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Jesus Our Refuge
In a restless world, we often chase satisfaction, only to find it fleeting. Matt Fradd invites you to discover Jesus, Our Refuge. This clear and honest guide reveals the Heart of Christ as humanity’s true home. Packed with Fradd’s relatable stories and wisdom, it’s a must-read for anyone seeking meaning and refuge amid life's spiritual battle.
183 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2025
About the author
Matt Fradd
22 books201 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 15, 2026
I received a copy of this book for free as part of a giveaway on campus.
Matt Fradd's writing is accessible but reads irritatingly like something from Generative AI, including his overuse of emdashes and "it's not this, it's that" sentence structure. The book bounces from topic to topic, lacking an overarching thesis to tie the individual chapters together in a coherent fashion. As a result, the discussion all feels rather shallow, lacking the depth/insights I had hoped it could achieve.
Overall the book is...fine, I guess. But I was hoping for more.
Matt Fradd's writing is accessible but reads irritatingly like something from Generative AI, including his overuse of emdashes and "it's not this, it's that" sentence structure. The book bounces from topic to topic, lacking an overarching thesis to tie the individual chapters together in a coherent fashion. As a result, the discussion all feels rather shallow, lacking the depth/insights I had hoped it could achieve.
Overall the book is...fine, I guess. But I was hoping for more.
December 31, 2025
A wonderfully simple-yet-profound exposition of the heart of the Gospel, and a movingly clear reminder of just how much God loves us. I loved it!
November 4, 2025
I was blown away by Jesus our Refuge. I love Matt Fradd but I did not think he would be the best author. Turns out he’s not and I think if you ask him, he’d agree that writing books isn’t his best skill. What makes this book so good is that it’s a relatable, understandable, and simple explanation of the Gospel and Life in Christ.
It’s perfect for people living in our modern society. Matt does a great job of explaining our identity found in relationship with Our Creator, ways we “miss the mark” in this relationship, and how Grace, humility and virtue are the answer to our problems.
Highly recommend for anyone. Lots of people will be getting this book for Christmas this year.
It’s perfect for people living in our modern society. Matt does a great job of explaining our identity found in relationship with Our Creator, ways we “miss the mark” in this relationship, and how Grace, humility and virtue are the answer to our problems.
Highly recommend for anyone. Lots of people will be getting this book for Christmas this year.
February 26, 2026
The book has a lot to say if you let your heart listen. However... Not every season of life is open to that, and that is fine. You may simply be drawn to a different aspect of life in and with God at the moment.
Perhaps, judging by how long it took me to read it and by my rating, you can sense that I’m drawn to a different emphasis at the moment. That does not take away from the quality of this book. On the contrary. To illustrate this, there is a passage in chapter 9 on the Prodigal Son and his father that has stayed with me, and I would like to highlight it:
The son had assumed he’d have to make the full journey home, step-by-painful step. But he didn’t. His father ran to meet him. The love of the father bridged the gap. In this part of the parable, Jesus reveals something profound about the love of God the Father: He doesn’t wait passively for our return. Like the father in the story, He rushes toward us. He crosses any distance to reach His lost children.
I can testify that this has been true in the deepest and most personal way in my life.
Perhaps, judging by how long it took me to read it and by my rating, you can sense that I’m drawn to a different emphasis at the moment. That does not take away from the quality of this book. On the contrary. To illustrate this, there is a passage in chapter 9 on the Prodigal Son and his father that has stayed with me, and I would like to highlight it:
The son had assumed he’d have to make the full journey home, step-by-painful step. But he didn’t. His father ran to meet him. The love of the father bridged the gap. In this part of the parable, Jesus reveals something profound about the love of God the Father: He doesn’t wait passively for our return. Like the father in the story, He rushes toward us. He crosses any distance to reach His lost children.
I can testify that this has been true in the deepest and most personal way in my life.
February 13, 2026
Love the podcast/Matt and his wife, love the concept for this book, but too many quotes/examples for me and not enough commentary. Felt like a collection of things that have really helped him in his life to understand his faith, which is awesome, but unfortunately, translated to the reader (maybe just me) as rambling, disorganized thoughts. It had me at first, but then it lost me a bit. Still love Pints with Aquinas, of course!
May 25, 2026
I liked reading this one, very digestible and very applicable. There were a lot of references to other texts that Matt Fradd found meaningful in some way, which lowkey irked me. At times it felt over-saturated with outside intel on whatever he was discussing. But overall, I enjoyed it! There were some chapters that didn’t really stick with me, and some chapters I thought were really cool and offered new spiritual perspectives. I thought that the discussion on the different ways that humans relate to sin was super interesting and cool to reflect on. The last chapter was also great and did a good job summing up the book and inspiring me to lock in and get off my phone. 😤🥀🙏
November 25, 2025
I loved this book! I enjoyed reading from one of my favorite Catholic speakers/podcasters. This book laid out so simply the need for Christ as a friend and an attentive Savior. The quotes from so many great Saints are ones that I will continue to pray with.
March 2, 2026
Very simple guide to finding peace. As I began was a little underwhelmed but each chapter built upon the last culminating in a really good read. I took many things to prayer and am glad to have picked up the book.
August 28, 2026
Good book. Makes you want to read the gospels and new testament.
February 26, 2026
this book is a must read. inject it into my veins!!!!
April 25, 2026
Meh. Nothing particularly special or new. I would consider giving it to someone very new/early on in their faith journey as a simple, basic intro.
July 5, 2026
One of the best religious books I've ever read. It's easy to read, understand and retain information from. It isn't an overly Catholic book, there were lots of inserts from protestant as well. Highly recommend!
December 21, 2025
“‘Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.’ But when a culture tries to soar with only one wing- reason severed from faith- it doesn’t rise; it plummets. And so it has.”
December 23, 2025
surprisingly easy read that still went very deep. I appreciated how practical and grounded it was. the book gently but clearly helped me see how often I look for refuge in false comforts, and how Jesus alone is the true place of rest, safety, and healing.
February 25, 2026
A spiritual memoir of sorts that serves as a primer on how to find refuge in Christ. Similar to John Eldridge, Matt gives a cursory overview of what it means to be at home as a beloved child of God in an approachable, thought-provoking way.
August 3, 2026
I liked this book. I really didn't know anything about how Matt Fradd came to the faith, but it was interesting learning how he started as one of those skeptics who saw God as a made-up thing that people used to console themselves made a point to challenge Christians in his youth, even if he didn't have substantive objections. Having been to my first SEEK conference this year, I resonated with the infectious feeling he got early on from attending World Youth Day and seeing young people who were there because they actually wanted to be.
Although I expected otherwise, this book isn't mere flowery language about the Sacred Heart as a mystic would write about. There are a number of good takeaways. On page 96, Fradd writes about the mistake our culture makes in "psychologizing sin" and failing to talk about supernatural evil, the devil, and ways that we've actually erred, which leads to pointing at "our brokenness, our woundedness, and past traumas," forgetting how those feelings came about. Being someone who's learning about storytelling, this intrigues me because I do think that a number of contemporary stories become a pity party for the protagonist without the explication of what got them there, and why they're stuck in that rut. If the storyteller can figure that out, no matter how far the fall from grace, there's hope. Reading The Brothers Karamazov for a seminar currently, I think that book does an excellent job of showing the individual dominoes dealt mostly by the brothers that lead to the hurt that happens throughout.
I also learned about the Venerable Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan in this book. There's a great anecdote from the Vietnamese bishop's time in prison when the communists were controlling things in which Van Thuan felt like he had let down the people of Saigon in the province he was called to serve. But then he heard the Lord say that there's a difference between the works of God (which can be delegated to people who can do the evangelization and the school-building and the pastoral care even better than Van Thuan) and God himself. Focusing on God should take priority.
My one gripe while reading was that there are more than a few sentences like "It's not X, it's Y," but I think it's unfair to assume A.I. was used because humans have long swapped a misconception for truth in that sort of sentence long before the chatbots arrived.
Anyway, Jesus Our Refuge is a solid book, especially in the second half. Fradd pulls in thoughtful remarks from Augustine, Aquinas, and others to help me understand the seriousness of sin a little better and the fruit that abounds from making reparation.
Although I expected otherwise, this book isn't mere flowery language about the Sacred Heart as a mystic would write about. There are a number of good takeaways. On page 96, Fradd writes about the mistake our culture makes in "psychologizing sin" and failing to talk about supernatural evil, the devil, and ways that we've actually erred, which leads to pointing at "our brokenness, our woundedness, and past traumas," forgetting how those feelings came about. Being someone who's learning about storytelling, this intrigues me because I do think that a number of contemporary stories become a pity party for the protagonist without the explication of what got them there, and why they're stuck in that rut. If the storyteller can figure that out, no matter how far the fall from grace, there's hope. Reading The Brothers Karamazov for a seminar currently, I think that book does an excellent job of showing the individual dominoes dealt mostly by the brothers that lead to the hurt that happens throughout.
I also learned about the Venerable Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan in this book. There's a great anecdote from the Vietnamese bishop's time in prison when the communists were controlling things in which Van Thuan felt like he had let down the people of Saigon in the province he was called to serve. But then he heard the Lord say that there's a difference between the works of God (which can be delegated to people who can do the evangelization and the school-building and the pastoral care even better than Van Thuan) and God himself. Focusing on God should take priority.
My one gripe while reading was that there are more than a few sentences like "It's not X, it's Y," but I think it's unfair to assume A.I. was used because humans have long swapped a misconception for truth in that sort of sentence long before the chatbots arrived.
Anyway, Jesus Our Refuge is a solid book, especially in the second half. Fradd pulls in thoughtful remarks from Augustine, Aquinas, and others to help me understand the seriousness of sin a little better and the fruit that abounds from making reparation.
October 30, 2025
Next to “Imitation of Christ”
This book will be a classic. It is good for any soul anywhere on the journey of faith. It is also good for the soul not yet on the journey!
Fradd writes about deep matters of the heart and soul with clarity. And he has some unique understandings of parables and scriptures worth pondering and praying with.
His explanation of God’s forgiveness is fresh and so clear. I am a grandma who has been an avid Catholic reader for 30 years—-I have never quite understood God’s grace and total forgiveness until reading this book.
I am praying through it a second time.
And, after reading such a work, one is naturally drawn to want to “do something!” to spread the Good News. And he gives you such an opportunity!
I am grateful for the book and the opportunity to share it.
This book will be a classic. It is good for any soul anywhere on the journey of faith. It is also good for the soul not yet on the journey!
Fradd writes about deep matters of the heart and soul with clarity. And he has some unique understandings of parables and scriptures worth pondering and praying with.
His explanation of God’s forgiveness is fresh and so clear. I am a grandma who has been an avid Catholic reader for 30 years—-I have never quite understood God’s grace and total forgiveness until reading this book.
I am praying through it a second time.
And, after reading such a work, one is naturally drawn to want to “do something!” to spread the Good News. And he gives you such an opportunity!
I am grateful for the book and the opportunity to share it.
Read
January 3, 20264 Stars
Quick read but pretty good. Matt Fradd acquitted himself well with this book. Even though I dont find myself in crisis, in need of refuge I do believe this book can be very helpful. (Of course we are always in need of His love)
Nothing ground breaking or any revolutionary thought but what Matt does well is bring Christ's love and our need of refuge in a grounded manner. He leans on his own experiences and those of the Saints to share this message. One's own witness in my experience is the best way to reach others. Being true. I would recommend this book to anyone mired in self loathing, perpetual sin or the religious scholar who has found himself separated from the person of God.
Quick read but pretty good. Matt Fradd acquitted himself well with this book. Even though I dont find myself in crisis, in need of refuge I do believe this book can be very helpful. (Of course we are always in need of His love)
Nothing ground breaking or any revolutionary thought but what Matt does well is bring Christ's love and our need of refuge in a grounded manner. He leans on his own experiences and those of the Saints to share this message. One's own witness in my experience is the best way to reach others. Being true. I would recommend this book to anyone mired in self loathing, perpetual sin or the religious scholar who has found himself separated from the person of God.
November 10, 2025
Excellent book on the most important issue which is Jesus great love for us and how He acts as our Shepherd and Father. Jesus is a real historical person but fully Divine as He said and is the Son Of God and He is the key to our salvation unlike other religious figures. The author focuses on God’s love us despite our sin and calls us by name unlike the Devil who calls by our sin. The author brilliantly uses Hansel and Greta, Saint Faustina, Cardinal Van Thuan and Dismas and the greatest parable the Prodigal to explain God’s great love for us. The author clearly states the Truth which is Jesus is our Refuge.
October 28, 2025
Fantastic summary of living for Christ
Jesus Our Refuge is a beautifully written book with practical steps for walking in Christ and learning to live in Christ’s mercy and extending it to others. Wonderful reflections and insights from the Bible and the saints just flow effortlessly from the page. While it is an easy read, it is filled with profound truths, and at times challenging insights. Highly recommended.
Jesus Our Refuge is a beautifully written book with practical steps for walking in Christ and learning to live in Christ’s mercy and extending it to others. Wonderful reflections and insights from the Bible and the saints just flow effortlessly from the page. While it is an easy read, it is filled with profound truths, and at times challenging insights. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2026
I listen to Matt Fradd a lot on Pints with Aquinas. I’ve admired his take on things for quite some time. But actually reading this work was wonderful. It wasn’t all conjecture; every chapter has a theme, and a scripture story to go along with it with it, and insight I wouldn’t have thought of. Add to that an appendix just with wonderful spiritual quotes, and another appendix that is just prayers. This was really good. Bravo, Matt Fradd.
March 2, 2026
I read this book in 2 days. I likely would have finished it in one day, but I had somewhere to be when I was about halfway through. If you watch Pints With Aquinas, you can almost hear the text in Matt’s voice! The message was direct, but also deep. In this particular chapter of my life, some parts of this book spoke closer to my spirit than others. I may just make this book an annual Lenten read. I highly recommend to everyone, whether you’re feeling lost in your life or not.
November 2, 2025
This released at the perfect moment for me. It's just what I needed for my current stage in life. A great reminder of our Lord's infinite love, and a wonderful call to entrust everything to Him. A delightful short read, written in an entirely accessible way.
I can't say it's a masterpiece. But it doesn't claim to be, and it's excellent.
I can't say it's a masterpiece. But it doesn't claim to be, and it's excellent.
November 17, 2025
Solid book! Not the most dramatic or revolutionary thing, although it wasn't trying to be. It's a humble meditation and reflection that you should give to people regardless of denomination or even religious persuasion
November 23, 2025
I wish everyone would read this. It is genuine, simple and warm. Anyone curious about having a faith or anyone already considering themselves a Christian can find something here. This book feels like a warm hug.
April 17, 2026
Healing balm for the soul
Matt is brilliant in the way he writes he's one of those rare writers who is probably always the smartest man in the room but knows how to word stuff so the average layman ie me understands it ...5 stars
Matt is brilliant in the way he writes he's one of those rare writers who is probably always the smartest man in the room but knows how to word stuff so the average layman ie me understands it ...5 stars
August 14, 2026
This is a solid spiritual aid for those looking to deepen their faith! Of particular interest to me was the Greek Virtue of “eutrapelia,” which Matt mentioned in the book! Jesus is indeed our refuge, and He is where we can most practice eutrapelia, the virtue of resting well and pleasantly.
November 24, 2025
Fantastic!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
December 9, 2025
A must read! Beautiful, sweet, wonderful. Fradd lays out the gospel in a clear, moving way as a Catholic layman. I highly recommend and will be giving this to my loved ones.
December 13, 2025
It’s good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews