Pure Desire: Helping People Break Free from Sexual Struggles

Sexual Addiction 2009-12-15

Reviewer: W. S. Haley

This book is written to people who are Christians and are sexually addicted. It is also directed to Christian ministers and lay leaders who are called to help men under their care who are addicted. I haven't finished this book completely, but I have been helped to understand my problems. I have been attending a Christian 12 step group for sexual purity and one of men there recommended it to us. If you have doubts about rather you are sexually addiction, there is a self test in the back. He also uses many Bible quotes to help make his points. The author who is now a minister, was a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam before becoming a Christian and his life experiences relate well most most men. The author was also addicted to alcohol and sex, as I. In my 12 step group I have noticed that many men who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are also addicted to sex. After they learn to control their first addiction, they come to realize that they have this addiction also. Sexual addiction is harder and takes longer to get under control. The book is critical of ministers who think that the addicted person just needs to try harder or have more faith to overcome their problems. I believe that only a person who has overcome this addiction can really know how an affected person thinks and feels. There is a listed of suggested reading in the back of the book, also.

little profound insight 2009-06-29

Reviewer: Dutiful Reviewer

I bought this book because of all the great reviews it received. Yet this did not seem to rise above other books on the subject of purity and lust (i.e. purity principle-which was a great book). I hoped it would have big insights and practical information, but it didn't deliver. It had a few tidbits. One big point I appreciated was when it explained that a man lusts through his eyes and thinking to elevate his mood, like a drug, like any other addiction.
It points out that we need to be subject to God's authority and things like that. But every biblically grounded Christian knows that. He often repeats that other pastors and ministers dont understand that his audience loves the Lord and desires to follow Christ but just cant pray and be fixed. Yet he offers surprisingly little new information or perspective to help his audience-I thought.
I wasnt too impressed by the diagrams, they seemed like token illustrations to make the book more marketable. And his examples were usually very extreme. Though we all have a propensity for grievous sin, and sins can beget more serious sins, particular examples were difficult to relate to for somebody who is just concerned with his eyes. It almost seemed like if you weren't sexually abused, this book isnt for you. (On the other hand, if you were sexually abused, maybe this book will be a big help to point out the root of your sexual addiction.)
A lot of people gave 5 star reviews on this book, and it is good that they found it helpful and encouraging. If it is the first book you read on the subject, you may have a different perspective. For me it was not the product I hoped for.
Ultimately, sexual obsession (whether through the eyes or physical acts) can only be overcome through an intimate and obedient relationship with God. Sometimes that means praying every minute or every time you glance and happen to see something provocative, so that you dont look back. Shame does play a part, and once we sin it is easy to keep sinning because we feel like a loser for the first sin and figure it doesnt matter to sin again. Prayer and the Word of God are our best weapons, so pray and know the Word. The other thing that can be helpful is good Christian peers by which we can be mutually encouraged.

Great Book on Sex Addiction 2007-01-10

Reviewer: Gene Fondren

I have been using Dr. Ted Roberts book Pure Desire every since the first week we started sex addiction ministry. Dr. Roberts through his own experience and expertise wrote a book that explains exactly what is going on in a sex addicts life. I've heard remarks like: "It's like he is reading my mail when I read this book" or "this book has help me understand I'm not crazy or alone in my struggle". We require this book for all of our men who attend our recovery groups and I highly recommend it to everyone who thinks they may have a problem with sex addiction.

Spiritual healing for Sexual Addiction 2007-01-09

Reviewer: hischild

This book is more than just about sex. It is very rich for men and women to read. It addresses issues of relationships with family and with God and how that relates to disfunction in sex and other addictions. We have read quite a few books like this and it is by far the best.

Pure Desire 2006-10-29

Reviewer: Roger E. Copeland

Much needed information to help men and women to get out from under the bondage of pornography. A real problem in the family, husband & wife relationship, in the community, and in the individuals own moral, character, and mental health issues. A must read for everyone. For those trapped and for those who can help the trapped. It is written well. Informative, funny, interesting, and easy to read. It's hard to put down. Ted's transparentcy is the center of the success of this book. His openness is healing to those who need it most.