The Way of Escape: A Christian Plan for Porn Recovery

by Jacob Hudgins

172 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Samuel Bunyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and so needed. Not only this is this a scriptural aid to those struggling with pornography, but is also a huge help to those who are trying t help others through their battles. There are extremely helpful “notes to mentors and helpers” at the end of each chapter.

I especially appreciate that the author does not make the goal of the book only to gain control of behavior. He addresses the true problems of sexual immorality- the problems of the heart. If these problems go unaddressed they will simply present themselves in other sinful ways, even if the behavior of pornography is changed.

Highly recommend for all young people, parents, and church leaders - whether they are currently struggling or helping someone struggling, or not.

[Scott Kercheville · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a gift to the church. The conversation in the church surrounding porn addiction is shrouded in shame and silence. While this is understandable, it also leaves those suffering from its grip feeling isolated and helpless. I hope "The Way of Escape" will be a significant step towards ending the silence, and starting a conversation.

Hudgins lays out a clear seven step plan for recovery -- starting with "Speak the Truth" and ending with "Restore a Biblical View of Sex." My favorite aspects of this book:
- The balanced tone: Hudgins thankfully doesn't pull punches, but he doesn't leave you feeling hopeless either. He asks his readers questions to force us to think.
- The Scripture-rich approach: It's clear that he has read the Scriptures with this topic in mind, and he shares entire passages to help guide and nourish us.
- The empowering theology of freedom in Christ: Many modern approaches to sin misread Romans 7 as a description of the Christian as being sold under sin; Hudgins correctly helps us see that we are no longer slaves, the chains have fallen. Furthermore -- and this is my favorite -- he reminds us that transformation is not possible if we think law will transform us: we need (and have!) the Son and the Spirit to help us.
- He cuts through common lies: my favorite example of this in the book is his refusal to treat sex as a fundamental human right or need. For too long some populations of the church have lead guys to feel as though they will die without sex.
- He offers a positive, Biblical vision for sexuality and for life: A person's life cannot just be about getting free from sin, but about positive visions for life away from sin. This vision is so often missing from these conversations, but present here.
- The notes for mentors: It can be hard to know where to start in helping people, but the notes for mentors at the end of each chapter are great reminders of best practices. He helps mentors see where their responsibilities begin and end.
- The questions for discussion. This will be so valuable in a group study, I can't wait to use if for that.

Whether you need help, or you want to help others, or you are looking for a book to discuss with a small group, The Way of Escape is an excellent, accessible, and practical read. Highly recommended.

[Ben Torno · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and timely book.

Since the advent of the smartphone, our society has become completely and utterly saturated with pornography – porn is a new normal (see, for example, Daniel Kolitz's Harpers essay 'The Goon Squad'). To make matters worse, the lack of frank conversation about porn within churches (due likely to ignorance, embarrassment, or minimization) has allowed porn's grisly and destructive power to flourish unobstructed. And AI is only exacerbating the problem.

Hudgins's response is thoughtful, pastorally sensitive, and sharp (when needed). A practical seven-step recovery plan is the book's main focus, but Hudgins also lays out a helpful Biblical framework for understanding addiction generally. Throughout the book, Hudgins takes pains to identify the Bible's positive vision for sex and sexual ethics, which, in my experience, is something sorely lacking in most mainstream Christian discussions of porn.

I highly recommend this resource not only to anyone struggling with pornography addiction, but also to anyone who finds themselves in a position to help those struggling with pornography addiction. Great work from Hudgins.

[Stephen Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives great insight to scripture that can truly help those struggling with pornography. He really wants you to get to the root of your problem and ultimately to your heart. Through God and Jesus you can overcome sin, no matter how much shame you have for it.

Highly recommend this book to any that may be going through this and even if you are not going through it, you may also find some things to help you prevent temptation and help others battle temptation.