Happy Thanksgiving! This week on The State of Belief, we’re diving into the themes of gratitude and appreciation from a few different perspectives—through the eyes of children and through the wisdom of a theologian who literally wrote the book on thankfulness.
Our host, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, welcomes two very special (and youngest-ever) guests to the show: his sons, Walter and Glenn. Together, they chat about what being thankful means and share their own takes on gratitude. Paul also reflects on a heartfelt prayer by his great-grandfather, the theologian Walter Rauschenbusch, which holds deep personal meaning for him during the Thanksgiving season.
Next, Paul sits down with Dr. Diana Butler Bass, an award-winning author and a leading voice on religion and spirituality. They explore Diana’s journey as a writer and her experiences over the past eight years building an online spiritual community called The Cottage on Substack. The conversation centers on her book Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks, as they discuss how gratitude has the power to transform our perspective—especially during tough times. Diana shares personal stories and historical insights that reveal how gratitude can reshape how we view our place in the world. They also touch on her collaborative project, The Convocation, and share some Thanksgiving prayers that have special significance.
Diana Butler Bass is widely respected for her thoughtful reflections on contemporary spirituality. With 11 books - so far - Diana explores themes of faith, community, and personal transformation. Her writing has guided countless readers—whether they’re rooted in church communities or reconsidering their spiritual paths—toward fresh ways of engaging with faith and life.
It’s an episode full of warmth, insight, and a celebration of the connections that gratitude fosters. Hope you enjoy it!
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Hear this week’s episode below:
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