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A Map of Life
Librarian's note: An alternate cover edition can be found here
Frank Sheed Considered one of Frank Sheed's best books, A Map of Life is also regarded as one of the best and most popular short summaries of the Catholic faith ever written.Ìý Focusing on the major truths of our existence and purpose in life, Sheed draws on God's revelation to show what the divine master plan is for us and how each part of the plan is related. Beginning with "The Problem of Life's Purpose" and "The Problem of Life's Laws," he covers such important parts of the map of life as "The Creation and Fall," "The Incarnation," "The Mystical Body," "The Trinity," "Law and Sin," "The Supernatural Life," and "Heaven, Purgatory, Hell." "In its breadth and solidity of learning, in its clarity and attractiveness of exposition, in the persuasiveness that comes of profound conviction and intense earnestness, it is a triumphant little book." The Universe "This, then, is the first general outline of our map.Ìý There is a road leading man to that ineffable intimacy with God that we call heaven.Ìý The condition of walking the road aright is the Supernatural Life.Ìý It will be seen how every single thing that happens to man has its bearing on this Supernatural LifeÌýand is a good thing or a bad thing depending on whether it helps it or hinders it.Ìý Every single doctrine of the Catholic Church is bound up with this, and every single practice of the Catholic Church is concerned with this and with nothing else, and apart from this, has no meaning." Frank Sheed
Frank Sheed Considered one of Frank Sheed's best books, A Map of Life is also regarded as one of the best and most popular short summaries of the Catholic faith ever written.Ìý Focusing on the major truths of our existence and purpose in life, Sheed draws on God's revelation to show what the divine master plan is for us and how each part of the plan is related. Beginning with "The Problem of Life's Purpose" and "The Problem of Life's Laws," he covers such important parts of the map of life as "The Creation and Fall," "The Incarnation," "The Mystical Body," "The Trinity," "Law and Sin," "The Supernatural Life," and "Heaven, Purgatory, Hell." "In its breadth and solidity of learning, in its clarity and attractiveness of exposition, in the persuasiveness that comes of profound conviction and intense earnestness, it is a triumphant little book." The Universe "This, then, is the first general outline of our map.Ìý There is a road leading man to that ineffable intimacy with God that we call heaven.Ìý The condition of walking the road aright is the Supernatural Life.Ìý It will be seen how every single thing that happens to man has its bearing on this Supernatural LifeÌýand is a good thing or a bad thing depending on whether it helps it or hinders it.Ìý Every single doctrine of the Catholic Church is bound up with this, and every single practice of the Catholic Church is concerned with this and with nothing else, and apart from this, has no meaning." Frank Sheed
151 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 1933
89 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Frank Sheed
67Ìýbooks115ÌýfollowersFrancis Joseph Sheed was an Australian-born lawyer, Catholic writer, publisher, speaker, and lay theologian. He and his wife Maisie Ward were famous in their day as the names behind the imprint Sheed & Ward and as forceful public lecturers in the Catholic Evidence Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 4, 2023
This book is required freshman reading at Franciscan (or at least it used to be according to Catching Foxes) so obviously I had to read it.
Billie eilish should read this to find out what she’s made for. Also why was this book a gospel presentation and a high call
This book is like if someone sat down with you and explained all of catholicism AND Christianity. The basis for every bit of doctrine and apostolic succession is there.
A sublime blend of theology and colloquial language� I def learned new things about catholicism that blew my mind. Will be taking notes from this one
Billie eilish should read this to find out what she’s made for. Also why was this book a gospel presentation and a high call
This book is like if someone sat down with you and explained all of catholicism AND Christianity. The basis for every bit of doctrine and apostolic succession is there.
A sublime blend of theology and colloquial language� I def learned new things about catholicism that blew my mind. Will be taking notes from this one
October 15, 2013
The following is a brief synopsis of Sheed’s book. Sheed touches on topics that are at the core of the Catholic faith. He narrows down our questions regarding human life to two: what is the purpose of man’s life? how do you know what the purpose is? This book focuses on the first question. God is at the centre of that question. An all-wise and all- loving creator. A being that knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. He has given us heaven as the logical conclusion to life on earth. To obtain this we must live a Supernatural Life. Without the Supernatural Life there is no heaven. Every single catholic doctrine is concerned with this. Sheed takes us to Jesus, he refers to Jesus own statement, � I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.� This relates to what Jesus reinstated for us, what we had lost through Adam’s original sin. He came as truly God and truly Man. He is God’s answer to man’s needs. For us to be reunited with God that heaven may be open to humankind again. That man may attain heaven because salvation had become a possibility. To attain heaven we need to live a holy life. Jesus asked us to love God and to love thy neighbour as thyself. These are our guides. We all struggle with sin. Sheed states that resistance to sin always involves some degree of suffering. Our earthly life is preparing us for heaven. We need the Supernatural Life to achieve heaven. We experience that life as we are parts of the Mystical Body of Christ of which the Mass is the highest point of prayer and the Eucharist is the highest Sacrament. To some the Mass is seen as the breaking through of heaven onto earth. Our life on earth is a preparation. Without that preparation we maybe vulnerable to hell. Hell is a mystery with its possibility of fixing itself on evil. A living member of the Mystical Body may have his will either totally united (then to heaven) or partially united( then to purgatory) with God’s will. At the end of this book there is a focus on heaven which will give us indescribable and unimaginable happiness and which will also give us the opportunity to come face to face with God in the Beatific Vision. Our relationship will be with God and all others in heaven. The end of the human race on earth will happen once the Mystical Body of Christ has reached perfection. This book would suit a mature reader as it covers really dense material. I loved every inch of it and found answers to questions I had needing answers.
March 1, 2017
Sheed's analogy of Catholic life and doctrine as a kind of map in which our particular experiences and perceptions are redrawn in their proper relation and proportion to one another serves as one of the most helpful catechetical images I've yet discovered. Think about how one uses a map: implicit trust, frequent checking and rechecking of one's position, periodic contradictions between where I think I am and where the map says I should be--all such experiences translate fairly easily into our spiritual and moral experiences. So too, the willingness to accept the authoritative quality of a map is just the point that most of us need to hear when struggling with religious authority. None of us is in a position to judge the suitability of a map of life by our own experience; for only at the end of life will we be able to make that well-considered judgment, but it is precisely a map worthy of use in my own particular life that I am looking for. Hence, I must rely on the trustworthiness of the map-maker--once again, an analogy that is helpful in our day, full of self-guided tours or of constant revision of the map by the ones using it.
On this point, Sheed's straightforward explanations about conscience (the practical moral judgment of the intellect) are helpful and necessary clarifications on a vague and widely misunderstood point. The book is worth reading for this chapter alone.
Sheed's style can be somewhat thick at times, and he doesn't spend much time justifying the Church's teachings--he is more interested in showing how they interrelate. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend it across the board to all readers; someone looking to grow in their knowledge of why the Church teaches as She does might find other more helpful resources elsewhere. But for a reader hoping to broaden his view of the whole and delight in the comprehensive beauty of the truth of Catholicism, I could hardly recommend a better book.
On this point, Sheed's straightforward explanations about conscience (the practical moral judgment of the intellect) are helpful and necessary clarifications on a vague and widely misunderstood point. The book is worth reading for this chapter alone.
Sheed's style can be somewhat thick at times, and he doesn't spend much time justifying the Church's teachings--he is more interested in showing how they interrelate. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend it across the board to all readers; someone looking to grow in their knowledge of why the Church teaches as She does might find other more helpful resources elsewhere. But for a reader hoping to broaden his view of the whole and delight in the comprehensive beauty of the truth of Catholicism, I could hardly recommend a better book.
July 24, 2013
I enjoy using and thinking about maps. They are useful because of all of the vast mass of material that they leave out of consideration. They simplify reality in such a way that we can find what we seek in the world by following the logic of the map. Sheed deliberately sets aside a multitude of details about the faith in order to highlight the main features: who we are, where we came from, where we are going.
Sheed was a practical preacher. He learned his trade out on the street. But his vision reaches eternity. I very much like what he said about the soul food that we need on our journey: "For to call a doctrine a mystery is not to warn men's mind off it, as though it were something on which thought cannot profitably be employed; it is to be thought of rather as an endless gallery, into which we can advance ever deeper, to the great enrichment of our minds, but to the end of which we shall never come. Or better still, think of it as an inexhaustible well from which for all eternity we can drink our fill yet which in all eternity we shall never drink to the last drop--so that we shall never know thirst. This infiniteness of truth is the most splendid assurance we can have of eternal happiness, for it means that the mind can progress forever, that yet it will never reach the end of truth. This inexhaustibility of truth is our guarantee against stagnation of the mind; it guarantees to our minds the possibility of progress through all eternity. Mystery then is not the prohibition of thinking, but actually an invitation to think. The mysteries revealed by God are revealed as food for the mind, not as dangerous things that should be left alone." (82).
Sheed was a practical preacher. He learned his trade out on the street. But his vision reaches eternity. I very much like what he said about the soul food that we need on our journey: "For to call a doctrine a mystery is not to warn men's mind off it, as though it were something on which thought cannot profitably be employed; it is to be thought of rather as an endless gallery, into which we can advance ever deeper, to the great enrichment of our minds, but to the end of which we shall never come. Or better still, think of it as an inexhaustible well from which for all eternity we can drink our fill yet which in all eternity we shall never drink to the last drop--so that we shall never know thirst. This infiniteness of truth is the most splendid assurance we can have of eternal happiness, for it means that the mind can progress forever, that yet it will never reach the end of truth. This inexhaustibility of truth is our guarantee against stagnation of the mind; it guarantees to our minds the possibility of progress through all eternity. Mystery then is not the prohibition of thinking, but actually an invitation to think. The mysteries revealed by God are revealed as food for the mind, not as dangerous things that should be left alone." (82).
January 26, 2011
This book may not have taught me a great deal about Life or being Catholic (as I am not new to the topic), but it is very clearly laid out and to the point, as a map should be. It also made a few points that surprised me, but with which I could not argue; food for thought. I almost rated it as 3 stars, because I did not find it the most enjoyable or enlightening book, but I gave it 4 stars because it ultimately did its job so very well, as I now feel like I need to grab hold of the rudder and set my course.
September 17, 2017
While I have no doubt that the theology in this book is excellent, and while there are some real gems in this, I found the writing style insufferable. It was repetitive, it meandered, frankly, it was boring. I don't think there's anything boring about man's journey towards heaven. But this book sure made it seem that way! Where this not part of a reading plan with a book club, I would have put it down after the third chapter.
September 25, 2024
Nothing particularly extraordinary or interesting in this basic overview of the Christian faith. Sheed presents it as a "map" and uses that metaphor quite a bit, but it doesn't feel like a map, just fairly ordinary catechesis. I did not care for the chapter on heaven, in which the resurrection was tacked on at the last moment, and the experience of heaven was highly intellectualised in a manner that made it hard to grasp.
April 18, 2017
Lovely, thoughtful book on the relationship between God and man. Concise and tightly written, without a word wasted. It's a book I could read every year and discover something new each time.
May 15, 2010
A great book. Sheed does a good job of explaining the purpose of man: to know, love, and serve the Lord in this life; and how that translates to eternal life with Him in the next. Each chapter focuses on a sustantive aspect of right Catholic living: that is living with the intellect and the will united with Christ. Sheed focuses again and again on the aspect of the intellect and the will and how the proper use of these two faculties will either align us with the will of God and allow us to live in Supernatural Life, or will be used selfishly and destructively in sin resulting in a loss of the Supernatural Life within us. A must read for all those who want to grow closer to Christ.
January 26, 2012
Loved this book. I sure wish I'd discovered it long ago. As always, Frank Sheed is crystal clear and compelling. How come this isn't compulsory reading for every Catholic high-school student?
Now I have a copy on KINDLE which I've just 'gulped down' rather rapidly, and I've bought an eighth edition copy (1947) which includes a "Discussion Outline for Study Clubs", as well as a couple of the Ignatius Press 1994 edition to share with my friends and my Carmelite Secular Community in Sydney, Australia.
I need to study and absorb this.
Now I have a copy on KINDLE which I've just 'gulped down' rather rapidly, and I've bought an eighth edition copy (1947) which includes a "Discussion Outline for Study Clubs", as well as a couple of the Ignatius Press 1994 edition to share with my friends and my Carmelite Secular Community in Sydney, Australia.
I need to study and absorb this.
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January 23, 2011Excellent exploration of man's purpose in life. Sheed uses the analogy of a "razor cutting wood" to illustrate a creation reaches its potential only when the purpose for which it is created is fully understood. We too are creatures whose happiness can only be fully realized when we understand the purpose for which we are created.
September 12, 2012
Sheed provides a classically reasoned little work that provides compelling answers to people who are really looking for them. This little treasure will be quickly dismissed by the Dawkins-ite who regards positivism as the height of human achievement. The language is slightly elevated, but entirely reachable without advanced degrees. I loved it.
January 18, 2009
Short and sweet. Packed with nuggets. It really satisfies. ;)
August 20, 2008
The one I read is actually by R. H. J. Steuart, SJ and is a very short work but very interesting insight on contemplative prayer.
July 3, 2012
It states "published with ecclesiastical approval"
July 3, 2012
Superb for anyone looking to understand relationship between God and man.
May 3, 2013
Even though it was written in 1930 it was full of material relating to the Theology of the Body.
September 16, 2024
I would like to greatly recommend this book to neophyte Catholics if they're going to accompany their catechism with introductory material to philosophy, general spirituality, and light theology. Frank also wrote other books, one called ''Theology for Beginners'' but I think this should be the first from his series because it gives young, new catholic converts or reverts the basic material about how they need to approach God, religion, and certain doctrines like eschatology. I personally liked this book a lot and I keep it on my shelf already with some sticky book marks in it if I need to review something from it. It's a great book overall to get new Catholics to know their own beliefs. Though I certainly would use this after finishing something like your Compendium of the Catechism by Benedict XVI or St. Pius X Catechism so you can then get more advanced like the Trent and JPII Catechism!
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October 7, 2020Still trying to learn more about the faith I grew up with and while this is a short read, I found it needed concentration and effort to really get it. Don't get me wrong: effort in reading and faith exploration isn't bad at all, just something to consider if you are interested in this title. I'm sure I still am missing some of the whole point but considering how short it is, it's worth a reread at some point.
November 9, 2022
I found this book incredibly difficult to put down at times. I'm usually not the type to make notes and highlight while reading, but I felt very compelled to underline the parts that really stood out to me, and I ended up underlining at least one sentence on nearly every page. Articulates the truths of the Faith through VERY logical and easy-to-process language. Would especially recommend to anyone who's a novice to spiritual reading.
July 7, 2024
This was quite an enjoyable read. As the title suggests, Sheed aims to present a 'map' that illustrates a person's journey through life, with particular emphasis on reaching the destination that the person was destined for. The result is a very down-to-earth and practical presentation of theological anthropology. I would definitely recommend this to anyone; even if you're already familiar with the theology, Sheed's presentation of it is worth the read by itself.
July 12, 2017
Enlightening! I HIGHLY recommend!
As someone who struggles with my purpose in life and with discerning God's purpose and plan for me, this book was an "awakening" of sorts. It provides an in depth explanation into why God created us, how we became a fallen people-not condemned, and how we can return to "right relationship" with Him.
As someone who struggles with my purpose in life and with discerning God's purpose and plan for me, this book was an "awakening" of sorts. It provides an in depth explanation into why God created us, how we became a fallen people-not condemned, and how we can return to "right relationship" with Him.
August 25, 2019
Great little book. Read slowly and prayerfully, took lots of notes. Summarizes in a few words the obvious, which becomes so cloudy in the fog and noise and distractions of the world.
Every one is on a journey, without a map, we will get lost. Where are we going? Why? How do we get there? Essential questions to ponder. So glad this book led me to do so.
Every one is on a journey, without a map, we will get lost. Where are we going? Why? How do we get there? Essential questions to ponder. So glad this book led me to do so.
February 16, 2024
Fantastic book. Great for both new and old members of the Faith as it gives a brilliant overview of our Catholic religion.
Sheed’s writing is very easy to follow and understand, and I really hope to re-read this book every January just to set the tone for each year and remind myself of the priorities in life.
Sheed’s writing is very easy to follow and understand, and I really hope to re-read this book every January just to set the tone for each year and remind myself of the priorities in life.
May 13, 2019
Excellent summary for anyone who wants to get an insight into what we are and what we're doing here on earth. The author nicely places human life in the context of our origins and final end, and shows how the Catholic Church stands for that purpose.
June 2, 2020
This book expanded upon my knowledge of my faith.
It reminded me of who I am and my journey in life.
This book is a must read for ALL Catholics or those interested in learning more about what the Catholic faith is. It's nice and short and extremely concise.
It reminded me of who I am and my journey in life.
This book is a must read for ALL Catholics or those interested in learning more about what the Catholic faith is. It's nice and short and extremely concise.
October 8, 2022
Not a bad introduction to Catholicism, but definitely not my favorite. I would recommend Bishop Robert Barron’s Catholicism first. I was going to give this work by Sheed two stars, but the section on sacraments was so beautiful that it was worth a star by itself.
February 28, 2017
Incredible overview of the Catholic Faith
September 15, 2017
I loved this book - will re-read again at some point. So many great points about the meaning and purpose of life.
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