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Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen
Treasure in Clay
provides a lifetime’s worth of wisdom from one of the most beloved and influential figures in twentieth-century Catholicism.
Completed shortly before his death in 1979,
Treasure in Clay
is the autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen, the preeminent teacher, preacher, and pastor of American Catholicism.
Called “the Great Communicator” by Billy Graham and “a prophet
Paperback
,
366 pages
Published
August 31st 2000
by Ignatius Press
(first published February 5th 1982)
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I enjoy reading saints' autobiographies, so I wasn't surprised by how quickly I got into this book. The Venerable Fulton Sheen was a dynamic, exuberant speaker, mixing entertaining short stories with theological lessons, and his writing seems very similar. He tells so many accounts from different periods of his life. I think the most interesting stories are from his time on his television show A Life is Worth Living, his work with missionaries as the Director for the Propaganda of the Faith, and
...more
Second last chapter was very non-sequitor. His life and writing style is very interesting and rewarding. His chapter after missions was quite difficult to read.
The final chapter was amazing and really resonated with my own suffering and trials.
God love you, Fulton Sheen.
The final chapter was amazing and really resonated with my own suffering and trials.
God love you, Fulton Sheen.
This is one of those books I can add to the list as life changing.
If the book were only his story, it would be good because he did live an amazing life. What makes it great for me is the teachings he offers. I am more on-fire for the Catholic-Christian life because of the truths he explains within these pages.
We learn in the forward that he dictated the last chapter as he was literally laying on his death bed. He goes through a list of all his faults in that chapter--where he felt he was not th ...more
If the book were only his story, it would be good because he did live an amazing life. What makes it great for me is the teachings he offers. I am more on-fire for the Catholic-Christian life because of the truths he explains within these pages.
We learn in the forward that he dictated the last chapter as he was literally laying on his death bed. He goes through a list of all his faults in that chapter--where he felt he was not th ...more
Fulton Sheen really was a "prophet for modern times." I would suggest that the voice which echoes on these pages, over 30 years since his passing, is just as relevant and timely now as when he lived and wrote.
Who can benefit from this text? While on the one hand my answer is everybody, ultimately it is of greatest value to those who seek to serve Christ in the "professional" roles of ministry and church work. One cannot claim to be the minister of Christ and fail to appreciate the depth of a per ...more
Who can benefit from this text? While on the one hand my answer is everybody, ultimately it is of greatest value to those who seek to serve Christ in the "professional" roles of ministry and church work. One cannot claim to be the minister of Christ and fail to appreciate the depth of a per ...more
I loved this book. It made me laugh out loud. It made me cry. At the very end is the eulogy that was said at Bishop Sheen's funeral Mass. That made me cry more. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend. He has influenced me since I first picked up
Three To Get Married, Life of Christ, The World's First Love, Life is Worth Living
and I'm sure that he'll continue to influence me when I pick up another book that he wrote. I cannot express how much I love this man. He was truly a child of God and
...more
Wow. This is a book I will definitely read again. Sheen wrote with as much as eloquence and conviction as that with which he spoke.
His faith, intelligence, hope, and, above all, humility really shine through the words on the pages.
It might sound odd, but it makes perfect sense to those who see by faith: Sheen's autobiography is less about Sheen and more about Jesus.
There were many moving passages. For example: his self-identification with S. Peter and Jesus' "second look" to the prince of the ...more
His faith, intelligence, hope, and, above all, humility really shine through the words on the pages.
It might sound odd, but it makes perfect sense to those who see by faith: Sheen's autobiography is less about Sheen and more about Jesus.
There were many moving passages. For example: his self-identification with S. Peter and Jesus' "second look" to the prince of the ...more
Jul 19, 2010
Curmudgeon66
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Any and All
If, like me, you are old enough to remember him from TV, this will give some background. Bishop Sheen was always both funny and informative on TV. His book is like reading bits and pieces of his TV show.
Occasionally he says something just precious. For example, when he talks about teachers re-using their lecture notes from one year to the next, a practice of which he clearly disapproves, he says:
"Teaching often becomes a communication from the notebook of the teacher to the notebook of the stud ...more
Occasionally he says something just precious. For example, when he talks about teachers re-using their lecture notes from one year to the next, a practice of which he clearly disapproves, he says:
"Teaching often becomes a communication from the notebook of the teacher to the notebook of the stud ...more
Venerable Fulton Sheen's entertaining, insightful, humorous, and honest autobiography is a delight to read and beneficial for the soul. I especially appreciated the final chapters on converts, suffering, and his "three phases of life". I highly recommend for devotees to Sheen and those just getting to know him.
Sanctity endures not sensationalism, Shakespeare reference, chastity of youth, mediocrity in classroom not football, tenure for football vs teachers, learn lecture inside out, secular seek religious and religious seek secular, looking for challenge to culture, more divine more interest, martin sheen, FDR lies and pro Spain communists, foresaw easten europe communists, poems by Francis Thompson and Kennedy, bible barkley and pink st john and muggeridge, communism liberalism appeal to those w/o re
...more
Intriguing book. I read this during a silent retreat. His style is relentless and high octane - which can make it quite tiring. His clever turns of phrase are seductive but perhaps at times superficial. There were many reasons not to like this - but inspite of all my resistances I couldnt help but being edified and inspired by the end. An intriguing chapter on celibacy - almost as though he switches between first person and third person - reading between the lines there is a confessional aspect
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Summary: The autobiography of Fulton Sheen.
Why I Read This: I had read portions of it before and I wanted to read the rest.
Review: This book was fine. Honestly, that's all I really have to say. It's not a bad read, just fine.
Why I Read This: I had read portions of it before and I wanted to read the rest.
Review: This book was fine. Honestly, that's all I really have to say. It's not a bad read, just fine.
While in grade school we had to listen to Bishop Sheen every Tuesday evening and report what he talked about in school the next day. He was on prime time television and even though he was opposite the beloved Milton Burl he consistanty won the audience in that time slot. Now this good man is on his way to canonization. I thought it a good idea to read about him and follow him through the process. This book is his autobiogreaphy and was finished shortly before his death. It gave the facts about h
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In his last work, Fulton Sheen gives us a deep understanding of his life while also conveying important spiritual truths. This book gives you a deeper glimpse into the soul of one of the spiritual fathers of our time. Well work the read!
I liked learning about someone I probably should have already known about.
Jun 21, 2012
Fr. Ryan Humphries
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
All Catholics, especially those working in New Media
What do I even say about this book. It's wonderful, as almost everything Sheen ever wrote is. Sheen often comes across as arrogant or amazed with himself but it feels like the same sort of vibe you sometimes get from St. Paul. I think that both St. Paul and Sheen are just amazed at what God is doing with them and that amazement sometimes comes across as pompousness. Even so, the book is a trove of great anecdotes, tidbits of spiritual wisdom and the story of the life of one of the greatest Ameri
...more
While an autobiography, Sheen has conveyed the power of Christ through tales and reflections on his life and career. I hope to see him canonized in my lifetime- a genius orator and scholar, his work never ceases to enlighten and amaze me.
Best book I have ever read at this point. Bishop Sheen writes beautifully, teaches masterfully, and had an unbelievable story to tell. His personal virtue and love for souls and for Christ has changed the way I live my life. He is someone I look up to and feel so personally challenged by. His humility, work ethic, and zeal for souls makes me want to go out and do what he did in service to others - a breathtaking life from a beautiful soul.
Inspirational autobiography of a man who gave himself to God and the Church. A leading figure in the communications revolution who brought humor to faith and worried about his fellow humans.
This is not the type of tell-all story we've come to expect these days since Sheen lived a life that avoided throwing stones at others.
The personal anecdotes make this a good read.
This is not the type of tell-all story we've come to expect these days since Sheen lived a life that avoided throwing stones at others.
The personal anecdotes make this a good read.
Sheen's autobiography, finished just before he died, is a great read. Written in a conversational style, it adds personal details not found in most works about him. Anyone interested in the great late archbishop will find this book very enjoyable.
Just a wonderful reflection of a very humble and Christ loving man. Challenges me to think more deeply about how I live my faith and how I'm teaching my children.
The chapter on teaching was great! Applicable to anyone who is an instructor.
Truly insightful look at the life of a servant of God and person who spread the Gospel.
Truly insightful look at the life of a servant of God and person who spread the Gospel.
This is a book I immediately wanted to share with others. It's not just an autobiography. It is a beautiful teaching on the Christian life.
An absolutely wonderful book! A delight to read and a beautiful portrait of a blessed and beloved soul. God Bless Fulton Sheen!!!
A good read. You collect Sheen's personality and wit through his writing. He was quite colorful and controversial.
I can't get into this book right now so I'm going to return it to the library and try it again some other time...
Well worth reading, no matter what your religion. Fascinating man!
What in inspiration Bishop Sheen was, and still is!
Feb 17, 2013
Mark
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
religion
,
autobiography
Very inspiring and amazing account of his life.
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Fulton John Sheen, born Peter John Sheen (May 8, 1895 – December 9, 1979) was an American archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. His cause for canonization for sainthood was officially opened in 2002, and so he is now referred to as a "Servant of God".
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