Catholic Review of: After This Life

I've heard quite a bit about Fr. Benedict Groeschel, so I was really excited to review After This Life.

Throughout time, humanity has been confronted with it's mortality.  And if there's only nothingness in store, why did the Druids and Egyptians build such elaborate tombs for rotting corpses? And who, exactly is truly destined for eternal damnation... What about Purgetory?  Do the Evangelical denominations have it right, or do our souls truly need purification before we are face to face with God in Paradise?

Fr. Groeschel really delves JUST deep enough to explain our Judeo-Christian views and the Biblical foundation of what hapens after our physical bodies expire.  In addition, the visions of Saints (especially St. Catherine of Siena) who have been shown what Heaven, Purgatory and Hell are like are discussed and put up against popular ideals of each- for example- Dante's Divine Comedy.  For instance, the "fire" that souls in Purgatory as described by Dante experience- is it our idea of physical fire, or a metaphor for the purification as described by St. Catherine?

If you're looking for a basic, yet thorough reflection of what is to come, this is an excellent resource.  And very easy to read.  If you want to expand on topics discussed, Fr. Groeschel gives many prayers, meditations and reading recommendations for the reader to consider.

The book itself is only 133 pages, including the prayers and meditations collected by Fr. Groeschel.  The six chapters range from 7 pages  to about 22 each, depending on the topic.  I was able to read and understand this book over 24 hours in the midst of laundry, two small children and Palm Sunday preparations. 

I'd recommend this book to anyone after their Confirmation because of doctrine, vocabulary and references that might be a little much for anyone younger.

You can purchase this book here.