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Like Dragons Did They Fight
“Why do Smart People do Stupid Things?”
As I entered both the adult world and the professional world, I gained a hunger and a thirst to improve myself. Some changes were easier than others. Some changes seemed impossible. I was smart, self-disciplined and I had good values, but I could not “fix” some things. I could not stop doing some stupid things. And if I did not stop, important elements of my life would be lost and/or destroyed. As time went on, I found many others in the same situation.
I explored Spiritual solutions. I explored Cognitive, Emotional, Bio-Chemical, Theoretical, Practical, Cross-Cultural, etc. I found many ideas and theories that had both merit and value. I must admit that while they came up with interesting ideas to consider, I did start to lose confidence in scientific theorists. Those who declared that their ideas were “inspired” started to show more credibility. In the end, what I cared about most is what actually worked. What ideas and interventions would actually help me win!
This book bravely bridges the gap between the Spiritual and the Temporal (physical) factors of addiction and addiction recovery. It pulls the essential elements of many psychological theories and fits them into an eternal paradigm as can only be seen through the eyes of those who are inspired by God. The reader will be taken on a journey from seeing the battle from high in the heavens down to the gritty and sweaty clashing of swords a warrior must experience day to day.
We live in a time when many are in bondage before they are even aware enough to know they are in a war. As with many examples in world history, one cannot get out of bondage with just will power. Warriors must be trained, and then trained some more, in the classroom and on the field. They must learn, that in order to escape the bondage they find themselves in, as did warriors thousands of years before:
Like Dragons Did They Fight!
As I entered both the adult world and the professional world, I gained a hunger and a thirst to improve myself. Some changes were easier than others. Some changes seemed impossible. I was smart, self-disciplined and I had good values, but I could not “fix” some things. I could not stop doing some stupid things. And if I did not stop, important elements of my life would be lost and/or destroyed. As time went on, I found many others in the same situation.
I explored Spiritual solutions. I explored Cognitive, Emotional, Bio-Chemical, Theoretical, Practical, Cross-Cultural, etc. I found many ideas and theories that had both merit and value. I must admit that while they came up with interesting ideas to consider, I did start to lose confidence in scientific theorists. Those who declared that their ideas were “inspired” started to show more credibility. In the end, what I cared about most is what actually worked. What ideas and interventions would actually help me win!
This book bravely bridges the gap between the Spiritual and the Temporal (physical) factors of addiction and addiction recovery. It pulls the essential elements of many psychological theories and fits them into an eternal paradigm as can only be seen through the eyes of those who are inspired by God. The reader will be taken on a journey from seeing the battle from high in the heavens down to the gritty and sweaty clashing of swords a warrior must experience day to day.
We live in a time when many are in bondage before they are even aware enough to know they are in a war. As with many examples in world history, one cannot get out of bondage with just will power. Warriors must be trained, and then trained some more, in the classroom and on the field. They must learn, that in order to escape the bondage they find themselves in, as did warriors thousands of years before:
Like Dragons Did They Fight!
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2012
118 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 2, 2018
It was a great book that gave me a lot of insight into addiction and how to help those in need. There are simple principals that if applied, will help men and woman around the world become happier and be able to make life changing decisions.
September 15, 2018
This is a book that helps to identify an often missing piece in religious addiction support-how to overcome the physical as well as the spiritual battles. There are very clear strategies and keys to prevention.
March 30, 2015
I am really impressed with this book and the program it outlines. For me personally, I can see how it can help me overcome over eating and drinking soda. The principles are the same as for any addiction. It's content for helping people over come sexual addictions and pornography seems like it could be a very worthwhile program to pursue. I recommend it for everyone. I believe it can help us teach our families what addiction is and how to fight it on all levels, including the chapter on prevention, will be priceless as we go forward in this technological age where we are attacked at every billboard, advertisement, and media.
March 28, 2018
Some helpful ideas but...
I felt Like the program introduced in this book emphasized too much the program and too little the strength that is found through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the grace that he extends. While developing a ferocity and warrior mentality against the feelings that accompany sin is a useful tool, it will never generate the strength that the Savior can provide to us as we humbly submit , acknowledge our weakness and invite his strength into our lives.
I felt Like the program introduced in this book emphasized too much the program and too little the strength that is found through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the grace that he extends. While developing a ferocity and warrior mentality against the feelings that accompany sin is a useful tool, it will never generate the strength that the Savior can provide to us as we humbly submit , acknowledge our weakness and invite his strength into our lives.
June 1, 2017
This is a good read for anyone with boys. It breaks my heart that they have to fight the battle of pornography --but it will happen whether you are prepared or not. I wish I had read this when my boys were younger. You don't have to have a boy struggling to gain wonderful insights from this book.
February 21, 2019
I have a hard time with this book. I did read it, and I can't help but draw parallels to conversion therapy. I have to ask if it really does more good than harm. There are differences between this curriculum and conversion therapy, but the idea of learning mental tricks to overcome your sexuality concerns me.
September 23, 2015
The presentation, style, and flow lack.
The information in conjunction with the class is powerful.
The information in conjunction with the class is powerful.
March 15, 2018
This is an excellent book for those struggling with addiction and those who love them. I especially like that he reframed it not as a civil war (war within oneself), but as a war between a good person and Satan. Reframing that way is a powerful tool in getting away from the addiction cycle.
Chapter 8 Summary:
Captain’s Log
A military Captain will often write down his thoughts for future reference, or just to clarify what is going on in his mind. A successful warrior will ask and answer the following questions frequently in a personal journal or notebook. In the following chapter, we will take an in depth look at these powerful questions.
1) “Why are you fighting?” “Why don’t you just give up?”
2) “How did you win your most difficult recent battle?” “What have you been doing right when you win?”
3) “What are you doing to help pay for your work in this program?” “Are you marking all squares of your MAN PoWeR calendar every day?” ”Do you keep your calendar in a location where someone important to you can see and comment on it every day?” “Do you think about these things when temptation is knocking at the door?”
4) “What are you doing for Border Patrol activities?” “Do you have meaningful rituals in place? (MAN PoWeR calendar)” “Are the demands of your squares sufficient?” “What is your Flag Pole/Passion Project?” “How is your Border Patrol system different from those with more than 8 weeks?”
5) “When you lost, what technique did the enemy use to defeat you?” “Is there a pattern?” “If you could replay the event, what could you have done to beat him?” “What drills can you do to make sure you win next time if he tries something similar?”
6) “What might the enemy try in the future?” “What do you need to do to be prepared for such an attack?”
Reference Book: Putting on the Armor of God, by Steven A. Cramer (Loc 2429)
About this edition: I read a PDF version that I converted to Kindle format. The conversion was imperfect, and I often wanted to go to the original PDF (but never did). The conversion messed up in a couple of very noticeable ways.
1- Section headings (and italicized text) appeared inside the preceding paragraph
2- Chapter headings looked like section headings.
These are problems that I created, so are in no way a criticism of the book.
Chapter 8 Summary:
Captain’s Log
A military Captain will often write down his thoughts for future reference, or just to clarify what is going on in his mind. A successful warrior will ask and answer the following questions frequently in a personal journal or notebook. In the following chapter, we will take an in depth look at these powerful questions.
1) “Why are you fighting?” “Why don’t you just give up?”
2) “How did you win your most difficult recent battle?” “What have you been doing right when you win?”
3) “What are you doing to help pay for your work in this program?” “Are you marking all squares of your MAN PoWeR calendar every day?” ”Do you keep your calendar in a location where someone important to you can see and comment on it every day?” “Do you think about these things when temptation is knocking at the door?”
4) “What are you doing for Border Patrol activities?” “Do you have meaningful rituals in place? (MAN PoWeR calendar)” “Are the demands of your squares sufficient?” “What is your Flag Pole/Passion Project?” “How is your Border Patrol system different from those with more than 8 weeks?”
5) “When you lost, what technique did the enemy use to defeat you?” “Is there a pattern?” “If you could replay the event, what could you have done to beat him?” “What drills can you do to make sure you win next time if he tries something similar?”
6) “What might the enemy try in the future?” “What do you need to do to be prepared for such an attack?”
Reference Book: Putting on the Armor of God, by Steven A. Cramer (Loc 2429)
About this edition: I read a PDF version that I converted to Kindle format. The conversion was imperfect, and I often wanted to go to the original PDF (but never did). The conversion messed up in a couple of very noticeable ways.
1- Section headings (and italicized text) appeared inside the preceding paragraph
2- Chapter headings looked like section headings.
These are problems that I created, so are in no way a criticism of the book.
May 15, 2017
I get why this book has he rating it does. It definitely has wonderful spiritual and practical approaches to overcoming addictions that I haven't really seen before. And that's great. I'm glad many people have found help and hope in it. But as far as someone who isn't struggling and just read it to see what it was about this book is so poorly written. The principles are haphazardly taught and never really fully put down in one spot so you kinda feel lost while expecting more to come up later on, and then realize that's all you get. Plus, you have to read 100 pages to finally get explanations of the strategies/practices that he's been referencing from the beginning. So the whole time you have no idea what to do with the information he's giving you because he doesn't explain it upfront. Also, he doesn't really even explain what all the strategies are that he's referencing! You practically have to sign up for the services to just learn what the book should have explained up front.
Don't get me wrong. This is a fabulous book and I would readily recommend it to those who are looking for guidance or a starting point. I just think the author could have done a lot better organizing and editing (don't get me started on the terrible full justification that oddly makes random words terribly spaced out). The poor editing/organization actually distracts and detracts to a wonderful message of hope. Hopefully in future editions we can get some basic adjustments down to make it memorable and clear.
Don't get me wrong. This is a fabulous book and I would readily recommend it to those who are looking for guidance or a starting point. I just think the author could have done a lot better organizing and editing (don't get me started on the terrible full justification that oddly makes random words terribly spaced out). The poor editing/organization actually distracts and detracts to a wonderful message of hope. Hopefully in future editions we can get some basic adjustments down to make it memorable and clear.
August 10, 2019
Though it acts like a buzz book for specific services, it does well in shifting the attitude toward addiction with support from LDS theology, especially emphasizing Satan's influence. It is spiritually insightful and contains some wisdom in its anti-shame promotion. While maintaining the core values of the faith, it successfully ventures to fight against common stigmas within the faith, though it still rides other stigmas--that is, siding largely with the heterosexual male perspective. Granted, that is the largest user of their resources. Female support is given in doses throughout, and there are programs for that. Still, the support for males comes off feeling much, much stronger. Overall, the book seems to focus mostly on the symptom of addiction rather than the deeper causes of. But as a buzz book, perhaps that exploration is meant for the therapy sessions. It does progress the Church conversation regarding addiction, particularly with addiction vs. experimentation, but there is still a ways to go.
November 13, 2021
This book deals with anyone that is struggling to overcome a pornography habit. The author is a counselor and has led men’s support groups for many years. I think this book is a good starting point for those that are trying to gain knowledge about overcoming pornography; with that being said, if you’re not religious or spiritual, you might be turned off by the approach the author takes.
He does however incorporate aspects of chemistry; and cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. This book could also be a good help for those looking to help another in need. There are some points where if feels like too much of a sell for his program, and he could use more hard science and references, but all in all an easy read for those that want some tips and support in changing a pornography habit.
He does however incorporate aspects of chemistry; and cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. This book could also be a good help for those looking to help another in need. There are some points where if feels like too much of a sell for his program, and he could use more hard science and references, but all in all an easy read for those that want some tips and support in changing a pornography habit.
March 30, 2019
As a leader in my church over 11 to 13 year old boys, I felt like I should read this book after I heard some great recommendations for it. I thought it was a fantastic book that balances both the physical and spiritual aspects of addiction recovery. There are many strategies in the book that I will even implement in my life to improve myself. Addmittidly, the book is not the pinnacle of English writing and sometimes reads like a brochure for the author's services. Despite that, I would still recommend this book to any later-day saint. Son, daughter, parent, or grandparent this book will both help people understand how satin is fighting and give great ideas on how to fight back.
May 15, 2023
This book offers hope in a way that so many others of this topic can't. Is the author/director of the Sons of Helaman a CSAT? I don't know. I don't think it matters. Does God require missionaries or prophets to go to school and acquire worldly credentials to do His work? Certainly not. And I think this man has been called to a specific work to help the young men of this world overcome the debilitating tactics of the adversary. And God qualifies those He calls. With God all things are possible. So, is it completely necessary to be a CSAT? Nope. Revelation and experience are more than enough for me to give hope a shot.
July 11, 2018
This is a book is like to reference back to, if the need arises. There are a lot of good things in this book. I do hope to take the warrior teaching and apply it to my boys now, helping them to fight the enemy. Wondering if they have a book equivalent for girls, since this problem is on the rise in girls as well.
December 19, 2018
A great self- mastery book!! It is geared a lot for those fighting addictions as well. Maurice teaches that Satan is very real, and gives us the tools to recognize and fight those temptations.
"Satan works in confusion and darkness. God works in light and order. When a warrior increases the order and structure in his life, it is far more difficult for the enemy to bring him down."
"Satan works in confusion and darkness. God works in light and order. When a warrior increases the order and structure in his life, it is far more difficult for the enemy to bring him down."
August 27, 2017
Harker has some powerful ideas for addiction. This book would be even better if it was written to teach all of the principles and techniques instead of referring people to learn them through his programs.
July 11, 2017
Good book. Very informative. At times, it felt a bit like an advertisement for their services.
June 10, 2018
Fighting Satan in real.
I really enjoyed this book and all the helpful advise in overcoming the power of Satan and how we can help our children do the same.
I really enjoyed this book and all the helpful advise in overcoming the power of Satan and how we can help our children do the same.
February 6, 2020
I think this book could be a good resource for those who are struggling with issues that are not popular to discuss, and for those wishing to help them.
January 3, 2021
It has some good advice but I still feel like it misses the core of addressing the deeper problems of why people seek out these things. He Restoreth my Soul is phenomenal.
October 27, 2021
Content was put together well and very insightful. No one had ever explain some of the strategies of Satan like this before.
July 2, 2023
Great read for those trying to understand addiction. Great advice on how to navigate recovery.
June 27, 2014
I heard about the Eternal Warriors addiction prevention program and was intrigued by the idea. I decided to order this book to find out more about it. While this book focuses more on recovery than prevention, it is a much needed and wonderfully enlightening book about addiction (specifically sexual addictions). It looks at the causes and solutions to addiction in a way that I have never seen or heard before. It gives specific tools and solutions for overcoming addiction and preventing it, using the Book of Mormon and a knowledge of Satan and his tactics as a guide. The information provided is very empowering. In my opinion, it is a must read for every parent, bishop, and any youth struggling to overcome this pernicious problem.
December 21, 2015
As a therapist and parent, I often think we are lacking in good ways to help youth with a pornography addiction. I sought out this book and program. The book has some great points and ideas. I think the daily questions are great. The problem with the book is that I am not sure who it is written to. It jumps from talking to parents, to therapists to the young man. So I wish the book was written to either one target audience or divided up chapters. like one for young men and one for parents. I would encourage parents and bishops to read it. at times it does sound like a brochure for the program, but it also points out you can try the ideas at home. Overall good resource. Not the full answer but pretty darn close. plus it's s quick read.
February 6, 2017
This book opened my eyes on a whole knew perspective on how addictions come about. I enjoyed reading it. Helped me understand what those go through who suffer from nasty addictions. Satan is a strong, powerful man, who's too smart. He needs to be stopped and this book shares how to do so.
February 4, 2014
GREAT book that all parents of kids age 10 and up should read. I read it for an Eternal Warriors mentor training I am going through. It is a book that explains how addictions form and how we can break them. It explains how Satan uses chemicals in our own brains to entrap people in addictions.
Powerful information! Incredibly helpful if you have a child struggling with pornography. Puts everything in a new perspective and gives you hope. I am making my boys read it.
Powerful information! Incredibly helpful if you have a child struggling with pornography. Puts everything in a new perspective and gives you hope. I am making my boys read it.
November 4, 2014
Although most of this book is explaining how the Sons of Helaman program works, there were lots of inspiring thoughts and realizations in these pages! I'm grateful that there is a program that teaches young men that Satan is using the power of pornography to bring them down. The program (and this book) gives encouragement that bad addictions happen to the best people, and there is a way to fight back and WIN.
March 22, 2015
An interesting take on fighting addictions. Especially sexual addiction. I was very intrigued at the author's recommendations on how to fight. You can tell that he has been there and knows what addicts are up against. Like all programs out there though, you have to want it bad enough and are willing to do everything and anything to fight for any program to work. There's no magic pill and fight, you will. The battle is never over.
October 1, 2015
Mixed feelings on this. I think you can distill out of this some wonderful ideas and approaches. That said, this is an extended sales brochure for his program (even discussing costs) and some of the material is a little bizarre. I don't know, for example, that it is wise to refer to sexual attraction as setting off Deviant Brain Chemicals. Finally, the writing is just a mess. How can you be so repetitive in 120 pages?
January 17, 2019
Is someone you know struggling with an addiction to pornography? Call the number below right now and then start reading. You will never regret helping them get started in group therapy no matter where they are in the world. They also have free classes for parents. Visit lifechanging services.org or call 1-877-HERO-877. A great quote from the book...' Satan: I am after the ones who are driven to become someone or do important things in their lives.’
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews