Life is Worth Living

Since the inauguration of his television program Bishop Sheen has become one of the most influential clergymen in America. Thousands who do not share his faith view his telecasts regularly and listen to his message. This collection of his broadcasted messages (with a few editorial interpolations) provides sample basis for an explanation of the Bishop's popularity. They are not over-religious, although Sheen never lets a message conclude without a definite religious note. The presentation is surprisingly non-sectarian, but one knows, nevertheless, that this is a Catholic prelate speaking. Forthright and uncompromising in upholding high moral standards and a spiritual interpretation of life, Sheen intersperses his message with bits of his native Irish humor. His broadcast on The Psychology of the Irish is a delightful example of that. The messages range over a wide variety of subjects: a purpose for life, pain and suffering, marriage and sex, psychiatry, and above all, communism. To this he gives more attention than any other subject. And on this as on all other subjects, one is never left in doubt as to where Sheen stands. In view of the author's popularity, this is a book for which there should be great demand. (Kirkus Reviews)