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August 8, 2011

Why Gratitude Is Not Enough

Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts threatens to turn thanksgiving into the key to our salvation.

Rachel Stone

I spend most of my time on domestic chores and child care, and I’m inclined to see those tasks in a sacramental light, looking for moments to reflect on with gratitude. Also, I cherish the seemingly small. My son’s dimples, my tomato plants grown from seed, and wild animals and flowers call me to spontaneous thanks and praise of my Creator. Thanking God is both biblical and psychologically beneficial, a correct creaturely response to his goodness. So for all these reasons, I was intrigued by Ann Voskamp’s new book, One Thousand Gifts, and its growing popularity. Its subtitle — "A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" — and Voskamp’s challenge to list 1,000 things to be grateful for seemed to me to hold promise.

The book, following the popularity of Voskamp’s blog, loosely chronicles Voskamp’s journey from doubting God’s goodness to a deep commitment to practicing gratitude. Early in childhood, Voskamp’s family lived through something unspeakably tragic: the accidental death of her younger sister when she herself was a preschooler. The death cast a long shadow of fear over Voskamp’s life, bringing up the age-old problem of pain and the questions that plague the very depressed: Why delight in anything or anyone at all if nothing lasts? When a friend jokingly challenged Voskamp to list 1,000 things for which she was grateful, Voskamp took up the challenge, and began seeing gratitude’s importance confirmed everywhere she looked.

Voskamp’s holy grail is eucharisteo: joyful thanksgiving, gratitude. And why not? Who can forget Corrie and Betsie ten Boom thanking God for their fleas even before they knew that the tiny tormentors would keep guards out of their barracks so they could hold a prayer meeting? It’s a beautiful example of gratitude under the harshest conditions. But one major weakness of One Thousand Gifts is that it threatens to flatten all of Scripture to fit Voskamp’s eucharisteo vision: “A Greek word that might make meaning of everything,” a concept that’s “necessary to live the whole, well, fullest life.” The fall of Adam and Eve, for Voskamp, is called “non-eucharisteo” — ingratitude, and salvation is “intimately related to eucharisteo.” “Do I really want to be saved?” she writes.

I get nervous when any concept — even a biblical one — is offered as the key that opens all locks. Scripture is far too deep and broad to be placed under a single heading. There’s the risk of stretching all passages on the rack of our concept until they confess what we want them to say. I get it that gratitude has been transformative for Voskamp, who once struggled mightily with anxiety, pessimism, and agoraphobia. But in this book she preaches eucharisteo in a way that seems to make the concept a new law, a practice necessary to live a truly Christian life.

Further, at the risk of sounding exactly like the former English teacher that I am, I found Voskamp’s ungrammatical, free associative, and impressionistic style almost unreadable. Any lover of words knows that the rules of language are by no means unbreakable. Gerard Manley Hopkins, the English poet who, like Voskamp, wrote about God’s grandeur displayed in the ordinary, broke rules all the time: “the just man justices;/Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;/Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is — Christ.” But Hopkins was restrained in his trespasses and put them sparingly into poems, not books. All 240 pages of Voskamp’s book feature adjectives in place of adverbs, tack adjectives on after nouns, overuse the passive voice (“pages of the gratitude journal fill endlessly”), and seem to have an odd aversion to possessive pronouns: “the hand” and “the eye” when she means her hand, her eye. The overall effect was to me distracting and confusing rather than poetic. It’s written entirely in the present tense, apparently to drive home one of her main points: that the present is where God is. (Which is also kind of questionable when you consider that the Passover and the Lord’s Supper were instituted to remember God’s past faithfulness, and that looking to that faithfulness calls us to present worship and trust; see Psalm 78.)

Further, Voskamp’s stream-of-consciousness wrestling to be grateful for everything strikes me as not necessarily biblical. When one of her children throws toast in his brother’s face, Voskamp sees the problem as lying not with her child but with herself for feeling anger instead of in-the-moment calm and gratitude. Ditto when another child breaks a glass cabinet. It is important to learn to keep one's cool and stay in the moment even when the moment is rough. But Jesus did tip over some tables in his day, and crying out and complaining to God in the midst of suffering (not merely accepting it with gratitude) has a long and venerable history. Job pleaded his case before God; Jesus did say, “not my will, but yours be done,” but after (not before) he asked for that cup to be taken from him. And as he was dying, he spoke from Psalm 22, which hardly evinced the Zen-like acceptance Voskamp appears to advocate.

Is gratitude toward God transformative? Absolutely. Is life better when I remember to give thanks? Definitely. Is practicing the presence of God — doing “our common business wholly for the love of him” — a worthy goal? A biblical one? Certainly. But is it the key to our salvation, the only way to the kingdom of God? By God’s grace, shown most gloriously in Christ, it is not. By his grace, there is love and beauty and redemption that surpasses our failures, our ingratitude, and the dullness of our senses to perceive the thousands of daily gifts all around us.

Comments

I haven't read this book. All I know of it is what I read in Rachel's post. Gratitude can unlock a heart big time. If the book does actually say that gratitude is the key to it all then of course it is wrong. But Gratitude is mightily important.

I wonder about the last part of post when Rachel mentions how unreadable the book is. If it is that unreadable I am surprised it is so popular. I have my own pet peeves that I silently correct when it comes to language usage but to rant about it in a post makes me wonder if there is could be a bit of bitterness there. I don't know. I hope not.

And then I think, sometimes God gives some of His children one message to share with the world. Maybe Ann Voscamp's message for the world is gratitude. I believe I read somewhere that Billy Graham said he only had one message to share which he did very effectively for decades.

This review does indeed sound bitter, and it broke my heart. Why insult such a beautiful woman, writer, and thinker? Ann inspires so many of us to make sacramental moments of the ordinary and to infuse beauty into the common thing. I'm a writing professor, and I'm shocked at how petty this reviewer's "grading" of Ann's prose sounds. Present tense? Using creative language? I say "bravo" instead of "shame."

Perhaps I'm just growing old and soft, but as a founding contributor to this blog, I'm saddened by the tone of this review.

A few thoughts come to mind:

Romans 1:18-21: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." In this passage, the Apostle Paul clearly identifies ingratitude as both a posture that invites the wrath of God and a key feature of alienation from him.

Rob Bell's writing style: Has it been criticized this harshly at CT? Should it be? Would Voskamp's if she were a man?

In one paragraph we learn that Voskamp has "struggled mightily with anxiety, pessimism, and agoraphobia." In the next, her writing style is torn to shreds. That's quite a leap.

Every writer who publishes their work invites criticism, but this review, like some I have written for CT, should have been made more charitable before it was published.

I actually appreciated the comments on the writing style. Some people like to read that style, but I would be distracted by it. Also, Rachel's criticism of present tense doesn't appear to be a criticism for grammatical reasons as much as for theological reasons: a significant difference.

Overall, I found this a kind and thoughtful review, not a harsh one (as the other readers suggest). We need to think critically and carefully about what we read, and Rachel not only gives praise where praise is due, but she also suggests places where the theology of the book needs nuancing. I am grateful that she opens up such conversation, and I hope further posts focus on some of the larger questions she raises (e.g., about eucharisteo and its relation to Scripture) rather than attacks on Rachel for honestly assessing a book whose popularity does not belie its potential for flaws.

I agree with Sandy - I don't see this review as being harsh or overly critical in the slightest. Knowing about the writing style helps me to know that I would likely not enjoy it; furthermore knowing that the author tends to a zen-like approach (not getting upset when someone does something wrong) also tells me that this is not something I would wish to read. There is a huge difference between anger over wrongdoing and being offended (and holding onto the anger); people often forget that and or don't understand it. Its ok for the author to be mad that her son threw his toast at a sibling. Because that is wrong! What she needs to learn is how to control that anger after the initial reaction and not try to guilt trip herself into not feeling emotions at all.

Years ago I casually said to my husband, "I should write a book called '1000 Things to Be Thanksful For.' It would probably be a bestseller."

Oh, well . . .

Amen.

I was very disappointed with the review as were others I note. What did I miss? I did not get the impression Ann was equating eucharisteo with salvation. Maybe living out our salvation but certainly not salvation itself. And her writing style is definitely poetic but it forces me to read more deeply and not just skim like I do sometimes when it's all so familiar and grammatically perfect. I meet with a group of women and we are reflecting on her thoughts chapter by chapter and it's been extremely beneficial to each one of us. Ann's book is definitely on my gratitude list.

I totally agree with Jennifer. I saw nothing in the book equating eucharisteo with salvation. I am a 75 year old Bible teacher and the book has not made me see "different" but has certainly made me see "differently." I have recommended and given away many of these books. I am well past 500 in my list of things I am grateful for. I love Ann's blog.

English majors unite! The style drove me crazy...but the content was challenging. Certainly all of Chrisitanity is not built around gratitude, but I do think it may be a somewhat lost virtue in our self-centered world. When we see live and it's goodness - and ills - as a gift, it certainly takes our focus off of our attitude of entitlement. Maybe that will lead to being more giving...I hope so.

As any reader of her blog knows, Ann's writing style is different. But I love it. And her heart, which she pours into her blog. I don't see her writing style translating well to a book (haven't read her book) but every time I read her blog I am challenged by her words, her life and her gratitude.

I smiled at the nervousness that you mentioned. I smiled, too, at the thought and misunderstanding that Voskamp was offering one key that opens all locks. I smiled and wished that since the English Teacher found distraction and confusion that reading had simply stopped and realization had taken place that the Spirit's work cannot be contained. While we consider man's rules very often right they can seem petty when God Almighty has a wideness to His mercy. I believe great vision and depth opened as Voskamp sought with her whole heart the fullness of joy - the presence of the Lord Jesus for the hurts, disappointments and questions of life. I think He had found her but that she truly found Him in the continual seeking. I saw through her writing an openness not to be like her but to be all that God wants from each one of us. I saw a meeting of her need and a promise that God stands ready often to meet need, but not all wants. The insights of eucharisteo freed and gave facets of understanding of God's grace that when she first began writing she did not understand. She found more. I am appreciative of Ann Voskamp's openess. I am grateful. Gratitude does not save, but when salvation is understood, received and lived it is a good next place. I am thankful and when bread and wine is received in remembrance of my Savior and my Lord I will also remember not to be blessed or bask only in the past remembrance of Him, but that I am called by Him to serve and He will never leave nor forsake.

I certainly hope Rachel has read more into what was written than what is there. Reading about Ann's book on a blog inspired me and others, to do a Thankfulness pages on our blogs. For those of us doing so, it is to put the spotlight on the positive things in our lives, whether big or small. To be thankful for the good God has given and not let the not so good get us down. I recently purchased Ann's book and my wife and I are reading it together.

Wow. Wow. I can't believe Rachel and I read the same book; the book I am discussing chapter by chapter with various women, each of whom is finding it an enriching experience and each is finding herself focusing much more on the goodness of God in her life. One Thousand Gifts is not a book to be hurried through; it is one to be savored, pondered upon, and identified with. Broken language rules and all. Rachel should read it again and maybe she will see the depth, beauty and intentionally repeated themes. Ann VosKamp's writings have the potential of opening one's eyes and heart to the magnificent love of our Awesome God, and of making one aware of Christ-like responses to life's frustrations and disappointments. She accomplishes all this with her poetic prose that forces you to "see that all is grace". Sign me as one immensely blessed by 'Gifts'.

I stumbled upon Voskamp's blog a few months ago and read 1000 Gifts. As for her style, yeah, it can be hard to read. I'd love to share this book with my mom, but she'd not be able to get past Voskamp's unique style of writing, unfortunately.

As for the theology, I don't believe Voskamp was saying thankfulness = salvation. She was simply offering her way of finding grace in the everyday. Yes, even when children are breaking and throwing things. I was challenged to follow her lead.

I think a book like 1,000 Gifts is going to be differently received based on the reader's preference. So for the sake of balance, I'd like to defend this work as a significant contribution to Christian literature. As someone who works in the publishing industry, I read many books every year that are marked by good stories, biblical wisdom, etc., but surprisingly lacking in literary quality, the appreciation for a word well-said. Ann's book proved me wrong and showed me that Christians can create aesthetic, creative, and thought-provoking works. In my opinion, we so desperately need more of this!

As to the critique of her grammar style, I think this is part of her unique writing voice, and we're all allowed a little creative license.

I know that I turn to secular literature when I want a work of literary art, knowing I won't find it on the Christian shelves. I'm incredibly grateful for writers like Ann who are returning articulate beauty to Christian books.

I'd like to clarify that the quotations in paragraph 3 are exactly that--quotations from 1000 gifts.

These claims:

eucharisteo is "a Greek word that might make meaning of everything,"
the fall is "non-eucharisteo"
salvation is "intimately connected to eucharisteo"
the question of whether to give thanks in all things is equated to (or at the very least, parallel to) the question "do I really want to be saved?"--

and, in my final paragraph, "the only way to welcome the Kingdom of God"--that is a quote from the book. It's what Voskamp herself claims regarding her concept of eucharisteo.

these are Voskamp's claims, not my evaluations.

I enjoyed this review and the comments, although I hope we can express an opinion without being called "bitter."
All art, including written art, is open to interpretation, and style preference is part of that. It also doesn't hurt to question the premise, while at the same time appreciating the message.

As Christians, we sometimes seem to think that the only good review is totally positive, since we are supposed to be kind and loving, but I thought Rachel Stone handled this subject with honesty and kindness. If she had given it an unequivocal thumbs up, there would be those who would criticize her for that approach.

I haven't read this book, but I understand the importance of gratitude, and also the grace God provides when He does not make it a deal-breaker when we don't always show our gratitude for His myriad blessings--sometimes even blessings in disguise! Having said that, it is also okay to weep and mourn as Jesus did in Gethsemane.

Thanks for a thought-provoking post!

Respectfully, I've got to admit that I was a bit surprised and disappointed by this post, as I have found Ann's work to be refreshing, stimulating, thought-provoking, and faith-challenging.

As a counselor to women, avid journaler, and blogger, I always appreciate when a woman writes deeply from her heart and authentically expresses herself in a way that is true and unique to who God has designed her to be.

I am thankful for the refreshing perspective she has brought to my soul. Our Christ-honoring faith journeys are each very individual and personal. Our writing will, most likely, reflect that truth.

I am sad that I read this post... It made me so disheartened when I normally come here to be uplifted. I don't think it is a wise idea to post so harshly about a fellow believer. Constructive criticism is one thing, but veering from the main argument to take punches at writing style is a little much. I feel like Voskamp was not shown any love or respect.

I'd like to go off of a post above where a reader quoted part of the actual book, trying to prove that Voskamp thinks thanksgiving= salvation. If you read further, she uses the story of when Jesus heals the 10 lepers and only one returns to thank Him to expound. She notes there that all 10 lepers were surely healed, but the one who returned to thank him seems to experience a higher sanctification moment. From what I have read in the book and watched on her Bloom video interviews, she sees thanksgiving and gratitude as a spiritual discipline aiding in sanctification that ought to be given just as much weight as the other more common disciplines.

This thread shows why it's so difficult for a Christian to write an honest review: because some fellow Christians will disapprove of even the lightest word of criticism. (Which is ironic, because then they often start handing out the criticism themselves!) But nothing in the Bible says that we're supposed to love each other's books unequivocally. We're going to have differences of opinion, and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as they're expressed respectfully. And I think Rachel did just that.

As many have already stated before, I do not understand where you connected the dots between Ann's eucharisteo concept and salvation. I read the book as a book club pick and enjoyed the thought provoking chapters Ann writes. I do agree that her writing made me a bit crazy, as I am a very black and white writer, and because of that, I don't read her blog, nor will I buy one of her books again.

I think whether or not you like the book, it is all preferences. I applaud Ann for forcing her readers to think about what it means to be thankful. When you suffer with depression, finding the little things to thank God for is often what will help you make it through the next minute, hour, and coming days.

I am also an English teacher, so I am probably a bit biased. But I strongly believe that what the church today needs urgently in order to influence the culture more effectively is more artists AND more critics--more literary writers (like Ann Voskamp)AND more critical readers (like Rachel Stone). As someone who appreciates literary writing (so rare in Christian publishing today) regardless of the style as well as thoughtful, reflective, engaging criticism regardless of whether I agree with it or not, I want to give triple thanks for this post: for the book that prompted it, for the critic who responded, and for the site that posted it.

This is the kind of engagement Christians need to have with one another and the world if we want to change the world.

Here's to art AND to art criticism ...

The book opens not with the death of Ann's four-year-old sister, but her 18-month-old sister. Ann herself was four years old at the time. For someone who is so intensely critical of both Ann's writing style and the concept presented in her book, you might want to make sure you have all your own facts completely straight first.

I just wrote a review of this book for Woman Alive, the UK's monthly Christian women's mag, and it's far different from Rachel's. As an editor, I picked up on Ann's unique style, as I think a few have called it. But I said that although at times she flouted the rules of grammar, her unusual usage made me slow down and ponder her word pictures.

I'm grateful for Ann's book. It made me think and act - I've started my own gratitude list. And it brings to mind WH Auden's quotation: "Let all your thinks be thanks."

I found Voskamp's book edifying, and I found this post edifying. Neither is perfect, but both challenged me. Sometimes it's not either/or (as so many Christians seem to think), but both/and.

It's important to take Ann Voskamp's book, blog and ideas for what it is - a memoir. It is not a work of theology, even though her thoughts about eucharisteo and other things are certainly rooted in theological beliefs of her own. She doesn't claim to be a theologian though. If you read her blog, she considers herself a simple wife to a farmer and mom to six who happened to have her life transformed by a way of living and walking with God. Her book and her blog is her way of sharing it with the rest of us.

I found Rachel Stone's review to be petty, like she was looking for ways to pick apart a successful book (successful in numbers, but more importantly, in impact). But the bigger problem with this review is that it misses the context of Voskamp's ideas and writing. There's no need to elevate Ann to theologian or expert status - she doesn't claim to be that. She only claims to be a woman walking with God, and we should receive her work from that perspective.

Wow, lots of harshness here! I was surprised to find so many negative comments on the review. I just read it as Rachel expressing her thoughts on the writing style and content of the book, not being nasty or bitter. In fact, many of the comments were much more bitter than anything in the review.

On a different note, I also find it odd that many of the comments seem to equate something "poetic" with being more "literary." If that were the case, than we could exclude writers like Norman Maclean and C.S. Lewis, to name a few, from the literary canon. It is not flowery language alone that makes great art. I am not commenting in anyway on Ann's book as I have not read it, just on the more general idea.

Also, it does not matter if Ann claims to be a theologian or not. She is putting her theological thoughts and ideas out there for the world to see (and pay her for). It is totally appropriate that those ideas should be looked at and "tested" for theological soundness. I don't mean that harshly, but rather that any writer should expect (and even welcome) people to engage and even question his/her ideas.

I did not find the review to be bitter. It is a review - an opinion. We all have one. Just because one Christian woman author has a difference of opinion regarding another Christian woman author does not, in and of itself, mean there is bitterness or jealousy.
I have not read Ann Voskamp's book. Periodically I visit her blog. I recently heard her speak at a conference for Christian women who speak, write and lead. I have a hard time reading her style of writing as I also had a hard time following her speaking pattern, which was very similar to how she writes. To be fair, her topic was the topic of her book, 1,000 Gifts.
While her style is not my personal preference, I do appreciate her authenticity and her contribution.

When Rachel Stone has accomplished a tiny fraction of what Ann has in helping people live in greater grace, then she may think of criticizing this book. First, I would say that if Stone thinks that Voscamp "...make(s) the concept a new law...", the critic makes the mistake common to legalists - she misses the starting point of recognizing the work of Christ on the cross. Ann Voscamp clearly knows and emphasizes that part of the journey. Where the critic asserts that One Thousand Gifts "...threatens to flatten all of Scripture to fit Voskamp’s eucharisteo vision...". I found that practicing deeper gratitude gives new dimension to the walk of faith and relationship with Christ. And the writing style took nothing away from the message. Stone's bilious review suggests that she stick to the classroom for a while longer.

John, the idea that because you don't do what others do or have not accomplished what they have accomplished you have no right to critique their work is a false one and certainly not a biblical one. If we could only test the veracity of an idea of someone "equal" or "lesser" than ourselves it gives a free pass to many. In fact, by your logic, as you are not being published on a national blog, you have no right to critique Rachel's review.

I don't know why people cannot see that this was an engaging of the writing style and the ideas presented by Ann. No malice intended. If you disagree with Rachel, fine, then disagree civilly and continue the conversation. . . that was what she intended to happen anyway. But lets not get into a Paul v. Apollos thing here. . . neither author would want that.

Mark, the critic's treatment of the few passages of the book that she actually directly addressed shows that Voscamp's meaning was completely lost on Stone. Perhaps that provides the impetus for her sadly reductionist opinion. As far as my opening sentence, perhaps I should better have stayed with expressing how the tone of Stone's critique immediately struck me as being, at the very least, the outcome of frozen academia.

John, I have no problem with you disagreeing with Rachel on any point she brings up (and I really don't think she would either). I don't even think she would mind the statement about "frozen academia" if it is said in the right tone and context.

I guess this post proves the maxim that tone is very hard to decipher in the written word. So many people read intentions into what Rachel wrote. Intentions that I don't think are there.

I think part of the issue is the "poetic" language being debated. While odd sentence structure and flowery language can add much to a work of writing, they don't always help with clarity and meaning. Because of this, I think it is easier to have more widely varying interpretations of what is being said.

I found this review offensive. I get tired of critics who viciously trash a work that has been used by God to touch the lives of so many. Obviously this book has spoken to many hearts. The perfect book has been written: it's the Bible. The rest of us pray for Spirit-infused words and do the best we can to honor God and bring Him glory. Let's give support and prayer to those who are trying to impact their world for Christ.

I appreciate this review, I don't find it overly harsh or "mean" I think it's honest.

I've heard too many call this book a must-read, a book that speaks to everyone, or the best book they've read in a long time. That can be misleading, One Thousand Gifts is a great book for the people it was written to, and that isn't "everyone."

I personally find the book and the blog uplifting at times but I struggle with the loose stream-of-consciousness writing at times. I appreciate the concept and I think Ann writes some incredible stuff, I just get bogged down.

As far as the subject, there are many who were encouraged by the idea of universal gratitude, and I think that's important. But to someone who is, admittedly, a bit cynical, I found it thin. There wasn't a lot I could "hold onto."

This was the book she had in her and the one she had to write. It just wasn't written for me.

That's fine. :)

Just a few respectful questions:
-Does Voskamp truly claim gratitude is the "key that opens all locks" or merely the key to open the door of contentment and joy that had previously seemed locked to her (and many others)?

-In response to the claim that the book threatens to turn gratitude into salvation: Yes, certainly Scripture is too deep and broad to flatten it into one heading. But isn't there a time to dive deeply into one concept and plumb the depths? The writer of Hebrews thought so when he wrote, "Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation...6:1)

-What is the alternative for Ann? Should she have spent chapters laying out the plan of salvation? Some think so, but that was not the point of this book, and I for one am glad. We should never get over the wonder of our salvation, but we also need not fear that delving deep into aspects of the Christian life will immediately risk substituting those subjects for salvation.

It is true that we can make any passage of Scripture fit into a broad concept if we want to, but it is also true that enough Scripture speaks clearly and specifically about gratitude that it is not necessary to do that--it carries its own weight in references, which ought to make us consider it more carefully, which was Voskamp's purpose in writing.

This review is well measured and, at every step, affirms the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. To be sure the review is critical but it offers some substantial reasons for taking this stance towards the book. At no point is the review bitter or harsh, and it never attacks Ann's character, influence, or spirituality. By contrast, some of the comments that think the review is unfairly attacking Ann's book, do precisely that to Rachel's review. And, instead of engaging with the substance of the review, many of the comments shift topics to the spiritual impact of Ann's book or that it is authentic and came from her heart as if this is a substantive refutation of Rachel's review. The human heart is not a wellspring of goodness, being authentic does not mean you are right, and having an impact does not free ones ideas from criticism. It is vital to ask what kind of impact the book is having. If the negative comments left here by those who have been so affected by the book are any indication, I am inclined to think they support the review's perspective that thankfulness has become a new totalizing law that leaves no room for disagreement and for other biblical expressions like those mentioned in the review. If Ann is right, then giving thanks for this review would seem to be the most appropriate, if not, only response. If, however, it is an important spiritual disciple to know how to respond to certain situations and ideas critically, then I cannot help but think that the review is a good example of this and many of the following comments are not.

I certainly didn't find the review bitter. She had concerns, and expressed opinions...which is what a review is. This review also made me feel a little better about my own instincts (or, at least that I was not the only one to hold such opinions).

I had only heard such glowing reviews of this book - from godly women I normally agree with - so I was disappointed when I tried to read it. I just couldn't get past the writing style. It was distracting and annoying, and seemed to try too hard to be poetic. If the author talks like this in real life, the conversation would get old very, very quickly.

Interesting take on Ann's book. I read a galley of it before it was released, and I found the writing to be a little awkward and distracting at first, but soon I started to appreciate the distinctive style. I got a lot out of the book, but I understand why some people might not feel the same as I do.

When I first read through this article, no comments had yet been posted. I am reading/discussing the book with a group of women from church and decided to return to see what comments had been made. I was surprised and dismayed to see the heated exchanges.
My initial reaction to Ms. Stone's article was to wonder if she had read the book through in a sitting or two, or if she had had time to ponder the contents over the course of several weeks. I am a voracious reader, frequently reading through multiple books each week, yet I found that I could not read more than a few pages at a time of 1000 Gifts. Ann Voskamp’s writing style certainly contributed to that, but so did her thoughts and ideas. Changing up the word order, particularly from what we consider normal or proper, also impacts the emphasis on a particular concept. At times it reminds me of reading a non-native speaker’s translation (not all languages follow the same rules). Having to slow down, even re-read, to fully grasp the meaning of a passage allows for time to absorb the message—quite appropriate for this book (and sure to frustrate one reading a book meant purely to entertain…or to meet a deadline). And even as our discussion group comes to the end of the book, I know that I will be reading it again and again.

From page 40 of One Thousand Gifts:

“Thanksgiving—giving thanks in everything—is what prepares the way for salvation’s whole restoration. Our salvation in Christ is real, yet the completeness of that salvation is not fully realized in a life until that life realizes the need to give thanks.”

My understanding throughout the book was that when Voskamp says that eucharisteo might "make meaning of everything," she means that it leads the way into the more full, more whole life she sought. She seeks wholeness and healing, as others have said, as part of the sanctification (salvation present) rather than the justification (salvation past) of her soul (hence the present tense verbs, perhaps!). Gratitude transforms her perspective rather than ensures her salvation.

I for one am thankful for such a review. A book review should be a book review. It should consider both the style and substance of a book. I get tired of "Christian" reviews of "Christian" media that rarely ever saying a negative thing for fear of sounding unloving. It is possible to write an honest and critical review without being called harsh, mean spirited and such.

I think this is a very well balanced review. It was presented in a repectful tone. I don't see "harshness" in it in any way and I agree, totally, with the review of the book. Too often these days Christians are willing to throw out sound theology for feel-good, mystical, and dangerous thinking. I commend the author of this blog for having the courage to stand for truth in the face of a tidal wave of deception.

Not sure anyone needs yet one more opinion here, but I must cast my vote with those who defend and explicate the role of the book reviewer. A book reviewer is called to briefly summarize the book's content, and then to offer a thoughtful response for the benefit of others. If it is a fair review, it will present both praise and critique. Which Rachel has done. I have read "1000 Gifts," I love the book, and am hugely blessed to know Ann personally. Ann herself believes that we are to love the Lord our God with all our mind. A reviewer would be utterly remiss not to point out a salient feature of a book---here, the writing style. A reviewer is also tasked to consider the whole of the book in light of the whole of scripture. We may not agree with a reviewer, or even with the author of a Christian book, but let us continue to challenge and sharpen one another with grace and love, without personal accusations when we disagree. Our unity as fellow members of the body of Christ is not based on sameness, but assumes distinctions and difference---something that should elicit gratitude. I am grateful for Ann and Rachel, both thoughtful, courageous women of God.

Thank you for this thoughtful review; the comments were quite intriguing as well. I downloaded the first few chapters on my Kindle when it was recommended to me by someone I deeply respect awhile back: after reading the sample i knew i would not read the book. Her premise is good: gratitude does unlock a new view of life and God and is always to be pursued. But I was one of those who couldn't see the forest for the trees and her particular style wrenched any chance of enjoying the book right out of my hands. Different speakers/writers reach different audiences: I'm glad many were blessed by her -- and understand those who weren't.

"Further, Voskamp’s stream-of-consciousness wrestling to be grateful for everything strikes me as not necessarily biblical." This is the part of the review when I stopped disagreeing with the reviewer's opinion of Voskamp's writing and started wondering what in the world she was so upset about. I memorized 1 Thessalonians 5:18 at an early age, but have always struggled with its application. I haven't read Voskamp's book, but I do read her blog. It has never failed to make me stop in my rut of whininess and not only praise God, but reflect on how my life would surely reflect Christ better if I changed some of my attitudes toward what's going on around me. I've read plenty of reviews about this book that indicated a problem with Voskamp's style of writing. I haven't read one before that seemed to be reaching so hard to find something that would make you question her spirituality (such as insinuating a buddhist mind-set). Just my humble opinion...

A reviewer does have the right to her opinion and I can understand that Stone was put off by Voskamp's prose, although I find it beautiful and evocative. However, dedicating the longest paragraph of a fairly short review to a subjective issue like style does not seem like a balanced evaluation of this book. And using phrases like "holy grail" and "Zen-like" to describe this book's message sounds at least disrespectful and sarcastic, if not bitter.

Stone seemed to minimize with a "yeah, yeah, yeah..." the overarching theme of how practicing thanksgiving opened Ann's eyes to grace and changed her emotional and spiritual life. I, like Stone, have long known that gratitude is beneficial and Biblical, but I had never really focused on how often we are encouraged to "give thanks" in scripture and definitely had not made a point of practicing this daily until I was inspired by Ann's testimony.

And that is what this book is - a testimony. Ann writes in both this book and her blog with a vulnerable openness. She is not holding herself up as a theologian or an authority anymore than a friend sharing their experience with me over coffee or giving a testimony at church would be.

This book has spoken in a profoundly spiritual way to many women that I know, through the beauty of both Ann's message and the way she writes it. Those of us who have been inspired by Ann's writing feel bewildered that Stone seems to have so completely missed her heart. Instead of wasting time on discussing style and speculating about the heretical nuances of random phrases, could we please have a chance to explore her main ideas more fully?

I hope that Christianity Today will take another look at 1000 Gifts so that our perspectives can be represented too.

Thank you for this. Thank you for speaking up, standing in your convictions, to bring an excellent review to defend the supremacy of Scripture. I read the book in it's entirety and came away with the same problems. Ann's claims to the effect of "having unlocked the mystery of life through eucharisteo" is a heavy charge that goes beyond Scripture. I believe in the inerrant Word of God and no where do I see that specific mystery revealed.... Although Ann may be privy to special revelation that we all are not... Just like her sensual experience in Paris, turning Jesus into High Prince rather than High Priest. If we are to find grace, find hope, find Jesus, by giving thanks for all the small stuff (I agree, it's good to give thanks; but it doesn't save us!!!) what happens if everything is stripped from us? This is why our hope has to rest in Christ alone, His work on the cross, His salvation of our soul, because He is unchanging. This book lacks an eternal perspective that Col. 3:2 calls us to... Setting our minds on things above. I'd rather set my mind to heaven and eternity spent with Christ rather than thanking God for "cheese curls."

Great points, Carissa. We have an Old Testament example of setting our minds on things above as well. Job found himself with nothing to be thankful for but God himself, and came to the realization that God is enough to be thankful for always.

Cheers,
Tim

It's so nice to read that some people are thinking critically about this book. Not that it's all bad, by any means. I really don't think that the author meant for it to be as strong of an influence as it has turned out to be. I've felt that many of it's readers have equated her words with the Gospel. Almost like a new doctrine is being formed from it, and people have a really hard time criticizing her words. As a mature believer, I know the importance of guarding my heart, and there are certain things in this book that don't sit right in my spirit. Like the admonition to give thanks FOR everything (which is different than giving thanks IN everything). Anyway, other than that (so far anyway, I'm only about halfway through the book) I have found this book extremely edifying, especially having recently been in a season of discontent. It has really helped me. I would recommend this book with the caveat: "chew on the hay, spit out the sticks" compare everything to what the Word of God actually says, and reject anything that contradicts. Simple.

Yes, this is a very thoughtful and carefully written review. I appreciate a lot of the points the author has listed. Placing her points in perspective, I think Amy's book is biblical and is a wonderful reminder to many of us. With that said, I think it is also wise to accompany the reading of this book with the Gospel.
Like Amy, a few seasons after a very troubling time in my life I found myself in complete gratitude towards God. I was astonished at how unthankful I had become in life. Eventually, I did realize that thankfulness is golden, but not above the Gospel. I was so thankful that when negative trials affected my life, I questioned God: "Why is this happening to me? Not a day goes by that I am not thankful...". I have learned that thankfulness is only one element to the Gospel, but also that is a very important one. I find it very difficult to be peacefully joyful during troubling times when I am not thankful.

I appreciate this review as it mirrors many of my own feelings while reading 1000 Gifts. There has been so much enthusiasm for the book that I doubted myself when I couldn't muster the same fervency. Truthfully I had a hard time with the writing style not because it was novel or beautiful, but quite simply because it was hard to read.

I think it's easy to confuse complex writing and complicated writing. I've often waded through books so deep that I've had to reread paragraphs before I understood the author's point, but I find I have to reread Voskamp's writing simply because it doesn't communicate well. And just because you leave a book with the feeling "Wow, I barely understood that" doesn't mean it's profound. It could just mean that the author didn't write in an accessible way. In this case, the message got lost in the medium of overly artistic prose.

Despite the good things she has to offer, this is a HUGE issue and legitimate criticism precisely because her chosen medium is the written word.

It's interesting that no one has picked up on the normal use of the phrase "the Eucharist" in the English language. I read this book as a former Methodist, now a Catholic, and it echoed for me both the grateful heart that God calls us to have - offering the sacrifice of praise- and also the weekly celebration of the Eucharist - what Protestants call the Lord's Supper- in which we remember and celebrate Christ's sacrifice for us, with Thanksgiving. Our gratitude and praise to God for his sacrifice for us is truly central to our faith.

I'm reading the book and I can say that it has opened doors for me. I understand that being thankful is not "the key" to salvation but what this book has done for me is rouse me from my slumber and my grumbling of always wanting to be someplace else, do something else, be someone else...etc. I'm beginning to see the ordinary as magnificent and wondrous and a great gift from God. That has helped me tremendously as I enter menopause and experience the empty nest with an aching heart. Her writing style actually made me slow down while reading. Sometimes I have a tendency to read too quickly and I end up missing things. I'm loving the book. Everyone has there own "message" to give...and the author's is thankfulness-just what my heart needed at this time of my life.

Dear Rachel,
Thanks so very much for your post on the book "one thousand gifts" by Ann Voskamp. I found it to be very informative and helpful as I was unfamiliar with the book and author.
I must say I am quite surprised by some of the comments and I had to reread what you wrote to see if I had read the same post. You have done your job well. I may read this book in the future, but it will be with a watchful eye to carefully discern the content. Thank you.

I've read Ann's book and it has helped me to be more mindful of everyday blessings. Thank you, Ann, for sharing your heart!

Speaking to the comments it seems to me, in most cases, those who have actually READ the book are in favor of the book. Those who have NOT read the book are the ones who are critical. Except of course the writer of this post. I appreciate the review as a way to discuss and challenge. However, I think the challenges brought up are most assuredly opinion and should be taken that way until you have yourself READ the book. Those who find themselves agreeing with the review without having read the book may find themselves surprisingly disagreeing after all!

I usually run from "popular" Christian books. Seriously.

This one, however, I read because I love her blog. Both have deepened my walk with Christ and opened my vision into His great and matchless love. Her style resonates with my heart. Her words cause me to slow my racing mind and heart and simply demand more from me. But they give so much more in exchange.

I bought several copies to give as gifts wanting to share with those I love a little book that has meant so much to me. That said, I want to give a copy to my sister, but haven't. Why? I think that very style I love would drive her simply bonkers! (Likewise, some of the writers she reads are as dry as toast to me.)

And that's okay. We each are made uniquely and in His image. The world needs all kinds.

Do you know what I love the best about Ann? She's real. She flips out a bit in her mind at the endless piles of stuff strewn in the wake of her beloved family. She gets angry when her children hurt one another.

She did NOT think the toast throwing thing was okay and did not ignore it. She simply looked for MORE in the situation. It is so easy to simply REACT, isn't it? So much harder to stop and find God in the moment. To pray to respond in a way that pleases HIM.

I love that realness that also says- even after this list, after all the good, all the changes-that some days she forgets. Each day she must remember and gather His gifts anew~ as manna for her soul. As one who daily struggles myself, it is refreshing to remember He loves me anyway.

Just my thoughts.

Just one simple question for Rachel and all reading this post:

Have you taken the dare for yourself? To live fully? To count to 1000...in writing?

Just maybe...when you do...none of these words above will matter.

#517 Ann Voskamp's willingness to be a humble vessel

I so appreciated this review as it put into words some of the factors that had disturbed me with Ann's book. It did have a lot of good in it, much I benefited from reading, but though gratitude is a major factor in our Christian lives and one we fall short in, it's not the key to everything -- and I had gotten that impression from the book just as this reviewer did.

The style is also not one I gravitate to, but I get that that's her unique style. But it concerns me that so many of her readers are so devoted that they can't tolerate a different viewpoint.

Nanette identifies the fact that no book will appeal to absolutely everyone. While I've appreciated One Thousand Gifts / recommended it to several / given away copies of it as gifts, I certainly haven't shared it with everyone I know.
I realize that not everyone would appreciate her writing style even though I found, like some others who've posted, that it caused me to slow down and think more about what was being shared. I also liked many of the images that were portrayed by Ann's use of unconventional writing style. What I've observed is that Ann's experiences, insights and grappling with growth in her faith relate more to people who have faced (or currently are facing) tough challenges in their lives for which there are no simple, pat solutions which we, as Christians, often like to offer. I recall that Corrie ten Boom (quoted by Rachel Stone)struggled, at times, with being thankful for her circumstances while imprisoned. It is relatively easy to be grateful to God for our salvation, His forgiveness and love and grace to us when things are going well in our lives and in the lives of those who are close and dear to us. Being reminded of God's call to us to give thanks in all things and to bring our prayers to Him with thanksgiving is something that is important to our ongoing growth as Christians. It is not the only aspect necessary for being formed into Christ. But being reminded afresh of this aspect of Christian living has been a blessing to me and I am grateful for Ann's willingness to expose herself through her writings.

Thank you for this review! Though I don't mind the artistic stream-of-consciousness style when she is writing narrative (it is very pretty and entertaining), it creates some problems when she makes theological observations. Chapter 1 puts forth a new definition of sin (starting with the chapter's pre-book quote by a mystic). Because the style doesn't lend itself to propositions or supporting major statements, I think what she does say can get overlooked by many those who think she "can't possibly really mean..." Chapter 1 tells us that she believes the original sin is that of ingratitude--not pride, not disobedience, not desiring to be like God. From what do we need to be saved then? Is it our own fallen nature and rebelliosness against God, or from eternal separation from God, or is it unthankfulness? Complaining reveals a lack of faith and trust in God, and it definitely can mean you are an unbeliever. However, if you print a book that is more than a biography, but rather makes assertions about God, man's fall and purpose in life, you need to be so careful that your thoughts come from Scripture not your own philosophy-- that people are hearing Him, not your own beautiful language.

I have read this book, though, and found quite a few things about Ann Voskamp's book that we should be cautious of:

1. She quotes Henri Nouwen (as do a lot of people who sell books & DVDs in Christian bookstores) who said, "Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God's house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not. Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God." (Universalism, Universal Salvation - heretical)

2. She quotes Brennan Manning (as do a lot of people who sell books & DVDs in Christian bookstores) who has said, "I develop a nasty rash around people who speak as if mere scrutiny of its pages (the Bible) will reveal precisely how God thinks and precisely what God wants." (Low view of Scripture)

3. She quotes Julian of Norwich (a Catholic mystic) who has said, "And I saw no difference between God and our Substance: but as it were all God." (Seriously? Reminds me of what the enemy said in the garden.)

4. She quotes Annie Dillard who has said, "I have no religion, or many religions." (Ridiculous statement!)

5. I found this statement written in the book very offensive: "I fly to Paris and discover how to make love to God." The whole of her book is about living the simple life, and yet she has to fly off to Paris to have the ultimate experience with God? (not to mention offensive sexual reference!)

That's just a few examples. I know this book is very popular in Christian women's circles. But unfortunately, we live in a time where we need to scrutinize even things that come out of Christian bookstores.

Is the thankfulness message in the book good? Yes. But I would recommend reading this review to have a fuller understanding of why we must be cautious reading and recommending her book: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletters/2011/newsletter20110620.htm

I wish I hadn't wasted my time reading this review - 5 minutes of my life that I'll never get back. I love Ann's writing and the book. (And by the way, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is my favourite book, so Ann only got points from me for quoting it.)

If this woman's experience isn't yours, who cares? If you can't learn from someone else's experience - or even appreciate it - shame on you.

I have very little in common with this homeschooling-mother of 6. The farmer's wife. But I love the glimpses into her world and her faith. Go Ann go. Haters will be haters.

I just downloaded this book and was looking for reviews. I agree that this review is harsh. Not all of us are part of the "Grammar Nazi". Personally, I would rather read a book that seems more like a conversation with the writer than reading a text book. Clearly the writer of this blog feels superior to those of us who don't not always use proper grammar. I am a real person who enjoys reading the thoughts and feeling of a real person not an English major who worries more about grammar than the content of a book. I was going to subscribe to this blog but have changed my mind. I will always worry that any reply I make will be subject to criticism if I am slacking on my grammar.

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