Sheen, Fulton - Timeline Biography
Time Period
05-08-1895 - 12-09-1979
Description
Fulton Sheen was a Catholic bishop, educator and renowned media figure. He taught theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America (1926-1950), and served positions as bishop (Auxiliary Bishop of New York: 1951-1966; Roman Catholic Bishop of Rochester: 1966-1969) and later archbishop (Titular See of Newport, Wales: 1969-1979).
However, it was his media presence that brought him acclaim. Sheen was known as a dynamic and eloquent speaker, who would convert difficult religious concepts into everyday language, making him a success in both radio and television. In 1930, he began appearing on the NBC radio program "Catholic Hour," which lasted 22 years and reached more than four million listeners. In 1952, he started his Emmy Award-winning program "Life is Worth Living," which lasted 13 years and reached an estimated 30 million watchers weekly. His themes of patriotism, Christian faith, and morality strongly resonated with both Catholic and non-Catholic Americans alike.
However, it was his media presence that brought him acclaim. Sheen was known as a dynamic and eloquent speaker, who would convert difficult religious concepts into everyday language, making him a success in both radio and television. In 1930, he began appearing on the NBC radio program "Catholic Hour," which lasted 22 years and reached more than four million listeners. In 1952, he started his Emmy Award-winning program "Life is Worth Living," which lasted 13 years and reached an estimated 30 million watchers weekly. His themes of patriotism, Christian faith, and morality strongly resonated with both Catholic and non-Catholic Americans alike.
Interactive Timeline(s)
Browse Related Timeline Entries
Religious Groups
Catholicism (Western Liturgical Family): Other ARDA LinksCatholicism (Western Liturgical Family): Religious Family Tree
Movements
The Fourth Great AwakeningPhotographs
Fulton Sheen broadcasting- Wikimedia Commons
Fulton Sheen portrait- Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-123461Book/Journal Source(s)
Reid, Daniel, Robert Linder, Bruce Shelley, and Harry Stout, 1990.Dictionary of Christianity in America Downers Grove, IL.Queen, Edward, Stephen Prothero and Gardiner Shattuck, 1996.The Encyclopedia of American Religious History New York: Facts on File.
Web Source(s)
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/971868/Fulton-J-SheenFulton Sheen's Encyclopedia Britannica Biography
Web Page Contributor
Benjamin T. GurrentzAffliated with: Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D. in Sociology
