Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain

by William M. Struthers

Pornography is powerful. Our contemporary culture as been pornified, and it shapes our assumptions about identity, sexuality, the value of women and the nature of relationships. Countless Christian men struggle with the addictive power of porn. But common spiritual approaches of more prayer and accountability groups are often of limited help. In this book neuroscientist and researcher William Struthers explains how pornography affects the male brain and what we can do about it. Because we are embodied beings, viewing pornography changes how the brain works, how we form memories and make attachments. By better understanding the biological realities of our sexual development, we can cultivate healthier sexual perspectives and interpersonal relationships. Struthers exposes false assumptions and casts a vision for a redeemed masculinity, showing how our sexual longings can actually propel us toward sanctification and holiness in our bodies. With insights for both married and single men alike, this book offers hope for freedom from pornography.

Genres: Psychology, Sexuality, Counselling, Christian, Nonfiction, Addiction, Christian Living

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

William M. Struthers (Ph.D., University of Chicago) is associate professor of psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, where he teaches courses on behavioral neuroscience, men and addictions, and the biological bases of behavior. His theoretical research is in the area of neuroethics, the biological bases of spirituality and personhood, and the nature of integration in psychology.

Reviews

[Lachezar Petkov · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even finish this one. I expected a book on porn and neurology. I wanted science. I wanted objectivity.
What I got was a religious wacko moaning about porn being disrespectful to God (mentioning science every now and then).

[J.S. Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating work that often strays off topic, Wired For Intimacy is better in parts than its whole. When discussing porn addiction and sexual deviance, the book is incredibly insightful, but down other roads it loses focus even when the material is still interesting. It is almost like two books twisted together for an awkward fit.

First the negatives: The author Dr. Struthers is obviously well studied in neurology and psychology, but presents an overload of research that many will (and can) gloss over. Again, while insightful, it does not accomplish the goal of the book to discuss porn addiction. Dr. Struthers does not clearly explain why so much information is necessary to know. I never sensed he was showing off but it did bloat the length and throw off the pacing.

Some of the pop psychology -- I rolled my eyes at Maslow's hierarchy -- is rather unbiblical or at least unhelpful. There is also little methodology offered to quit porn. There are better books for that. And I was surprised to find that Dr. Struthers at one point criticizes John Piper on defining biblical manhood, and even more surprised when I agreed with Dr. Struthers.

Positives: The book delves extremely deep into the human soul and psyche, elaborating on every possible scenario of how men get trapped into porn. The destructive power of sexual addiction actually has physiological consequences for the brain. There are also a host of reasons men feel the "need" for porn which is critical to know to battle against it. When Dr. Struthers focuses on how the brain reacts to porn, it's highly captivating and liberating.

I also learned much about the "masculine voice" and its power in shaping children, both male and female, to be fully realized individuals. The last chapter brings it back to pornography and offers more practical wisdom.

Bottom Line: If you can get past the heavy terminology and some of the straying sections, you'll find great knowledge here that perhaps no one else in the Christian or medical world can provide. I do hope Dr. Struthers keeps writing on the topic, perhaps with greater focus than before.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men often do not understand the male need for intimacy. We often do not understand how easy the path of pornography will appeal to, but short-circuit the true desire for intimacy. This book does a good job of joining those two important concepts (and realities).

[Greg D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps the best book I have read that explains the many intricacies of the male brain and it's resulting effects of pornography use. Dr. Struthers eloquently uses both science and faith to explain how the brain works in laymen terms so that the average reader can understand. This book expertly unites both science and faith, proving that there does not have to be a disparity between the two.

The most fascinating chapter to me was Chapter 5: Made Male in God's Image. In this chapter, Struthers talks about how we are all created in the image of God (Imago Dei), and God was pleased with what He created. Furthermore, we are all created to be conformed to the likeness of Christ. All people are created in the image of God, including the very faces one may find on a pornographic website.

In this same chapter I was also intrigued to find out that it is in fact estrogen (not testosterone) that helps create the male brain during fetal development. Furthermore, by default the female sex is created and it takes a series of complex processes in order for the male sex to begin developing within the womb. I also learned that some of the male brain is developed with a natural propensity for attractiveness towards the female sex, while some of the male brain remains undetermined. This undetermined part of the brain is developed through experience. Which I assume explains why some males may be swayed towards homosexuality.

In Chapter 4: Your Brain on Porn, Struthers offers us a glimpse into what a brain looks like saturated with porn. He explains all the chemicals and synapses that are released when a man is viewing porn, very similar to what a brain may look like addicted to heroine. He explains that a figurative trough or canyon is formed within the brain that allows extrasensory imagery to flow smoothly through the brain, essentially deepening the canyon each time porn is viewed.

Finally, in Chapter 8: Rewiring and Sanctification, Struthers offers some practical ways to reverse or rewire the brain to liberate itself from the confines of porn addiction. The most important being confession, accountability, and saturation with prayer and reading God's word. Essentially feeding the brain in much the same way it is fed with pornographic images, but with thoughts that are true, noble, right, and pure.

I highly recommend this book to counselors, pastors, and laymen alike. I also recommend this book for both men and women. For women (and wives), it offers a physiological glimpse into the male mind so that a better understanding of what goes on in the male mind is revealed. For men, it offers an understanding into some of the confusion that comes with the way we are wired. Ultimately, it comes down to this... we are wired for intimacy... intimacy with fellow humans created in the image of God... but wired for intimacy with our Creator.

[Zac Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one bites the dust in the seemingly never ending line of Christian purity books. This one is good, not great. Would recommend to a mentor, someone struggling who’s read some better options, and those specifically wanting more information on the biochemical side of male pornography addiction patterns.

Positives:

Very well written and thorough. Uses academic terms but explains them simply and consistently.

Deeply rooted understanding of masculinity, it’s relationship to humanity, and it’s differing responsibilities from femininity.

Is gentle yet firm in his condemnation of sin. He does well to explain the paradigms he carries into his understanding and reasoning for condemnation. Out of that flows practical, still biblically rooted, thoughts on the struggle that is the male brain on pornography

He often considered other perspectives in his writing. This often gave the impression of approval. However, Struthers would use this as a powerful form of rhetoric to give rooted and balanced arguments towards his thinking.

I was indeed nerding out in the brain chemistry chapter. Supa Kool

The last paragraph was indeed a *chefs kiss*

Negatives

It could have been either 50 pages shorter or longer. Either more academia or more popular.

Had a tendency to ramble or fully re-explain his point that he exposures in the prior chapters. This also lengthened the chapters to an average of about 25 pages. Which is one of my biggest pet peeves in writing.

Didn’t give any real practical advice. Which I am ok with, because he acknowledged this out of a posture of humility. He’s not a recovery expert just a psychologist. However, this is why it’s not a great starter book for those struggling or helping those who are.

Sometimes the appeal to a Biblical middle ground in harder matters gave him the appearance of being Wishy washy. Certainly could’ve held a bit more firm in some issues. Not anything super important, just a thought.

I hate pornography. I love you Jesus.

[Micaela Hardyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read, tho I do think it would be more impactful if it included a bit more science - the title implies it contains much more than it does. This is also geared for men and I think it might minimize some of the ways that this information could be helpful for women, and honestly the book would have gotten at least another star if it weren’t for the entire chapter on masculinity. It was pretty sporadic and it was kind of hard to tell what the author actually thought, and what he did seem to be communicating had some rough implications for single mothers (i.e., their affirmation of a child isn’t as valuable as a mans because the child came from her body so obviously she sees the child as good.. not going to lie that argument made zero sense to me). Even this would have been semi-okay if there were at least some citations (scriptural or otherwise) to back up some of the claims, but alas.

Overall it was interesting and likely helpful to a particular audience, but I think there was a way to write it that would have had a greater impact outside of Christian circles. I’m of the opinion that porn is pretty damaging regardless of how it relates to our faith, and so if the goal is to convince more people of that, you need an approach that doesn’t spend so much time explaining how it goes against the Christian sexual ethic- but rather highlighting its effects regardless of ones views on God.

[Jared Totten · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the latest numbers I've seen, 53% of Christian men consume pornography and 37% of pastors say it's currently a struggle (stats from xxxchurch.com). Clearly, according to the numbers, it is a much bigger problem than is being talked about, and being a pastor of a church virtually guarantees that I (and many of our readers) will deal with someone in the cross-section sooner or later. Thus William Struthers has done the entire believing body a service in writing Wired For Intimacy: How pornography hijacks the male brain.

Perhaps the most interesting and helpful information Struthers provides is on the fact that pornography acts on the male brain much like drugs (such as cocaine and heroin) do. Both cause the body to release dopamine and, with repeated use, the body develops a tolerance and needs greater stimulation to get the same dopamine high (thus the law of diminishing returns is equally true of pornography). Just as a path in the forest becomes wider and more defined as more hikers use it, so do the neural pathways with repeated pornography use until, as Struthers puts it, one has created "a neurological superhighway where a man's mental life is over-sexualized and narrowed . . . they become the automatic pathway through which interactions with women are routed".

Struthers, however, resists the temptation to color pornography use in particular and sin in general as simply a problem of the mind. He writes a book that plays to his strengths, but balances his expertise with the proper biblical picture of sin and temptation. While this book is not for everyone (obviously the subject matter is explicit), given the stats cited earlier, I cannot recommend this book enough for every Christian male, especially those in ministry.

Recommended for: Christian men; especially pastors and counselors

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book was a free review copy provided by InterVarsity Press.

[Nix Damon · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent!!! such a big help for me in understanding better the draw of pornography. as a wife to a good man, I have been hurt by its influence on our marriage, but after reading many helpful books to promote my healing, I am grateful to try and see things from my husband's perspective in a matter-of-fact way. this book clearly communicated to me what my husband wished he could tell me. the science is fun to read and easy to understand. it validates our marriage, his struggle, my thoughts, and the need to protect the relationship we have from pornography...for his sanctification and mine, and for the purpose of raising our boys in a safe, sound home. I want an environment that cultures good men who respect women and are confident in their God-ordained personalities. creating that kind of environment starts with my husband and the kind of life he lives mentally, spiritually, and physically.

[Adam Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent book on pornography. Its chief contribution to the glut of recent books on the subject is Struthers' examination of what happens scientifically to the male brain when viewing porn. His argument is long and involved, but in essentials proclaims that God designed the male brain to connect to a woman in the sexual act and that in viewing porn men are bonding to something which God did not intend. Further, the more the connection, the easier it is to go back to porn, the lower the resistance, and the more likely it is that a man will seek the perception of intimacy with a video or set of pictures rather than with the flesh-and-blood woman God has given him. The last three chapters then set about to paint us a way forward with regard to what God intends for men and how healing in this area can begin. Some helpful stuff for counseling men with this problem.

[Nick Lees · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really helpful book for either men or women who struggle with lust and corrupted views of intimacy. (or are in relationship with someone who struggles!) A good friend recommended it and it was definitely worth the read. While I wouldn't agree with everything the author says, the overall content of the book is excellent. He gives voice to things I've pondered and wrestled with in my own faith journey in a sex-crazed and corrupted world. There is a lot of redemptive stuff to be enjoyed and put into practice here. I anticipate this will have a long lasting impact on my life.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was informative and helpful as far as coming to a better and fuller understanding concerning the way pornography affects men. My one criticism is that the book seems to be marketed as a book that takes a predominantly biological/ materialistic view of pornography, rather than a spiritual one, but the book spends a great deal more time on the spiritual implication of porn than it does on the neurological. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you are looking for a more scientific companion book to put along side the great number of pornography books that deal with the spiritual and theological sides of pornography and you feel that this book will deliver, you might be let down.

[Adam Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short review: This is an interesting look at the effects of pornography. It is a mix of neurological science and psychology with an underlying Christian theology value system. I think as Christians we need to appeal to more than just theology when talking about social issues. And I think that if the church is serious about communicating its sexual values it needs to talk openly about more than lust management and needs to talk about the proper use of sex.



Full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/wired-intimacy-strut...

[Jeremy Rios · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book didn't pay on the promises of its title--it was very light of neuroscience, and also light on pornography. The vast majority of the book was what I might call an argument for "biblical" manhood. This is really unfortunate, because I think Struthers had something truly unique to offer to the discussion, and that implies that this book was something of a missed opportunity.

[Kimberly Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will help people understand how porn impacts our God-given sexual arousal response as well as our ability to view people as human souls. A very difficult read, but helpful in understanding the impact and dangers of porn use.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Discussed the greater effects of pornography on the user's mind and on the way he relates to others and on how he sees himself. Talks about our need for relationships, especially with women, and how porn amplifies this need.

[Joshua Centanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful insights into the physiology behind addiction to pornography.

[Cyntia Pitaloka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me a lot how to deal with friends who captivated by pornography.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend every man (and even women) to read this one. I liked how he highlighted the importance of upbringing without making it deterministic, addressed differences between men and women and at the same time, did not conclude that men are justified in their genetic makeup to be prone to sexual disorders, busted myths about testosterone, and had a very clear stance on the neurological effects of pornography in men.

The differentiation between guilt and shame is also rightly addressed. Guilt is natural and has a way out through confession of sins, shame only can make you feel trapped. On the other hand, I consider the religious approach Catholic friendly, and way more persuading than radical feminists, at least because it does not talk about the patriarchy, which would alienate men who really seek to do better.

I only object to the use of terms like gender identity which really have little weight in the book overall.

[Frank Theising · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little over two decades ago, pornography was largely confined to dirty buildings, tucked back in some poorly lit back alley where descent people would never go. Today, it is ubiquitous. Young boys are often first exposed to it as early as 9 or 10 years old. If the statistics are to be believed, more than half of so-called Christian men in America consume pornography on a regular basis. A generation of men have shipwrecked themselves upon the rocks, succumbing to the Sirens of internet pornography. They sneak around their homes and offices, hiding their behavior from their closest friends and relations. They have traded their real lives, relationships, and even their souls for an imaginary world of make believe and illusion. Why exactly is pornography so addicting to men?

William Struthers, an outspoken Christian and professor of psychology and neuroscience, seeks to explain how pornography affects the male brain and how men can escape their porn “addiction.” His Christian faith, which is clearly emphasized throughout the work, influences many of his arguments and conclusions. While there is very little I disagree with in this book, it fails to live up to its stated purpose. The vast majority of the book is a description of how pornography has hijacked modern culture and subsequently influenced our views on intimacy, masculinity, and relationships (all very good information but not the stated purpose of this book). Chapter 4 “Your Brain on Porn,” is the only section of the book that addresses the neurological effects of persistent use of pornography in detail. This chapter briefly describes the major regions of the brain as well as the functions of various hormones (testosterone) and organic chemicals (dopamine, norepinephrine, etc). While interesting, the presentation of all this technical information comes across a bit choppy and disjointed. His argument that repeated exposure to stimuli results in neurological circuit making (i.e. we develop maladaptive patterns that become neurologically and neurochemically reinforcing habits) is spot on but the flow and presentation of that information is lacking. Gary Wilson’s 16 minute TED Talk: The Great Porn Experiment (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSF82...) presents much of the same information in a much more organized and easier to follow line of reasoning. Likewise, I found an excerpt from Dr. Norman Doidge’s book “The Brain That Changes Itself” (http://yourbrainonporn.com/doidge-on-...) to be a much clearer explanation of neurological circuit making than that presented in this book.

Dr. Struthers’ concluding chapter “Rewiring and Sanctification” highlights how the neurological habits formed as a result of years of porn use cannot be changed overnight. It will take a period of time (months if not years) for the brain to re-wire itself. His recommendations on how to overcome porn addiction seemed to fall short. Confessing and seeking guidance from an older and wiser mentor are great recommendations but do not go far enough. EVERY Christian man should have a filter that blocks pornographic content on their computer and smartphone AND that provides a weekly summary of their browsing activity to a trusted male accountability partner (be it peer or mentor). In my experience, it’s the only way that a man consumed with pornography will be able to abstain long enough for his brain to start breaking down those neurological circuits that are reinforcing his porn habit.

Brief chapter summaries:
1) Saturated with Porn: A description of the pornification of American culture due to its accessibility, affordability, and anonymity. The $57 billion dollar adult industry is so pervasive it has become an accepted part of daily life for much of society.
2) The Corruption of Intimacy: Explains the differences between healthy (natural) and unhealthy (pornographic) sexuality. Real world relationships involve intimacy, sharing, and expressions of love. Pornographic sexuality involves selfish (self-directed) motivations, objectification of women, and emotional separateness. Porn use is often denied, minimized (I only do it occasionally, I’m not an addict), normalized (everybody does it), rationalized (I deserve this because…), or celebrated (their hearts are hardened and they defend their habit and see nothing wrong with it).
3) The Consequences of Porn: Debates the various sides of the argument for calling porn use an “addiction.” Explains the various compulsive and impulsive behaviors of regular porn users.
4) Your Brain on Porn: Describes the regions of the brain and the chemicals that act as neurotransmitters. Explains neural circuit making: its like a river that cuts an ever deeper path in earth until there are cliffs on either side. Porn use trains your brain to respond in a specific way which reinforces a porn habit and limits other response options.
5) Made Male in God’s Image: Opens with a theological discussion on the subject of man being made in the image of God and how this influences our understanding of masculinity. It briefly describes the various definitions used to identify someone’s sex (chromosomal sex, genital sex, brain sex (the neurology of a male brain verses a female brain)).
6) Masculinity: How men learn to be masculine. Discussion on the psychological effects to men and women raised in a culture that ignores the differences between the sexes.
7) The Male Need for Intimacy: Discusses the male need for intimacy and explores different views of masturbation.
8) Rewiring and Sanctification: Recommends steps to help recovery from porn addiction.

[Emma Whitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of potential, but lacks enough scientific substance for me to fully accept its legitimacy. The title implies a different book than what you get: a religion-centered exploration into why men seek pornography and how, through God, there is a way to find healing.
I don't feel that I am the target audience for this particular narrative. A conversation starter and not much more.

[Jared Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An effortless blend of current neuroscience research with sound theology.
Highlights include:
-Human beings are made in the image of God and therefore are people to be loved, not only objects to be desired.
-Sexual desires point first and foremost to intimacy
-Sexual desires can be leveraged for pursuit of sanctification

[Jermaine Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and well-written book on the subject. I especially appreciated the author's insight on the true meaning of masculinity and being made in the image of God. Was worth my time. Pornography and sexual identity is a major issue in our modern-day culture and it serves us well to be informed about the impact, challenges, and lasting consequences that these things pose within our homes, churches, and society at large.

[Scott Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good when it's good. Really boring when it's not. Outdated 2009 application and needs much more content.

[htanzil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dalam buku ini dijelaskan bagaimana godaan pronografi telah merasuki dan mempengaruhi begitu banyak pria sehingga merusak citra dan pandangan pria terhadap wanita sebagai mahluk ciptaan Allah yang segambar dan serupa dengan-Nya.

Buku ini dibagi dalam 2 bagian utama, yaitu ; Bagaimana Pornografi Bekerja, dan Maskulinitas & Seksualitas yang Sehat . Di bagian pertama akan dijelaskan bagaimana dunia kini, khususnya di era internet ini kita dibanjiri dengan materi-materi porno. Walau kita tidak sedang membuka situs porno namun iklan-iklan yang mengarahkan kita pada materi-materi porno itu berseliweran dan untuk melihatnya kita hanya butuh satu ‘klik’ saja untuk melihatnya secara gratis. Tak hanya internet, kini TV, film, iklan, bacaan, dan banyak hal lainnya telah disusupi gambar/adegan porno dan semua itu telah secara halus menyusup ke dalam struktur budaya kita sehingga standard kekudusan manusia menjadi luntur.

Apa akibatnya? Dr. William M. Shutters dalam bukunya ini mengatakan bahwa pornografi yang telah menguasai pria membuat pria tidak lagi mengarahkan dorongan seksualnya secara benar sehingga pronografi mempersempit kemampuan kita untuk hidup benar dan kudus.

Buku ini dengan rinci menggambarkan akibat-akibat negatif dan bagaimana merusaknya pornografi terhadap pria dalam hal keintiman dengan pasangannya dan bagaimana pecandunya menjadi egois, memiliki tingkat kecemasan tinggi, narisistik, deperesi, sulit konsentrasi, dll. Selain itu Dr. William M. Shutters yang juga seorang neorolog memberikan kita gambaran apa yang terjadi pada saraf-saraf otak ketika seorang pria menikmati gambar/tayangan pronografi.

Ketika Dr. Shutters menjelaskan bagaimana otak kita merespon terhadap hal-hal porno bagian ini menjadi sangat medis sekali karena kita diajak melihat bagan otak manusia lengkap dengan nama-nama ilmiahnya , mungkin bagian ini adalah bagian yang rumit bagi orang awam namun semuanya itu dapat disimpulan dalam paragraf ini :

“Ketika seorang pria jatuh lebih dalam kepada kebiasaan mental menatap gambar-gambar ini, ketereksposan mereka ini menciptkan jalur pada saraf otak. Jalur saraf ini menyediakan jalan untuk kesempatan berikutnya ketika sebuah gambar erotis dilihat. Seiring berjalannya waktu, jalur saraf ini menjadi lebih lebar ketika dijalani berulang kali. Jalur-jalur ini menjadi jalan otomatis yang melaluinya interaksi terhadap wanita ditentukan. Sirkuit saraf memantapkan proses ini dengan kuat di dalam otak. Untuk setiap tatapan yang lama, pornografi memperdalam lekukan-lekukan mirip Grand Canyon dalam otak, yang melaluinya gambar-gambar wanita itu dapat mengalir. Semua wanita menjadi bintang porno yang potensial di dalam pikiran pria-pria ini. Hal ini menciptakan sebuah sirkuit neurologis yang memenjarakan kemampuan mereka untuk melihat wanita secara benar sebagai manusia yang diciptakan Allah” : (hal 95-96)

Pada intinya melalui buku ini penulis dengan pengalamannya sebagai pakar neurosains menjelaskan pada kita semuanya akan realita biologis perkembangan seksualitas kita sehingga kita dapat mem[eroleh perspektif seksualitas yang sehat, menampik pandangan yang salah terhadap maskulinitas, dan menemukan cara tuntas lepas dari ikatan jerat pornografi.

Di bagian akhir buku ini penulis memberikan solusi dan apa yang harus kita lakukan agar kita bisa lepas dari keterikatan pornografi dan merangkai ulang kehidupan kita dengan pengudusan dari-Nya, pertama yaitu dengan pengakuan. Tidak hanya mengakui secara pribadi kepada Allah, melainkan mengakuinya kepada orang lain karena ketika dosa diceritakan kepada orang lain, seseorang dipaksa untuk menyingkapkan kerusakannya. Bagaimana cara seseorang menceritakan kerusakannya merupakan hal yang penting dalam proses penyembuhan.

Yang kedua adalah dengan mencari akar permasalahannya, kenali penyebab-penyebab emosional dan psikologis yang berasal dari lingkungan yang mendorong terjadinya ketagihan seksual dan persoalan dorongan seksual. Caranya adalah dengan menulis jurnal harian. Ketika seorang pria menemukan apa yang menjadi penyebabnya, dia dapat mengatur dunianya untuk mengurangi kesempatan-kesempatan kembali pada kebiasaan lamanya sebagai penikmat pornografi.

Yang terakhir adalah dengan memiliki sebuah relasi dengan seorang pembimbing rohani yang lebih dewasa karena seorang pria yang telah terjerat dalam pornografi membutuhkan seorang mentor yang dia hormati dan dapat belajar darinya, berjalan bersama dalam menjalani kekudusan.

Pada akhirnya buku yang ditulis dengan sangat baik oleh seorang pakar neurolog ini sangat bermanfaat bagi kita yang mungkin sedang bergumul dan sulit melepaskan diri perangkap pornografi. Selain itu buku ini juga sangat bermanfaat bagi para pria, orang tua, konselor, Hamba Tuhan, dan siapa saja yang peduli akan kekudusan sehingga selain dapat membentengi dirinya dari jerat pornografi buku ini juga dapat dijadikan panduan bagi mereka yang terbeban untuk menolong para pria yang ingin dimerdekakan dari pornografi baik dari pendekatan neurologis maupun dari kebenaran Firman Tuhan.

@htanzil

[Josh Trice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read. Sound in both data and theology, this book is a must for Christians (specifically those who have or are struggling with porn). The insights in this book are fantastic. I found the chapter dedicated to the science of the brain most intriguing as Struthers broke down the systems of the most important organ in simple, easy to understand, language.

I can’t recommend this book enough. A MUST read!

[William Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struthers provides a good resource for counselors and laymen alike. Though he moves into some technical items about the brain in one of the chapters, generally the book is imminently readable. It is quite helpful in a number of ways. First, he understands the human condition holistically. There is no division between what goes on in the brain and our "spiritual" lives. Our bodies are integral to our santification. Consequently, renewing our minds involves the neurological and chemical activities of our brains. The integration was refreshing. Second, he speaks about how we "cut" neurological pathways in our brains by our practices; we teach ourselves habits and stimuli that shape our relationships with one another. This is where the practice of viewing pornography is so dangerous. We damage or ruin our ability to be truly intimate with others--to know another and be known by another--by living in fantasy worlds. We are wired for intimacy, but when we seek intimacy through pornography, we have perverted that desire and damaged true intimacy. Toward the end of the book, Struthers gives some helpful counsel on how to deal with habits of pornography. This is not in depth. He gives resources for more in depth ways to be freed from pornography in his appendices. I would highly recommend this book for pastors, those struggling with pornography, and parents of young men who need understanding of how this "addiction" works. In a sex-saturated society in which hard-core pornography is only a mouse click away, we need to be prepared to deal with this issue more and more.

[Jonathan Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read on a subject that doesn't get a lot of discussion or research. Scientists are only now beginning to delve into the neurological impact pornography use has on the wiring of the brain. As a pastor I find this a very helpful resource in understanding the realities underlying pornography use and addiction.

The strength of this book was its focus on neurology, which was truly insightful and enlightening. It also had a strong section on masculinity and how it should be understood in our contemporary context.

At times the author seemed to be stretching the material out to fill the entire book, which resulted in unnecessary paragraphs and off topic material. The chapters were also a bit uneven in terms of interest and relevancy and I would have appreciated a little more discussion on recovery, and more direct suggestions for pastors, churches, and other practitioners.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting, and I love the idea of it. Indeed a consolidated view of the human person including soul, mind, and body is very refreshing. Unfortunately the execution does not meet the expectations.

The scientific information provided is of some interest but is far too in-depth for the causal reader.

Also the book is very strangely organized, and I could not follow the main flow that he was going for.

Of all of the chapters, I enjoyed the last two the most. They provide a different viewpoint into what it means for a man to be intimate, not only with a woman but with other men.

The book contains good information but just too much of some and in a strange presentation.

Let me end with this. More books need to take this consolidated viewpoint of humankind. We should not separate ourselves into different pieces for we are a complicated mix of many things, ultimately make in the image of our great God.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that every man in America should read. It's undeniable that pornography holds a disturbing power over men in our culture, and regardless of your religious views, I think deep down we all know it's not for the good. I picked this up because I wanted to learn about the scientific aspect of why so many men are inextricably drawn to porn. Sadly, much of the physiology went way over my head, but I particularly appreciated Struthers' description of how neural pathways get dug into ruts through repeated use. I felt that he got a bit too preachy at times, but I do agree with him about the immoral nature of the entire sex industry. This is something that men need to take seriously and books like this help expose the true evil of what too many men think is a victimless activity.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will definitely go near the top if my "2014 books I read" list, if not at the top. William Struthers is a bio psychologist and researcher who is also a man of faith. Whereas most books written about porn and lust from a Christian perspective only address the spiritual side of things (such as the book "Every Man's Battle," which is also excellent), Struthers explains the science and chemistry behind how the brain reacts to and is impacted by porn.Learning about the science behind it encouraged me to keep waging war on my lust, and shed light on some of my behavior and thought patterns. Struthers uses the results of his research and the research of those he cites to spur the reader on to greater sanctification. Excellent book; highly recommended.