Fulton Sheen claims that since all seven deadly sins led Christ's enemies to nail Him to the Cross, we can find in the example of His suffering and death sure means to overcome each of those sins, plus the key to understanding-and to nurturing in our own soul-each corresponding virtue. So, for example, in these pages filled with wisdom and hope, Bishop Sheen teaches us not only how to conquer our gluttony; he shows us how to satisfy our spiritual hunger. We learn not merely how to overcome pride; we discover what we must do to grow humble. From Christ's holy response to each of the seven deadly sins that led to His Crucifixion, Bishop Sheen draws a lesson in how you and I must deal with those same sins, whether we meet them in others or in ourselves. Day after day, Christians struggle to do good, to avoid evil, and to take up with patience and love the crosses that threaten to crush them. For those of us who still know more of sin than sanctity, Fulton Sheen's revelation of the light that vice sheds on virtue affords a way to understand even better, and a means to attain it. If you abide by the holy counsel of these pages, enduring virtue will soon be you will have achieved your own long-sought-after victory over vice.
Fulton John Sheen was an American bishop of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in Illinois, in 1919, Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and served as a parish priest before he was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966 when he was made bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in New York. He resigned as bishop of Rochester in 1969 as his 75th birthday approached and was made archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales. For 20 years as "Father Sheen", later monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before he moved to television and presented Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format that was very similar to that of the earlier Life Is Worth Living show. For that work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks. His contribution to televised preaching resulted in Sheen often being called one of the first televangelists. The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues," a major step towards beatification, and he is now referred to as venerable. On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a reputed miracle that occurred through the intercession of Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification. Sheen was scheduled to be beatified in Peoria on December 21, 2019, but his beatification was postponed after Bishop Salvatore Matano of Rochester expressed concern that Sheen's handling of a 1963 sexual misconduct case against a priest might be cited unfavorably in a forthcoming report from the New York Attorney General. The Diocese of Peoria countered that Sheen's handling of the case had already been "thoroughly examined" and "exonerated" and that Sheen had "never put children in harm's way".
Venerable Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) may soon be a saint but his writing is a big bore. Well, maybe I expected differently from this book. Maybe, I also thought that this book would tell me something about him. Yes, maybe this is just a case of failed expectations.
A good friend of mine influenced me to pick up a book by Archbishop Sheen. He did not shove this book to me but when I saw the title, I thought that this has something to do with overcoming vices like too much drinking booze, smoking tobacco (his) or even buying or reading books (mine). No. This book is about the seven deadly sins and what the good archbishop thought should be done to overcome or avoid them. There was nothing earth-shaking in his prescriptions. It's just that most of them, because they were mostly based on the Holy Bible, were predictable and plain common sense. I thought I would prefer to read something entirely new to me. I also thought that I would have been a lot better if he took time to give practical or real-life examples or stories on how people overcame any of those seven deadly sins.
To give you an example, he said: "If we knew ourselves better, we would be more forgiving with others. The harder we are with ourselves, the easier we will be on others. The man who has never learned to obey knows not how to command, and the man who has never disciplined himself knows not how to be merciful." This passage on anger is not really new because we all know that we have to love ourselves before we can love others. You must have that something before you can give it. Don't we all know that? This is oftentimes my problem with this kind of supposedly inspirational books: they then to gloss over old known practical truths by throwing in confusing phrases for them to appear new. Then readers would go on rant about them but in fact, if they read more closely, the meaning is something they already knew all along.
However, this book is something to remind us of Archbishop Sheen and the legacy of righteousness that he left with us. During his stay on earth, he lived a life that was worth emulating by all the priests in the world. He was involved neither in any kind of scandal nor rumors. If all the other Catholic priests would take a cue from him, the defenders of faith would have a bit easier job.
The wisdom of this fine gentleman and evangelist is poured out through the pages of this book. I’m so glad that I finally took the time to read this short and valuable book. Rev. Sheen speaks with a similar style to what I find in G.K. Chesterton and it is very winsome.
Highly recommended for advancing in your spiritual life!
Classic Fulton Sheen. Deep truths deftly explained with clever allegories and turns of phrase. A quick read you'll want to slow down and think about. Each of the seven deadly sins is walked through and explained what is and isn't, why it's a sin, and how to overcome it.
The final seven words of Christ on the Cross are possibly the most written about phrases in human history. Filled with meaning, here Blessed Fulton Sheen uses them to meditate upon the seven capital sins, they that are the cause of all separation from God.
A beautiful contemplative work from one of the foremost modern (soon to be) Saints, it is both a reflection upon, and a call to, perfection. What good is it to covet material things if all we can give at death is what Christ committed at the end, His Spirit? What good is it to thirst for the delights of food and drink if there is only one drink that can truly satiate us, the drink of Life?
A work of love from a brilliant man. Blessed Fulton Sheen, ora pro nobis.
Ven. Fulton Sheen was gift to our world and faith. How I wish he were alive today to deliver his powerful messages in real time. Thankfully he left behind a legacy of impactful talks and books. His style is never watered down, always spot on, and with a beautiful mix of philosophy, psychology, and most importantly, theology his words are food for the soul. Highly recommend!
Fulton J. Sheen’s Victory over Vice is a concise yet powerful spiritual classic that connects the seven deadly sins to Christ’s seven last words on the Cross. With clarity and depth, Sheen shows how each vice—pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, lust, and gluttony—finds its remedy in Christ’s sacrifice. Written in a direct and practical style, the book calls readers to honest self-examination and growth in virtue. Though rooted in Catholic spirituality, its insights into human weakness and God’s healing grace remain timeless and universally relevant.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – A convicting and hope-filled guide to overcome sin.
I have read three of Bishop Sheen’s books now – Peace of soul, Life of Christ, and now Victory over vice.
Though these books are all different in purpose, there remains a consistency in style which I cherish. I’m not a writer but I will try to describe Bishop Sheen’s style as slightly ornate, ‘scriptural style’, slightly baroque, old-school strict priest/preacher type, adorned significantly with allegories and metaphors; think almost (but not quite exactly) like reading the King James Bible. He doesn’t intend to be nice, so he is firm, clear, precise, and penetrating with language. If that is your cup of tea, then you are in for a deep and profound call to repentance, which may very much change your life for good. But then also I suspect that this would not be the case for many in this present time. It seems most people today prefer the outgoing, smiling, contemporary and quintessential American personality of a Fr Mike Schmitz and the likes. I recognise that they too are carrying out God’s work albeit in a way most relatable to the audience today, and I thank God for this. But for some reason I prefer a teacher like Bishop Sheen, not only for his old school style, but also for his giftedness in synthesizing and integrating both psychology and philosophy to enrich his message. This gives his work a slight intellectual orientation, which I resound deeply with, but then again, which may not be fully appreciated by some today.
Victory over vice is essentially a profound exhortation to avoid the seven deadly sins. As usual, and in keeping with his style described above, Sheen is deep, creative, profound, and penetrative with words, synthesizing logic, philosophy, and psychology, - all fully blended and immersed in scripture, to make a strong coherent case against these vices, and then inviting readers to repentance, and to love God, who in turn would lift them above the desires of the flesh – to happiness and peace of soul.
This is definitely a book you read multiple times throughout your life, especially at times when you need to intensify your devotion and prayer.
Fulton Sheen is a saint and a gifted one at that. "Victory Over Vice" is not only eloquently written but is full of profundity. Sheen is a genius at drawing insightful analogies. The style of this book is deceptively simple. Anyone can understand this book which means that everyone should read it. It will make you a better person if you let it and may even save your soul if that's important to you. Can't wait until I read my next Sheen book or until I read this one again. Thank you Jesus. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen was Your gift to this confused world and an instrument of Your glory.
I was recently asked why I still read the works of Fulton Sheen. The best answer that I can give is that what Sheen pours out onto the page is accessible to any who pick it up. It is a masterpiece of reflection and theology which brings the subject matter not only into the intellect but into the very soul of the reader. This work is no different. It is wonderfully scripted and ingeniously written to draw the points of theology and spirituality into the lives of those who pick it up. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Venerable Fulton Sheen does not disappoint. Victory Over Vice is an excellent collection of short reflections on the seven vices and how to overcome them by meditating on Our Lord's words spoken from the Cross on Good Friday. Sheen's reflections are insightful and inspiring. This book makes for very appropriate Lenten reading.
After years of "meaning to," I finally read my first Sheen book. I'm not disappointed. Beautifully written, full of precious nuggets of wisdom, this book left me a better man than it found.
"Victory Over Vice" by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen offers an insightful and profound exploration of the seven deadly sins, contextualized through Christ's words on the cross. Sheen's eloquence and theological depth are particularly evident in his discussion of lust, where he distinguishes natural, God-given pleasures from their inordinate pursuit. The book's core message is that the path to overcoming sin lies in transcending earthly desires by cultivating a higher love for God and for others, as demonstrated by the Lord’s teachings and sacrifice.
Sheen’s treatment of the virtue of chastity, especially in the context of priestly celibacy, is a standout. He argues that celibacy is not a denial of love, but a redirection towards a greater, more selfless love. The vow of chastity, according to Sheen, enables priests and nuns to love souls more deeply, mirroring Christ's selfless love for humanity. This perspective on celibacy resonates deeply with me, as it has led to personal contemplation about entering the priesthood. Understanding my struggles with lust as a potential calling to embrace the virtue of chastity and religious life is a transformative takeaway from the book.
What makes Sheen's work also resonate with me is its ability to weave theological depth with practical advice. The book addresses not only the intellectual understanding of sins, but also offers a path to virtue and a deeper understanding of faith. This approach is both intellectually satisfying and spiritually enriching, making the book a valuable resource for those seeking spiritual growth and understanding in their religious life.
Venerable Fulton Sheen is a great communicator. Clear and to the point.
My favourite chapters: Anger: "It would be less wrong to criticize others if we first criticize ourselves, for if we first turned the searchlight on our own souls, we would never feel we had a right to turn it on the soul of anyone else.... Have we ever offended God? Has He any right to be angry with us? Then why should we, who need pardon so badly, strive not to purchase it by pardoning others? "
Glutony: "The Church fasts, the world diets. Materially there is no difference, for a person can lose twenty pounds one way as the other. The difference is in the intention"
Sloth: "Not only must we beware of spiritual sloth, but we must also work for a completed life. The important word in the struggle against sloth is finished. The world judges us by results; our Lord judges us by the way we fulfill and finish our appointed tasks. A good life is not necessarily a successful life"
Frankly, the whole book is a gem full of deep, easy to understand concepts. I went back many times to read a few chapters two or three times. Excellent book.
Well...I got this on Hoopla and had I added it on Goodreads right away, I would have figured out that it was written by a Catholic archbishop. As it was, it just said "Reverend Sheen" and I was halfway through the book when he started talking about Mary and I became suspicious. 😄
That isn't to say it is BAD - I've read plenty of books from Catholics and Protestants alike - but definitely had some clear Catholic teachings, such as the perfection of Mary and this exact phrase: "you are not saved by faith alone." As a card-carrying Protestant, I obviously disagree with that! There are also places where he advocates being burnt out in ministry and lots of other advice that make it impossible to recommend this book.
BUT there were also some good nuggets in there about the heart of the seven vices, how they accuse God and then how Jesus repudiates them on the cross. It is only 2 hours or so on audiobook, so it's a quick listen.
I know the 5 ⭐️ reviews probably won't like mine, but our reviews are, as always, our own. Take it with a grain of (Protestant) salt!
The audiobook was only two hours long but there was so much to take in! I feel like I need to reread it a couple more times before it truly sinks in.
I appreciate Fulton Sheen's way of comparison in the spiritual life. By that, I mean I appreciate hearing about Jesus's Seven Words from the Cross in the light of the seven deadly sins. How each of Jesus's last words points to the destruction of one of the deadly sins.
Again, I feel like my mind drifted off so much during this first read-through that I can't actually remember what it was I read... but I do remember going, "Hmmm, yeah!" so many times whenever Sheen said something clever or profound. Definitely recommend as a simple read of one of the many of Sheen's works.
Fulton Sheen never sugar coats the responsibilities we are given as Catholics, followers of Jesus and the difficulties to carry out those responsibilities. This book is in a way a mirror for us to check how well we are following him. The sad news is I’m so far off the standard that I could truly despair if not for the boundless love and mercy of the Lord who encourages us to shake the dust off, get up and try again. I suppose that is why it’s called practicing faith since we never quite reach perfection.
Another gem from Fulton Sheen. Loved the tying of virtues to the last seven words of Christ. Chock full of brutally honest insights, in Sheen's signature style. I listened on Audible and the narrator was not familiar with some terns, so pronunciation was a bit off, and this was distracting to me. Still, a good, short read with plenty to ponder!
Archbishop Sheen does it again- he masterfully ties a theme to the seven last words. This book ties the 7 deadly sins to each of the 7 last words of Jesus from the Cross, and how each of these 7 last words overcomes the vice. Excellent Lenten reading, as the Christian faithful work in particular to overcome their defecits and lean ever more on Jesus.
This little book is packed with wisdom and insight. It delivers a punch to earthly wealth,and knowledge. It turned my heart towards God. I will strive to live for God and His eternal love. Through His Cross. I will pick up my cross and carry it until my life for Him is complete.
An insightful and essential introspection of self and one's own soul. Archbishop Sheen's beautiful yet blunt words captivate and bring to life the gravity of our actions and inactions! A must read for every Catholic.