Review of The Seven Last Words by Fulton Sheen

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS
By Fulton J. Sheen
ISBN 0-8189-0760-6
Published by The Society of St. Paul
Reviewer Clint Walker

I bought this book because I was seeking books on the Seven Last Words for a sermon series I just finished putting together. There were several helpful books in putting together these messages. This text from Fulton Sheen was not one of them.

First, before you look at buying this “book” you need to look carefully at its description. It is more of a pamphlet than a book. Small enough that you can put it in your back pocket, and read each thought as a devotional, if that is what you are after.

Secondly, I did not really think that the writing spoke to my heart at all. There was nothing quotable or novel about what was said. There was nothing that I could take out of it to stimulate my thinking on how to teach others in a bible study or sermon. It was a very dull text.

Finally, it had a strong emphasis on Mary the mother of Jesus, and pondered her role in passion in several spots. In retrospect, this certainly should have been expected from a Catholic writer. However, on a book highly recommended about the passion of Christ I did not expect it.

If you are thinking about purchasing books on the Seven Last Words, there are several out there that are better.