that God has done for us.
Very nice read. I enjoyed the fact that the author provided numerous biblical verses on giving thanks and being grateful. Highly recommend.
November 15, 2023
Another book on gratitude, one might ask? Do we really need it? What more is there to say? To be honest, I had all these thoughts on starting to read Plantinga's book. It didn't take long for me to realise that this book brings something different and important in the discussion around the topic of gratitude.
Plantinga explores the Biblical roots, the psychological and physiological implications of gratitude. In doing so, he provides excellent Biblical exegesis, the results of research studies and examples of the grateful. We all want to be humbler and healthier don't we? Well, Plantinga provides a case that in becoming a grateful person we can become both. And one of the other wonderful elements of being grateful is that it feeds on itself. The grateful are generous and generosity feeds generosity both within the giver and receiver. It's quite magical.
Plantinga starts by exploring what gratitude is, how we get it, what blocks us from being grateful, and what happens to us if we are grateful. The second half of the book moves into exploring the Biblical themes surrounding gratitude, think how many verses mention 'thankfulness', 'give thanks,' and celebrating gratefulness. He ends the book with some wonderful examples of gifts that we can be thankful for.
This book exceeded my expectations and I'd encourage people to read it as being a grateful person is the best way to live irrespective of one's circumstances.
I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy from Brazos via Net Galley with no expectation of a positive review.
Plantinga explores the Biblical roots, the psychological and physiological implications of gratitude. In doing so, he provides excellent Biblical exegesis, the results of research studies and examples of the grateful. We all want to be humbler and healthier don't we? Well, Plantinga provides a case that in becoming a grateful person we can become both. And one of the other wonderful elements of being grateful is that it feeds on itself. The grateful are generous and generosity feeds generosity both within the giver and receiver. It's quite magical.
Plantinga starts by exploring what gratitude is, how we get it, what blocks us from being grateful, and what happens to us if we are grateful. The second half of the book moves into exploring the Biblical themes surrounding gratitude, think how many verses mention 'thankfulness', 'give thanks,' and celebrating gratefulness. He ends the book with some wonderful examples of gifts that we can be thankful for.
This book exceeded my expectations and I'd encourage people to read it as being a grateful person is the best way to live irrespective of one's circumstances.
I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy from Brazos via Net Galley with no expectation of a positive review.
February 22, 2024
Gratitude
Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being
by Cornelius Plantinga
Pub Date 06 Feb 2024
Baker Academic & Brazos Press,Brazos Press
Christian
I have been given a copy of Gratitude by Baker Academic and Netgalley to review.
How do we express gratitude? Where does it come from? How does it benefit us? What effect does it have on us?
Cornelius Plantinga explores these questions and more in his book Gratitude. Celebrating the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that it is the very key to understanding our relationships with one another, the world around us, and God.
Through theologically informed and pastorally sensitive exploration of gratitude, Plantinga goes deeper than mindfulness and positive psychology. According to him, being grateful to God is not only our righteous duty but also the best predictor of our wellbeing. Gratitude makes us more faithful, joyful, generous, healthy, and content.
It's easy to focus on the suffering, fear, and worries around us, but Plantinga places them in the context of provision, abundance, and delight, empowering readers to give thanks with deep joy.
I give Gratitude five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being
by Cornelius Plantinga
Pub Date 06 Feb 2024
Baker Academic & Brazos Press,Brazos Press
Christian
I have been given a copy of Gratitude by Baker Academic and Netgalley to review.
How do we express gratitude? Where does it come from? How does it benefit us? What effect does it have on us?
Cornelius Plantinga explores these questions and more in his book Gratitude. Celebrating the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that it is the very key to understanding our relationships with one another, the world around us, and God.
Through theologically informed and pastorally sensitive exploration of gratitude, Plantinga goes deeper than mindfulness and positive psychology. According to him, being grateful to God is not only our righteous duty but also the best predictor of our wellbeing. Gratitude makes us more faithful, joyful, generous, healthy, and content.
It's easy to focus on the suffering, fear, and worries around us, but Plantinga places them in the context of provision, abundance, and delight, empowering readers to give thanks with deep joy.
I give Gratitude five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 18, 2024
In these days of political instability, inflation and global warming, it’s hard to see the positives that are all around us. This book may help you to look at life from a different perspective and find things to be thankful for. Not all the ideas in the book are new, but it doesn’t hurt to hear them again, and the author does give credit where credit is due if the story or idea is not originally his own. ( Example: keeping a gratitude journal) Now that I am finished reading it, I will pass it on to someone else that needs it!
I received this book through the publisher and Goodreads Firstreads, but all opinions are my own.
I received this book through the publisher and Goodreads Firstreads, but all opinions are my own.
November 9, 2025
I read this book because I was looking forward to hearing the author talk about gratitude on the Trinity Forum, and because our pastor preached a sermon about Psalm 95 last week which gave a new perspective on why we praise the Lord. I had a conflict come up and so still haven't listened to the broadcast of the interview, but I was given a number of new reflections on gratitude which can be most useful going forward.
February 24, 2025
All in all a straightforward book on gratitude. Plantinga develops the scriptural foundation for gratitude, and how central it is in many parts of Christian practice. He explains the personal benefits of gratitude, and this book parallels some of the books on happiness that I've read. He also explains the practical implementation of gratitude as well.
January 22, 2025
Overall, a disappointment. I was looking forward to a solid treatment on gratitude, but rather found a theologically loose and oversimplified talk about gratitude. Some parts hardly even seemed connected to what gratitude is or to scripture.
November 18, 2024
Excellent theologically and practically. I've already read it twice
January 1, 2025
Daily gratitude- it gets you in the presence of God, you are better grounded in purpose, and you really see what God is doing right before your eyes. This is a must read.
did-not-finish
November 25, 202511/25/2025 DNF at 21%. Meh.
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