What do you think?
Rate this book
Delivered - True Stories of Men and Women Who Turned from Porn to Purity
Deliverance from pornography is possible and these true stories prove it. The pious man whose fairytale marriage was almost destroyed by his fierce addiction
The young woman who escaped a broken and abusive childhood only to become ensnared in porn's seamy underworld
The couple who tried everything to beat the pain and shame of porn in their home
The female musician who thought porn was a guy thing until she got hooked herself
and five other inspiring tales of liberation from the ravages of pornography.
Delivered is proof that no one is beyond the reach of God's healing grace.
The young woman who escaped a broken and abusive childhood only to become ensnared in porn's seamy underworld
The couple who tried everything to beat the pain and shame of porn in their home
The female musician who thought porn was a guy thing until she got hooked herself
and five other inspiring tales of liberation from the ravages of pornography.
Delivered is proof that no one is beyond the reach of God's healing grace.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Matt Fradd
21 books187 followersMatthew Fradd is Australian by birth and Catholic by choice. After experiencing a profound conversion at World Youth Day in Rome in 2000, Matthew committed himself to inviting others to know Jesus Christ and the Church He founded. As a missionary in Canada and Ireland, Matthew proclaimed the Gospel to over ten thousand teens and young adults. Matthew has also served the Church through full-time lay ministry in Australia,Ireland, Canada, and Texas. Matthew has been seen or heard on the BBC, EWTN, The Irish Morning Show, and Catholic Answers Live, where he has shared his personal story of sin, redemption, and healing to people all over the world.
Recently, Matthew, his fearless Texan wife, and their three beautiful children (Liam, Avila, and baby on the way) moved to sunny San Diego where Matthew now works as an Apologist and Speaker with Catholic Answers. Matthew best demonstrates his infectious passion for the faith when he speaks about the many wounds that pornography inflicts, the healing that Christ offers in the Sacraments, and the freedom that the Church proposes in Her teachings on the virtue of chastity.
In recent years, Matthew has confronted our pornographic culture and has launched the website www.theporneffect.com. With patient understanding and yet with firm resolve, Matthew has pointed those who are addicted to or who have been wounded by pornography to the only source of true freedom and lasting healing: Jesus Christ and the Sacraments.
Matthew Fradd has been heard or seen on the BBC, EWTN, The Irish Morning Show, and Catholic Answers Live, and he continues to share his personal story of addiction, redemption, and healing to people all over the world.
Recently, Matthew, his fearless Texan wife, and their three beautiful children (Liam, Avila, and baby on the way) moved to sunny San Diego where Matthew now works as an Apologist and Speaker with Catholic Answers. Matthew best demonstrates his infectious passion for the faith when he speaks about the many wounds that pornography inflicts, the healing that Christ offers in the Sacraments, and the freedom that the Church proposes in Her teachings on the virtue of chastity.
In recent years, Matthew has confronted our pornographic culture and has launched the website www.theporneffect.com. With patient understanding and yet with firm resolve, Matthew has pointed those who are addicted to or who have been wounded by pornography to the only source of true freedom and lasting healing: Jesus Christ and the Sacraments.
Matthew Fradd has been heard or seen on the BBC, EWTN, The Irish Morning Show, and Catholic Answers Live, and he continues to share his personal story of addiction, redemption, and healing to people all over the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 11, 2016
This was fantastic and heartbreaking. I hate pornography—it's one of the few things I truly hate—and I liked that this was more of a testimonial than a how-to guide. It has suggestions for how to break free from pornography's snare, but it focuses more on sharing the stories of survivors. The unique aspect here is that every person who found freedom also found faith. That's the key to healing: don't just give up porn, replace it with something else, something better. Replace a distorted vision of love with Love itself.
Read my full review at Austin CNM.
Read my full review at Austin CNM.
August 31, 2021
This is a massive area for every generation alive at the moment and so books like this are important.
This is a good book with powerful stories from both men and women. Some stories are from those who have struggled with addiction and others from those who help others. The most heart wrenching stories were from the women that had been involved in the "adult entertainment" industry and the horrific things they went through.
The book has Catholic themes which was interesting reading about from an outsider's point of view (confessions and prayers to certain saints).
This is a good book with powerful stories from both men and women. Some stories are from those who have struggled with addiction and others from those who help others. The most heart wrenching stories were from the women that had been involved in the "adult entertainment" industry and the horrific things they went through.
The book has Catholic themes which was interesting reading about from an outsider's point of view (confessions and prayers to certain saints).
May 26, 2024
A powerful book that is not so much a how-to manual as it is a that-you-can manual. There are techniques to be gleaned from the stories, and Matt's own suggestions, but the real power in this is seeing that this enemy can be beaten.
December 23, 2016
This book is a sobering read, at times heartbreaking and infuriating, at times humbling and hopeful. It includes the stories of four men (one includes a joint interview with his wife) and four women who endured addiction to pornography and eventually struggled their way to freedom by God’s grace. This book pulls no punches in showing the soul-killing and love-killing effects of this addiction. Nor does it sugar coat the terrible grip it has on those who are trapped in it, or the pain and confusion it can inflict upon their families. It does not lie and give you an easy, step-by-step guaranteed process for breaking free. Rather, it tells the stories of people who did break free, along with the real costs of that struggle. It provides hope, without empty promises, and ultimately reminds us that freedom can only be found in surrender to God. Without that utter dependence, no process and no amount of effort can ever be successful.
A word about who should read this book. Obviously anyone who uses pornography, or who has a loved one who does, could benefit. However, I would take the perhaps controversial step of recommending this for teenagers. I can understand if parents are reluctant to share this book with their thirteen or fourteen year old children, for fear of exposing them to something so ugly and destructive. I understand and respect that instinct. However, if your children are in their teens and they are in public school, the odds are they have already been exposed to the real thing. The earlier they hear the truth about how ugly, perverse and destructive this vice is, the better. This book may not be the instrument parents decide to use to try to inoculate their children, but all parents do need to make that decision and do need to use something. This book could well be a valuable weapon in the fight for the souls and sanity of our children.
A word about who should read this book. Obviously anyone who uses pornography, or who has a loved one who does, could benefit. However, I would take the perhaps controversial step of recommending this for teenagers. I can understand if parents are reluctant to share this book with their thirteen or fourteen year old children, for fear of exposing them to something so ugly and destructive. I understand and respect that instinct. However, if your children are in their teens and they are in public school, the odds are they have already been exposed to the real thing. The earlier they hear the truth about how ugly, perverse and destructive this vice is, the better. This book may not be the instrument parents decide to use to try to inoculate their children, but all parents do need to make that decision and do need to use something. This book could well be a valuable weapon in the fight for the souls and sanity of our children.
January 26, 2014
In today's society porn is readily accessible and becoming increasingly harder to ignore. Even though we have seen an increase in use and availability no one is taking the time to see the lasting effects of this addictive material. This is an amazing book that shares the stories of both sides of the porn industry, consumers and producers. Before reading this book I found it easy to be judgemental of those who abused and made porn, but this book will open your eyes. He also conveys useful "steps" or "points" to help those struggling with this detrimental addiction. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to break free from the addiction of porn or learn more to help those struggling with this addiction. Don't let porn be the "silent killer" of your Love life.
February 12, 2015
This is a brief and fast read, so there is no excuse to leave this one out of your readings. Now that I'm a catechist for Confirmation I needed more resources on the problem of pornography. My own experience was not enough, but with this book I have more resources and testimonies on how is not impossible to break free from this addiction. If you think you are free from falling into pornography, and that it won't be a problem if you fall in that trap, you can get a good glimpse of how it will only increase your wounds and your loneliness. Great resources by the end of the book.
November 12, 2017
This collection of testimonials displayed a more uniquely human side of the pornography epidemic - both users, their spouses, and those involved in the industry. It's a powerful portrayal of actual people struggling with an addiction and remedying it with a fuller faith in Christ. Even in it's brevity, it is much to ponder and reflect upon as we attempt to treat everyone as who they are - living icons of God. Perhaps as greater reflection comes, I will increase the rating which is only where it is due to its brevity.
May 15, 2017
This book was wonderful from start to finish. It talks about the testimonies of each person's journey from porn to purity. It has helped me a lot. I recommend this book.
January 23, 2018
I let the book sit for several months, but I am glad I read it. It was hard at times, but not sluggish reading. You will be glad you read it.
June 30, 2018
Enlightening and heartbreaking...thought provoking perspectives from all sides of this epidemic.
October 5, 2022
Accessible, relevant, and hope inducing. This book was not world changing, but it is an easy read with a big impact, showing how porn habits develop and also showing how they are battled and defeated. Certainly a helpful guide for parents wanting to protect their kids and sinners (all of us) who are tempted to lose hope.
My biggest take-away, though, came from the introduction. Based on one little line from Matt, I am starting to ask the folks I am walking with to pray specifically for the people in their porn. I cannot believe I had never thought about that before. /That/ seems world changing.
My biggest take-away, though, came from the introduction. Based on one little line from Matt, I am starting to ask the folks I am walking with to pray specifically for the people in their porn. I cannot believe I had never thought about that before. /That/ seems world changing.
April 22, 2024
As promised by the subtitle, this book is a good collection of personal accounts about men and women who struggled with pornography or other difficulties regarding the state of modern sexual mores. Personally, I found Joshua Hawkin's testimony the most powerful and personally resonant.
What is also nice in this volume is the appendix with recommendations of prayer and scriptural passages.
What is also nice in this volume is the appendix with recommendations of prayer and scriptural passages.
December 21, 2019
This is a good book for anyone struggling with sexual fantasies or pornography.
March 17, 2021
A wonderful book which proves that there is always hope for those addicted to pornography.
April 16, 2025
I love this book so much and it has changed my heart in so many ways. I will definitely reread this in the future.
December 1, 2022
NOT talking about a problem DOESN'T make it go away.
There is a lot of shame and a lot of silence in our culture. I want us all to embrace who we are, talk about where we've been, and where we are going in life freely and openly. This book was powerful. I honestly was expecting to read stories through the lens of serious Catholic shame, but instead, I was so happy to read stories about people struggling with their wellbeing, and describing it in such a relatable way. I am a 28 year old who has struggled with addiction since college (addictions of all forms- sexual gratification, substance abuse). And it was nice reading the stories in this book, where it was a matter of fact recollections instead of the shame that I was expecting. It was humanizing.
Addiction is a behavior, and response to a feeling (trauma, low self-worth, etc). The chapter that a porn addiction counselor wrote about the common feelings/emotions that lead to porn addiction was eye-opening for me:
"I am unworthy of love", "if people really knew me, they would reject me", "pornography/sex meets my needs and is my greatest source of comfort"(pg51) - absolutely things I have told myself throughout the years that has stopped me from letting go of addiction.
Addiction happens. Porn addiction happens. Thank you so much for this book Matt.
There is a lot of shame and a lot of silence in our culture. I want us all to embrace who we are, talk about where we've been, and where we are going in life freely and openly. This book was powerful. I honestly was expecting to read stories through the lens of serious Catholic shame, but instead, I was so happy to read stories about people struggling with their wellbeing, and describing it in such a relatable way. I am a 28 year old who has struggled with addiction since college (addictions of all forms- sexual gratification, substance abuse). And it was nice reading the stories in this book, where it was a matter of fact recollections instead of the shame that I was expecting. It was humanizing.
Addiction is a behavior, and response to a feeling (trauma, low self-worth, etc). The chapter that a porn addiction counselor wrote about the common feelings/emotions that lead to porn addiction was eye-opening for me:
"I am unworthy of love", "if people really knew me, they would reject me", "pornography/sex meets my needs and is my greatest source of comfort"(pg51) - absolutely things I have told myself throughout the years that has stopped me from letting go of addiction.
Addiction happens. Porn addiction happens. Thank you so much for this book Matt.
December 12, 2014
This book was fantastic. It looked into several stories from many perspectives, including a professional, and a married couple, and followed each person's journey from the beginning of their encounter with porn to the present day. Each account is well detailed and straightforward, with a tell-it-like-it-is approach to their encounters--no sugar-coating.
Although in some parts it seems to address those who are Catholic, the book really communicates to anyone who reads it the universal message that porn can be destructive, but also that there is hope, as shown through each account, and a way out.
It is very objective about the subject matter and offers options to the readers if they are in need or know someone in need of support for their porn addiction/consumption. The subjects of each story are also available to contact in the back of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with porn, anyone who knows someone who is, or anyone who just wants to gain more knowledge about the subject.
Although in some parts it seems to address those who are Catholic, the book really communicates to anyone who reads it the universal message that porn can be destructive, but also that there is hope, as shown through each account, and a way out.
It is very objective about the subject matter and offers options to the readers if they are in need or know someone in need of support for their porn addiction/consumption. The subjects of each story are also available to contact in the back of the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with porn, anyone who knows someone who is, or anyone who just wants to gain more knowledge about the subject.
March 19, 2015
Received this book at a men's conference and found it a quick read. The stories presented show that viewing pornography can be devastating to couples and families, as well as the women (or men) on the other side of the cameras. While these examples presented evidence of hardship and despair they offered suggestions on moving forward and eliminating pornography from our personal lives. This is definitely a good read for anyone struggling with pornography or those who want to read about the ways pornography can cause devastation in our lives.
May 20, 2014
I quick but disturbing read. The affect porn and the binds of its addiction are heart breaking. The easy access to porn and it's devastating affects are scary. I'm glad a read it, if only to be informed and to remain vigilant.
July 1, 2014
A book of courage and grace. Stories of men and women who have overcome pronography and other sexual desires. Told in their own words those who also struggle learn that it is never to late to give in to God's graces.
September 17, 2014
I read it in a day! A must get for struggling with porn addiction!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews