No, I'm not a Catholic, but like many Americans who watched TV in the 1950s, I've discovered the re-runs of "Life is Worth Living" on cable. This series "starred" the Catholic bishop Fulton Sheen. Basically the camera just allowed Sheen to be Sheen as he spoke to the audience about everything from simple Christianity to how to raise children to standing up against Communism.
Sheen's program was so popular it stood up against rival network programming by Milton Berle and Frank Sinatra. In 1952 he won an Emmy for his show, giving thanks to his writers "Matthew, Mark, Luke and John." The show was quite simple. Sheen wrote on a blackboard throughout the broadcast. While he was off camera, his "angel" would erase it so he could use it again. He used corny jokes, told simple stories, but his message was definitely Christian in nature and got his point across.... Here's an example of his show. Sheen was such as star, he even appeared on the game show "What's My Line?" Watch it here.
Did you know that actor Martin Sheen picked this stage name since he was fan of Sheen's broadcasts?
I don't think we'll ever see a prime time network religious show again. Hollywood is too atheistic and materialistic. How interesting to watch this fascinating 1950s orator, Fulton J. Sheen. His message still echoes today. As I said before, I'm not Catholic and don't agree with everything he says, but Sheen is quite captivating.
As he used to say, "God Love You!"
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