The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell

by Wade Menezes

Few things in this earthly life are absolutely certain, but the most undebatable of these is death. Every person, even the atheist, will admit that death is certain. Death, however, is not the last event in this life of ours. Immediately after death, we shall be judged and then again on the Day of Judgment when all humanity will know us for what we are. Too often the reality of Heaven and salvation are highlighted at the expense of the Church's teachings on Death, Judgment, Purgatory, and Hell. Yet, these important doctrines of the Church hold the truths of salvation truths that can lead us to Heaven or can pull us away from it. In these pages, Fr. Wade Menezes, EWTN television host and Assistant General of the Fathers of Mercy, shows us that God has not called us to His wrath, but to salvation. He shows us that Heaven and Hell, salvation and damnation, eternal life and eternal punishment are all complementary doctrines. They need each other to be complete and we must understand the Church's teachings on all of these doctrines in order to have a balanced view of the world. Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell these are the Four Last Things toward which we are moving each hour of the day and night. Read this book, and you'll have a firm grasp of one of the most important doctrines of Holy Mother Church that holds the truths of Heaven and our own salvation.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Spirituality

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2017

Reviews

[Jonathan Drnjevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is MUCH in this small book to ponder. Like Father Wade's messages (on EWTN), the book rings true and serves as a guide to the spiritual life.

[Jillian Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Wade’s clarity and straightforwardness makes this book such a treasure. The four last things: Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell are often not spoken about in the church anymore. These are such vital things to remember and to try to live a spiritual life in Christ.

Father Wade concisely goes these through each of the Four Last things and provides such profound insights about the state of our Salvation. Father Wade also issued numerous examples from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Early Church fathers, writings from the Saints, and of course Scriptures to further explain the Four Last Things. I highly recommend this book to all friends and family both believers and unbelievers to turn their hearts and mind closer to God.

[Luke Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was utterly amazing!! I feel better equipped knowing how the Church handles the teachings on death judgement heaven hell.

This was comforting knowing about my salvation and what i do here effects where I go after i die.

I feel more educated more comforted and no fear knowing my faith. I feel Gods love more so and my responsibility for my future.

I learned to be eternity minded i learned bout what it truly meabs to hold onto that eternal Hope that is Christ!

I learned what it means to be part of what the early church believed. And I know my fate and can rest assured and now I can focus all the more on my life here and now and live in peace.

I highly reccomend this book you simply must read it. May it ne a blessing all the more to you as it has been to me.

[Pat aka Tygyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Menezes addresses the Four Last Things with scripture quotes and quotes from Saints and blessed people. I enjoyed his writing style and the information given. After a chapter each on Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell, he has a chapter on The Necessity of the Spiritual Life. Then some prayers after that. This is a Catholic book written by a Catholic priest who among other things is a Host on EWTN Radio and TV. I was fortunate to be at a Weekend Retreat where he was the speaker. He is very knowledgable about the Church, Scripture, and Spirituality. I recommend it to any Catholic. Christians may get a lot out of it as well.

[George Bastedo IV · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read; nothing ground-shaking, but a good intro to these teachings for anyone who may not know very much about what the Church teaches regarding the end of life and the end of the world. Fr. Menezes does a good job of explaining the potentially more difficult aspects clearly and in a way that isn't overly alarming, as well as always keeping a sense of hope.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After attending a five day retreat with Fr. Wade at my parish, I bought this book as a preparation for my own "end of days". Oh my goodness, this is a must-read and a wake-up call for any person who thinks they are getting to Heaven. Seriously, he gives us a lot of food for thought. It is a good read for anyone thinking about your future after your pilgrimage here on Earth.

[Corey Koellner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr Menezes does a nice job in this short book of reminding us we are all created for the Beatific Vision - to see the face of God for eternity. He does well in cautioning readers to always recall the state of our soul. The book contains plenty of scriptural support as well as quotes from the saints and references to the catechism.

[Bill Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Excellent Read

This book by Father Menezes is extremely well written. It is easy to follow and understand. It is concise and follows the Church’s Teaching on Heaven, Hell and the requirements for a devout life. Highly Recommended!

[Sandra Cianci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much!

Learned so much in such a small book! This is a companion to read over and over to be grounded in our faith. What a wonderful gift you have given us, guidance we desperately need

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't underestimate this small book pack a hole punch! Very easy to read and comprehend. Very helpful to medicate after you read. You won't be able to forget as well. It helps me to remember when you pray and also at the mass or anywhere. Must have for your book collection.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this well written little book covering the Catholic teachings on death, judgment, heaven, and hell. It answered the questions I had, and it is well-cited from the Catechism and writings of the Church fathers.

[Kim Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Practical Steps to a Sanctified Life and the Appendices prayers. I will keep this book handy for reference.

[Rita T Sivils · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for all CaCathol



A must read for all Catholics !

[Derek Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview and I like the catchetical connection. At times it was just too many quotes when I wanted a little more depth.

[Kevin Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Solid introduction.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, chock full of scripture and Saint quotes. A wealth of goodness!

[Janet Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for explaining the Catholic Church’s understanding of Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

[Jamie Jeffers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read, but not a lot of breathtaking ideas here, unless you are new to these ideas.

[Michael J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read. Would recommend.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read—used with study group. Reinforces much that we already knew, with sprinklings of new insights.