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End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life
"Reading this book was one of the
greatest graces of my life!"
St. Thérèse of Lisieux In the late nineteenth century, Father Charles Arminjon, a priest from the mountains of southeastern France, assembled his flock in the town cathedral to preach a series of conferences to help them turn their thoughts away from this life’s mean material affairs—and toward the next life’s glorious spiritual reward. His wise and uncompromising words deepened in them the spirit of recollection that all Christians must the abiding conviction that heavenly aims, not temporal enthusiasms, must guide everything we think, say, and do. When Father Arminjon’s conferences were later published in a book, many others were able to reap the same benefit—including fourteen-year-old Thérèse Martin, then on the cusp of entering the Carmelite convent in Lisieux. Reading it, she says, “plunged my soul into a happiness not of this earth.” Young Thérèse, filled with a sense of “what God reserves for those who love him, and seeing that the eternal rewards had no proportion to the light sacrifices of life,” copied out numerous passages and memorized them, “repeating unceasingly the words of love burning in my heart.” Now the very book that so inspired the Little Flower is available for the first time in English. Let the pages of The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life fill you with the same burning words of love, with the same ardent desire to know God above all created things, that St. Thérèse gained from them. Let them also enrich your understanding of certain teachings of the Faith that can often seem so mysterious, even
Jesus commands us to be ever-watchful for his return, and ever-mindful that we have no lasting city on earth. The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life is an invaluable aid to inculcating in your spirit that heavenly orientation, without which true human happiness cannot be found—in this world or the next.
greatest graces of my life!"
St. Thérèse of Lisieux In the late nineteenth century, Father Charles Arminjon, a priest from the mountains of southeastern France, assembled his flock in the town cathedral to preach a series of conferences to help them turn their thoughts away from this life’s mean material affairs—and toward the next life’s glorious spiritual reward. His wise and uncompromising words deepened in them the spirit of recollection that all Christians must the abiding conviction that heavenly aims, not temporal enthusiasms, must guide everything we think, say, and do. When Father Arminjon’s conferences were later published in a book, many others were able to reap the same benefit—including fourteen-year-old Thérèse Martin, then on the cusp of entering the Carmelite convent in Lisieux. Reading it, she says, “plunged my soul into a happiness not of this earth.” Young Thérèse, filled with a sense of “what God reserves for those who love him, and seeing that the eternal rewards had no proportion to the light sacrifices of life,” copied out numerous passages and memorized them, “repeating unceasingly the words of love burning in my heart.” Now the very book that so inspired the Little Flower is available for the first time in English. Let the pages of The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life fill you with the same burning words of love, with the same ardent desire to know God above all created things, that St. Thérèse gained from them. Let them also enrich your understanding of certain teachings of the Faith that can often seem so mysterious, even
Jesus commands us to be ever-watchful for his return, and ever-mindful that we have no lasting city on earth. The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life is an invaluable aid to inculcating in your spirit that heavenly orientation, without which true human happiness cannot be found—in this world or the next.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 30, 2024
This book is a series of nine conferences which are as follows:
1) The End of the World: The Signs That Will Precede It and the Circumstances That Will Accompany It
2) The Persecution by the Antichrist and the Conversion of the Jews
3) The Resurrection of the Dead and the General judgment
4) The Place of Immortal Life and the State of Glorified Bodies After the Resurrection
5) Purgatory
6) Eternal Punishment and the Unfortunate Destiny
7) Eternal Beatitude and the Supernatural Vision of God
8) Christian Sacrifice, the Means of Redemption
9) The Mystery of Suffering in Its Relationship with the Future Life
Because I have previously read about Purgatory, Hell, Sacrifice and Suffering, those Conferences, #5, 6, 8 and 9 were more or less review material for me. The other five Conferences were a mixed bag. Some were almost entirely unfamiliar such as #1 and 2, and the others were a combination of new and review, #3, 4 and 7.
In the Preface to The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life is a rousing endorsement by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, ‘the Little Flower’, who writes:
I have read it through once, but that is hardly enough for the conferences where the material was unfamiliar. To really understand those, I would need to reread them, although I confess, I am not so inclined to do so as the first and second conferences pertain to prophesy and end times, which are subjects, I do not enjoy reading about. Eschatology, yes, countdown to apocalypse, no. I want to know what I can do please Jesus while time remains. There is nothing I can do about when the world is going to end.
I highly recommend this book!
1) The End of the World: The Signs That Will Precede It and the Circumstances That Will Accompany It
2) The Persecution by the Antichrist and the Conversion of the Jews
3) The Resurrection of the Dead and the General judgment
4) The Place of Immortal Life and the State of Glorified Bodies After the Resurrection
5) Purgatory
6) Eternal Punishment and the Unfortunate Destiny
7) Eternal Beatitude and the Supernatural Vision of God
8) Christian Sacrifice, the Means of Redemption
9) The Mystery of Suffering in Its Relationship with the Future Life
Because I have previously read about Purgatory, Hell, Sacrifice and Suffering, those Conferences, #5, 6, 8 and 9 were more or less review material for me. The other five Conferences were a mixed bag. Some were almost entirely unfamiliar such as #1 and 2, and the others were a combination of new and review, #3, 4 and 7.
In the Preface to The End of the Present World and the Mysteries of the Future Life is a rousing endorsement by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, ‘the Little Flower’, who writes:
“Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life. I read it at the window of my study, and the impression I received from it is too intimate and too sweet for me to express ... All the great truths of religion, the mysteries of eternity, plunged my soul into a happiness not of this earth ... I experienced already what God reserves for those who love Him (not with the eye of man, but with that of the heart), and seeing that the eternal rewards had no proportion to the light sacrifices of life, I wanted to love, to love Jesus with passion, to give Him a thousand proofs of love while I still could. I copied out several passages on perfect love, on the reception that the good God will give His elect at the moment when He Himself becomes their great and eternal reward, ward, and I kept repeating unceasingly the words of love burning in my heart.”And yet, in spite of her love for this book and her enormous popularity, not mention the author’s popularity during his lifetime—and he was a greatly sought after speaker—this book was never translated into English and was almost impossible to find in French! Fortunately, Ms. Susan Conroy persisted in finding a copy and working with others in getting it translated so that we were able to have and benefit from it.
I have read it through once, but that is hardly enough for the conferences where the material was unfamiliar. To really understand those, I would need to reread them, although I confess, I am not so inclined to do so as the first and second conferences pertain to prophesy and end times, which are subjects, I do not enjoy reading about. Eschatology, yes, countdown to apocalypse, no. I want to know what I can do please Jesus while time remains. There is nothing I can do about when the world is going to end.
I highly recommend this book!
October 1, 2021
Incredible read. However, do not get discouraged by some of the reviews that claim this book only addresses the end times. Fr Charles’ detailed analyses of the future life and the glories of heaven and the alternatives of purgatory and hell in the first 7 conferences only lead us to be able to understand the last 2 greatest conferences in their fullness: about the Sacrifice of the mass, and finally about the meaning of suffering in this life. These last two chapters are completely applicable to your life whether or not you are living through the apocalypse or not, but you need to have read through Fr’s beautiful reflections on the Book of Revelation and all it’s components in order to understand these great mysteries he leads to in the end.
The last chapter in particular, is very evidently a core inspiration for much of St Therese’s own writings and works and I believe this 9th conference in particular is the main reason she claimed that ”Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life”.
So if the first half of the book seems a bit irrelevant or un-relatable to your own life please do persist through and don’t form your opinion of this book until you reach it’s beautiful and irreplaceable climax in the last conference!
The last chapter in particular, is very evidently a core inspiration for much of St Therese’s own writings and works and I believe this 9th conference in particular is the main reason she claimed that ”Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life”.
So if the first half of the book seems a bit irrelevant or un-relatable to your own life please do persist through and don’t form your opinion of this book until you reach it’s beautiful and irreplaceable climax in the last conference!
May 9, 2017
This book starts with the deepest, darkest, most hopeless places of faith and ends with the most joyful and hopeless jewels that are offered by God. It makes you traverse all of the harrowing details about the final judgement, purgatory, pain and suffering, and sin, before finally leading you to the hopeful place devoted to the rewards of the elect.
In this book you discover more information on judging the decay of present day, the meaning and construction of hell, purgatory, and heaven, the attributes of the anti-Christ and the Christ. It evaluates the requirements Heaven and Hell in accordance with justice.
It forewarned against the relativism of today, apathy, selfishness, and cruelty, and then expresses the love and commitment of God. While first I felt hopeless it then reminded me that God desires everyone to make it to heaven, but if they don't want to follow the rules he accepts that. There is hope, but it has to be a goal that is striven to accomplish.
In this book you discover more information on judging the decay of present day, the meaning and construction of hell, purgatory, and heaven, the attributes of the anti-Christ and the Christ. It evaluates the requirements Heaven and Hell in accordance with justice.
It forewarned against the relativism of today, apathy, selfishness, and cruelty, and then expresses the love and commitment of God. While first I felt hopeless it then reminded me that God desires everyone to make it to heaven, but if they don't want to follow the rules he accepts that. There is hope, but it has to be a goal that is striven to accomplish.
August 21, 2018
A great favorite of St. Therese of Lisieux, this book explores eschatology and the life beyond this one using Scripture and the conclusions and thoughts of the Church Fathers. A challenging and fascinating read, not just for the Christian, but for those interested in what those who believe in eternity, immortality, and the afterlife conceptualize when they think of such things.
"And yet, is God just, and does He not go beyond all proportion, when He punishes a passing fault, committed in a single moment, with an eternity of pains? Here, reason is powerless, for God is the greatest of mysteries. Sin is a mystery as unfathomable as the majesty of Him whom it offends; and the punishment due to its evil is another immeasurable mystery that the human mind will never succeed in solving." (p. 196)
"And yet, is God just, and does He not go beyond all proportion, when He punishes a passing fault, committed in a single moment, with an eternity of pains? Here, reason is powerless, for God is the greatest of mysteries. Sin is a mystery as unfathomable as the majesty of Him whom it offends; and the punishment due to its evil is another immeasurable mystery that the human mind will never succeed in solving." (p. 196)
June 27, 2012
A book of severe highlighting.
Recommended by St Therese[little flower]
It is difficult to comment on this as it answers many questions of life eternal.
THE foward of Therese reads as follows...
reading this was one of the greatest graces of my life.
Iread it at the window of my study,and the impression i received from it is too
intimate and too sweet for me to express...
All the great truths of religion, the mysteries of eternity,plunged my soul into a happiness
not of this earth...
This unlocks many of lifes questions... this to me is a second read...meaning again
Recommended by St Therese[little flower]
It is difficult to comment on this as it answers many questions of life eternal.
THE foward of Therese reads as follows...
reading this was one of the greatest graces of my life.
Iread it at the window of my study,and the impression i received from it is too
intimate and too sweet for me to express...
All the great truths of religion, the mysteries of eternity,plunged my soul into a happiness
not of this earth...
This unlocks many of lifes questions... this to me is a second read...meaning again
July 1, 2017
This is one of the most concise books I have ever read on the subject of the end of the present world and the mysteries of the future life. Backed by Holy Scripture, Father's of the Church, and highly regarded theologians, the lay reader is able to comprehend the words within.
Although some parts are chilling, we can find beauty and hope within the pages. I highly recommend this book not only to Catholics, but all Christians who have sought explanations from sources that are trustworthy.
Five stars
Although some parts are chilling, we can find beauty and hope within the pages. I highly recommend this book not only to Catholics, but all Christians who have sought explanations from sources that are trustworthy.
Five stars
May 2, 2021
With one of the best endorsements that can be ever given to any book, I had high expectations of this reading. It did not disappoint. The author lays out the mysteries of the Final Judgement, death, Heaven and Hell in a way that leaves the reader in profound contemplation. It is not hard to see why it so impacted the great St. Therese of Lisieux. By considering these great truths, it helps to align one’s priorities and consider what is truly important in this life. I liken it to a ship that secures its navigation by aiming at the lighthouse far in the distance. The more you study and analyze your ultimate destination, the more efficiently you will plot your journey to arrive there. As Fr. Charles Arminjon explains regarding the events of the coming of the Anti-Christ and the End of the World, the more an evil is foreseen, the more that evil is mitigated. This is the wisdom of the Traditional Church in emphasizing that the faithful meditate often on the Last Things. Since this book is the written version of the author’s spoken conferences, I found it very easy to read. I must also commend the excellent translation from the original French. The translators and editors were able to retain much of the beautiful and incisive style of the French.
November 1, 2015
"We have no other purpose than to turn souls away from the limited concerns of time, and raise them up to the thought and desire of the good to come".
Não tenho dúvidas de que, à época de sua publicação - meados do século XIX -, o livro do Pe. Arminjon deve ter provocado um grande rebuliço àquelas almas mais sensíveis, despertando-as de sua letargia espiritual. A própria Sta. Terezinha de Lisieux, a florzinha de Jesus, recebeu grande influxo de graças celestiais por conta da leitura da brochura do Pe. Arminjon.
E hoje? De posse de um livro que fala dos "novíssimos" - as últimas coisas que acontecem ao homem: morte, juízo, céu, inferno -, como as pessoas reagem? Despertam de seu sono profundo? De sua estupidez rotineira? Acho muito difícil. O mundo moderno, o mundo da alta tecnologia, do metacapitalismo, dos relacionamentos virtuais, do show business, etc. é concebido especialmente para desviar a atenção, para fazer com que não atentemos para o que realmente importa - a única coisa que importa. Wolfgang Smith, em algum artigo cujo título não me recordo, fala do "demônio da distração" - sim, ele tem toda razão. O demônio da distração é o mais presente, o mais atuante, nos dias que correm, pois basta conviver com as pessoas em torno que se percebe, sem maiores dificuldades, que elas prestam atenção à tudo, menos ao fundamental. Estão, como dizer?, distraídas da realidade concreta, bruta, da vida.
Pe. Arminjon não conheceu o nosso tempo; tempo este que realizou o dito de Heráclito: os homens, quando despertos, estão todos no mesmo mundo; quando dormem, cada qual vai para o seu próprio. É o que ocorre em nossa época: estamos todos dormindo, vivendo cada qual em seu mundo de sonhos.
No entanto, a despeito disso, a realidade continua aí. Os homens vivem em seus mundos de sonhos por sua própria conta e risco. Em algum momento, mais cedo ou mais tarde, o preço por essa distração será cobrado. E será caro.
Não tenho dúvidas de que, à época de sua publicação - meados do século XIX -, o livro do Pe. Arminjon deve ter provocado um grande rebuliço àquelas almas mais sensíveis, despertando-as de sua letargia espiritual. A própria Sta. Terezinha de Lisieux, a florzinha de Jesus, recebeu grande influxo de graças celestiais por conta da leitura da brochura do Pe. Arminjon.
E hoje? De posse de um livro que fala dos "novíssimos" - as últimas coisas que acontecem ao homem: morte, juízo, céu, inferno -, como as pessoas reagem? Despertam de seu sono profundo? De sua estupidez rotineira? Acho muito difícil. O mundo moderno, o mundo da alta tecnologia, do metacapitalismo, dos relacionamentos virtuais, do show business, etc. é concebido especialmente para desviar a atenção, para fazer com que não atentemos para o que realmente importa - a única coisa que importa. Wolfgang Smith, em algum artigo cujo título não me recordo, fala do "demônio da distração" - sim, ele tem toda razão. O demônio da distração é o mais presente, o mais atuante, nos dias que correm, pois basta conviver com as pessoas em torno que se percebe, sem maiores dificuldades, que elas prestam atenção à tudo, menos ao fundamental. Estão, como dizer?, distraídas da realidade concreta, bruta, da vida.
Pe. Arminjon não conheceu o nosso tempo; tempo este que realizou o dito de Heráclito: os homens, quando despertos, estão todos no mesmo mundo; quando dormem, cada qual vai para o seu próprio. É o que ocorre em nossa época: estamos todos dormindo, vivendo cada qual em seu mundo de sonhos.
No entanto, a despeito disso, a realidade continua aí. Os homens vivem em seus mundos de sonhos por sua própria conta e risco. Em algum momento, mais cedo ou mais tarde, o preço por essa distração será cobrado. E será caro.
May 28, 2012
This book is of conferences that took place back in the 1880s or so. There are nine conferences dealing with issues such as Hell, Purgatory, resurrection, signs of the end of the world, etc. The book really does offer some good insights into what are real signs of the end of the world and what were signs for the end of Jerusalem. If offers "proofs" but also offers an understanding as to why we don't know when it will happen. Although written over 100 years ago the language is fresh and clean. If you are interested in what happens at the end of the world and eternity this is good book to read.
So why only a 3 star? First the book, and any book of this nature, places the emphasis on signs and rules and actually things rather than God and love for God. For most of us, if not all of us, death is going to be the End of the world we face. Knowing about Hell and judgement tends to place the emphasis not on love of God but being safe and avoiding the bad stuff. Is that really what the bible teachs or is it love. And second why the big curiosity about the end of the world when we won't be here for it. Why not more concern over our death and preparing for that. We might just find out The God is not the one we have "created" in writing about things we don't really need to even get wrapped around the axle for. If Christ felt it so important he would have told us when it was going to happen and spelled out issues of hell, final judgement, etc. We need to be aware of these things but as St. Augustine said, "Love and do what you will."
So why only a 3 star? First the book, and any book of this nature, places the emphasis on signs and rules and actually things rather than God and love for God. For most of us, if not all of us, death is going to be the End of the world we face. Knowing about Hell and judgement tends to place the emphasis not on love of God but being safe and avoiding the bad stuff. Is that really what the bible teachs or is it love. And second why the big curiosity about the end of the world when we won't be here for it. Why not more concern over our death and preparing for that. We might just find out The God is not the one we have "created" in writing about things we don't really need to even get wrapped around the axle for. If Christ felt it so important he would have told us when it was going to happen and spelled out issues of hell, final judgement, etc. We need to be aware of these things but as St. Augustine said, "Love and do what you will."
June 21, 2011
This book was referenced by St. Therese as having greatly influenced her before she went into Carmel.
Fr. Charles Arminjon was a very popular French preacher who went all over the place preaching the Gospel. This is basically a series of talks he gave on various topics and especially the four last things. The things he preached on and the warnings he gave sound like he is talking to a modern audience - proof that some things never change.
Rich spiritually, though there is also a lot of theological speculation contained within and some dubious presentations. For example he concludes that the Anti-Christ will be Jewish since he will be acting as a false Jewish Messiah and only a Jewish man could be accepted as such. While this has been speculated by others in the past, I am not sure exactly what the evidence is that the Anti-Christ will be a false Messiah specifically for the Jewish people. Especially since one of the signs of the end times will be the conversion of the Jewish people. There are also other dated theological speculations such as Hell being in the center of the Earth.
That being said the book contains many good meditations, I just wouldn't put it forward as a spiritual classic.
Fr. Charles Arminjon was a very popular French preacher who went all over the place preaching the Gospel. This is basically a series of talks he gave on various topics and especially the four last things. The things he preached on and the warnings he gave sound like he is talking to a modern audience - proof that some things never change.
Rich spiritually, though there is also a lot of theological speculation contained within and some dubious presentations. For example he concludes that the Anti-Christ will be Jewish since he will be acting as a false Jewish Messiah and only a Jewish man could be accepted as such. While this has been speculated by others in the past, I am not sure exactly what the evidence is that the Anti-Christ will be a false Messiah specifically for the Jewish people. Especially since one of the signs of the end times will be the conversion of the Jewish people. There are also other dated theological speculations such as Hell being in the center of the Earth.
That being said the book contains many good meditations, I just wouldn't put it forward as a spiritual classic.
October 13, 2019
Book review for The End of the Present World by Father Charles Arminjon:
This is a wonderful book. Written 138 years ago in prose meant for conferences that Father Arminjon preached, it’s highly readable and often poetic in its descriptions of the afterlife. The 310 pages are packed with references to works of many of the doctors of the church that are rarely quoted, (such as Tertullian, St. John Chrysostom, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. John Damascene, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Athanasius to name a few) as well as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Jerome, et al. Because of this the reader is greeted with fresh ideas, stories, and metaphors to prick his imagination. It inspires the reader to think about the next life and what awaits us in order to move us to spend our lives wisely here. It took me a while to read, not because it was difficult, but because it was so full of wisdom, I wanted to give some ideas time to percolate in my mind. I bought the book because St. Therese of Lisieux gave it a great recommendation in her day. Following in her footsteps, I recommend this to any Christian serious about attaining heaven or who enjoys reading about the possibilities of the dimension beyond time.
This is a wonderful book. Written 138 years ago in prose meant for conferences that Father Arminjon preached, it’s highly readable and often poetic in its descriptions of the afterlife. The 310 pages are packed with references to works of many of the doctors of the church that are rarely quoted, (such as Tertullian, St. John Chrysostom, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. John Damascene, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Athanasius to name a few) as well as St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Jerome, et al. Because of this the reader is greeted with fresh ideas, stories, and metaphors to prick his imagination. It inspires the reader to think about the next life and what awaits us in order to move us to spend our lives wisely here. It took me a while to read, not because it was difficult, but because it was so full of wisdom, I wanted to give some ideas time to percolate in my mind. I bought the book because St. Therese of Lisieux gave it a great recommendation in her day. Following in her footsteps, I recommend this to any Christian serious about attaining heaven or who enjoys reading about the possibilities of the dimension beyond time.
May 9, 2015
So this can be a life-changing book if you are ready for it. It will rattle your attachments to this temporal life, as it pulls you into an eternal perspective. The chapters on purgatory, heaven, the Eucharistic sacrifice of the mass, and suffering were my favorites. The following quote on page 304 sums up the book well:
"In offering these conferences for your meditation, we have no other purpose than to turn souls away from the limited concerns of time, and raise them up to the thought and desire of the good to come. These modest pages, which we submit to your indulgence, are but the ration of deliverance, a compass intended to guide our lives through the numerous perils of this world -- in short, a skiff that may help us reach the shores of heaven."
"In offering these conferences for your meditation, we have no other purpose than to turn souls away from the limited concerns of time, and raise them up to the thought and desire of the good to come. These modest pages, which we submit to your indulgence, are but the ration of deliverance, a compass intended to guide our lives through the numerous perils of this world -- in short, a skiff that may help us reach the shores of heaven."
April 25, 2020
St Therese said that reading this book was one of the greatest graces of her life; it's a compilation of nine conferences given by Fr Charles Aminjon on the end of the world, Purgatory, Heaven, He'll, and suffering. Honestly, I was a little hesitant, but figured if St Therese gave it such high praise, it was worth giving a chance.
I'm exceedingly glad that I read this book. It's so beautiful and joyful and positive. The books was translated in the 2000s and does not read like a book as old as it is. It's very modern and still relevant today. I highly recommend the book.
I'm exceedingly glad that I read this book. It's so beautiful and joyful and positive. The books was translated in the 2000s and does not read like a book as old as it is. It's very modern and still relevant today. I highly recommend the book.
January 17, 2012
Our church book club studied this book under the guidance of our priest. I loved reading this book knowing how greatly it influenced the life of my favorite saint, Therese of Lisieux. Everyone should read this. It really brings home the awesome reality of eternity, and the true goal of heaven that we should always keep before us... and that also includes the possibility of hell and the hope of reaching purgatory.
September 25, 2014
This is a worthwhile book that will definitely go on my list to re-read and as a reference for life. The last couple of chapters had a particularly strong effect on me regarding mass and penance. Very solid faith formation material here...no fluff.
I'm sure that I will appreciate it even more as I come back to it. A very powerful book.
Recommended to anyone wanting to deepen their faith in and walk with Christ.
I'm sure that I will appreciate it even more as I come back to it. A very powerful book.
Recommended to anyone wanting to deepen their faith in and walk with Christ.
October 12, 2017
I wanted to read this book to learn more about the End Times, and it certainly delivered. But I think I got even more out of the lessons on suffering. This book answered questions I have wrestled with for years. Yet, this tough topic is explained in such a logical, easy to understand way that I can use the examples to teach my children. A must read that profoundly affected a Doctor of the Church - St. Therese of Lisieux. I highly recommend it!
October 23, 2023
Okay, I get that this is from before the last century and not for everyone…I myself had to “gear up” to read about hell and the end of the world.
But I really feel this is life changing because it reinforces what really matters in this life: the NEXT one! Everything we do should orient us to the Life to Come. And THAT is what I want to dream about!
But I really feel this is life changing because it reinforces what really matters in this life: the NEXT one! Everything we do should orient us to the Life to Come. And THAT is what I want to dream about!
November 12, 2014
Excellent
This book is an amazing find. Truly, it will reconnect the lost soul in today's morally dearth society to the Creator of all: Jesus Christ
This book is an amazing find. Truly, it will reconnect the lost soul in today's morally dearth society to the Creator of all: Jesus Christ
January 2, 2018
I didn’t completely agree with everything, but then again, I didn’t understand everything. Maybe 2/3. More like 1/2. Most likely 1/16.
Want to read
December 10, 2009"Reading this book was one of the greatest graces of my life!" — St. Thérèse of Lisieux
November 27, 2020
Epic and prophetic for its' time. Totally predicted what is happening now which leads me to further faith in what it says about the future. Fr. Arminjon does not hold back any truths out of not wanting to scare anyone away, rather he tells us the raw truth about subjects like hell and purgatory. The description of purgatory has had an effect on me that I have decided to do all I can to avoid it. This book covers many subjects and is one I plan on listening to again. In addition to the edifying aspects of this book, the majority of the content seriously exciting/interesting to read about. What was not exciting/interesting was still at the very least of great impact.
December 6, 2019
87/100 (= 5.1/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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Extremely well written. I'd mention it in the same breath as "History of Antichrist" by Fr. Huchede. It falls even farther on the scale of "careful to stay with the mind of the Church and not go out on a limb", with an increased pinch of piety rather than academia which makes it become even spiritual reading, in the form of meditations on the last things.
This one is sure to inspire when looking to the future, as it did for St. Therese (she said reading this book was one of the greatest graces of her life -- and it may account partly for her thirst to live in the end times, to be able to suffer for Our Lord like the end times saints will have to!).
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Extremely well written. I'd mention it in the same breath as "History of Antichrist" by Fr. Huchede. It falls even farther on the scale of "careful to stay with the mind of the Church and not go out on a limb", with an increased pinch of piety rather than academia which makes it become even spiritual reading, in the form of meditations on the last things.
This one is sure to inspire when looking to the future, as it did for St. Therese (she said reading this book was one of the greatest graces of her life -- and it may account partly for her thirst to live in the end times, to be able to suffer for Our Lord like the end times saints will have to!).
February 17, 2020
Though this was written over 100 years ago, it seems fresher than that because many of the current situations are still the same (or are similar). For example, he talks about how communication is now worldwide because of the telegraph. Now, it's the web.
This might be a good book to take on a retreat, use for lectio divina, or daily readings during Lent or end of the Roman Catholic church year. It's not a "page turner". It's something on which to read and reflect.
This might be a good book to take on a retreat, use for lectio divina, or daily readings during Lent or end of the Roman Catholic church year. It's not a "page turner". It's something on which to read and reflect.
December 2, 2020
This book touches something in me that if I tried to describe it would border on pornographic. St. Therese read this book at fourteen, and she had the courage to speak to her parents about the Convent at Carmel. May her courage be a witness to us all. No little flower withers in the presence of the Eternal Sun.
June 17, 2021
Excellent, as well as very thought provoking in this day and age of I want what I want, when I want it” Purgatory and Hell are real!
I will read it again, if only as a reminder of our materialistic, unholy cultural wisdom. This book reminds us that there really is absolute
right and absolute wrong in the eyes of God.
I will read it again, if only as a reminder of our materialistic, unholy cultural wisdom. This book reminds us that there really is absolute
right and absolute wrong in the eyes of God.
February 19, 2025
a must read
I can’t imagine being Catholic and not reading this book! It really expands one’s understanding beyond anything I could have asked for and solidified so much! I can’t recommend enough. I’ve gotten copies for my whole family, have a ton of highlights and already want to read it again! I couldn’t put it down!
I can’t imagine being Catholic and not reading this book! It really expands one’s understanding beyond anything I could have asked for and solidified so much! I can’t recommend enough. I’ve gotten copies for my whole family, have a ton of highlights and already want to read it again! I couldn’t put it down!
February 25, 2025
This was an heavy one to read/listen to due to the subject manner. The organization and spacing was as good as could be done. I plan to read or listen (or a combination of the two) again… there were so many details I reread and paused to research on the side I truly feel this is a good one to revisit.
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November 12, 2025"The most authoritative view, and the one that appears to be most in harmony with Holy Scripture, is that, after the fall of the Antichrist, the Catholic Church will once again enter upon a period of prosperity and triumph. "
Ripper bit of old school french theology on the last things. Good to read in prayer
Ripper bit of old school french theology on the last things. Good to read in prayer
February 15, 2019
Enlightening
Although, filled with overwhelming information, so very enlightening. This book moves you to desire more information and to want to delve more into the readings of those who have gone before us.
Although, filled with overwhelming information, so very enlightening. This book moves you to desire more information and to want to delve more into the readings of those who have gone before us.
September 2, 2021
This book is actually a compilation of lectures, but the chapters and their topics flow from one to the next seamlessly and purposely. Despite its age, the writing was relevant to our days and not stale in any way. This was a good read, and it has been beneficial to my Faith.
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