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Hits a Nerve, But Misses the Mark

 Posted by Kevin Sorensen  2 Responses »
Jan 252012
 

I’ve finally completed a review of Steve Arterburn & Fred Stoeker’s book, Every Man’s Battle.  This book has been out for a while; it was first published in 2000, with a study guide coming in 2002. Since that time, various editions have been put out by Multnomah. This is a re-release from WaterBrook, a subdivision of Multnomah/Random House that has the study guide included with the book.

I find that this book hits a nerve with men:the temptation and lure of sexual sin. How can I battle against such a strong foe? How can I be free from the bondage to this sin? It’s very relevant, given the number of men within the church who struggle with some type of sexual addiction, but especially that to pornography.

While the books does have its good points and parts, I think it really misses the mark. “Bouncing the eyes” is the main solution the authors have to offer–in other words, when you see something suggestive that tempts you, bounce your eyes somewhere else. Not bad, but with the all-pervasive sphere of our visual culture, I’m just not sure this is going to work at all. Besides, I had an Old Testament prof in college who told of how the Pharisees would do this, literally, whenever they saw a woman, suggestively clothed or not. They would literally turn toward a wall (he would jokingly add that was why so many of them had such large noses, from breaking them by running into walls all the time). What this becomes is just another law that slays us.

The authors talk about the cross only minimally and when they do, they seem to assume that the reader is familiar with the cross, Christ’s work upon the cross on your behalf and the power it brings to bear upon your life in Christ. I think this is a dangerous assumption.

You can hear more details about my review by viewing the video book review I’ve just posted over at Random Thoughts From a Cluttered Mind.

Go easy on me; this is my first video review!

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Good Book (although I wish it had a different title)

 Posted by Kevin Sorensen  1 Response »
May 312011
 

This is an interesting book, but some of you will have to get past the title in order to enjoy it. Try not to let that bother you, for if you’ve experienced pain & loss, heartache & frustration, despair & anxiety, then you’ll find this volume helpful.

Presson gives his chapters some very clever headings that make you want to turn ahead and read them. Here are just a few examples:

• Dancing With the Scars
• Whenever Whatever Happens
• Content or Discontent: Choosing My Tent
• There’s Rat Poop In my Corn Dog

The author uses many humorous anecdotes, most from his own life, to lead into the helpful advice he holds out to any who have lived in the school of hard knocks. I found that I identified with the author and he with me as I read through this book. You may wish to read it twice, however; the first time, read it quickly just for the sardonic humor, usually directed at himself; then read it again more slowly and absorb the thoughtful insights.

I only have the one disclaimer about the title (and I know Presson’s addressed this before). When I was in the sixth grade, I used this word directly at a classmate sitting next to me. Back then (1969-1970) this word was definitely verboten. I got hauled into the principal’s office, had to stay after school until my parents picked me up. When both of them were in the car, I knew I was dead. A severe scolding, mouth-washing-out and grounding later, I knew never to use that word again. It is with that unfortunate memory that I reluctantly took on this book. Thankfully, the author dissuaded me not to pan this book right off the shelf. Remember the old adage: don’t just a book by it’s cover (or title).

When Will My Life Not Suck may be purchased at:

New Growth Press (http://stores.newgrowthpress.com/-strse-922/When-Will-My-Life/Detail.bok)

Disclaimer: I received this book for review purposes only.

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