Customer Reviews

The Last Things: Death, Judgment, Hell, Heaven

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Far from a morbid preoccupation with death, this book offers fascinating insight into life. Filled with wit, humor and most importantly scholarship, Dr Martin through his book, has provided me with a new understanding of The Four Last Things.

I have read alot of catholic books in the past 3-4 yrs, and Mr. Martin's book is the most inspirational one I've read in a while. Besides much research (I personally enjoy the footnote information), I was very moved by the last 2 chapters; Hell, followed by heaven.

There is one point in the chapter on Judgement that went on a bit longer than I found needful, utilizing a story from another writer, O'Connor. I may've missed his point there, but got bored with that part and skipped over it!

I was glad the chapter on hell was placed before that of Heaven. I recommend this book to anyone who has lost the focus of their hearts on God, and our "home" with Him, (or without!)

Regis Martin covers an incredibly important subject very well. There are many quotes from famous and not-so-famous people intermixed with his own observations. Always orthodox Catholic viewpoints. However, his writing is somewhat convoluted and not very straightforward. This characteristic and the heavy use of footnotes makes the book difficult to read. Excellent choice for research but not necessarily for those looking for a quick review of the subject.

As a practicing and believing Catholic I found Dr. Martin's book fascinating. He is loyal to Church teaching and Tradition. He includes numerous excerpts from classic literature to enlighten the weighty subject matter. I love Dr. Martin's style!

This work discusses the traditional "4 last things"of death, judgment, hell and heaven from a Roman Catholic perspective, for readers without a background in theology, but willing to wade through a heavy topic. The author draws on Catholic 20th c. poets and many other literary sources, but has no sympathy for any of the divergent theological positions even within his own tradition. This is a good readable presentation but it has an idealogical edge that will turn off liberal Catholics, many Protestants and almost all secular readers.

In fact, I bought this book on recommendation, thinking that it actually was a book of quotations. The quotes are interesting, mostly, but the heavy use of them as padding ill-commends the author's authority to write on these subjects.

I resubmit my review, to link with my current list.

In fact, I bought this book on recommendation, thinking that it actually was a book of quotations. The quotes are interesting, mostly, but the heavy use of them as padding ill-commends Dr. Martin's authority to write on these subjects. Pedantic and unsatisfying.