Pornography has very quickly become a popular conversation among Christians. Pornography is a rising problem not only in our churches but also in our culture. Pornography disrupts how men interact with women. Countless Christian men (and an increasing number of women) struggle with the addictive power of porn. And all too often our responses, such as prayer and accountability groups are of limited help. In his new book, Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain, neuroscientist, researcher and Christian, Dr. William Struthers writes to explain how pornography affects the male brain and what we can do about it.
In his book, Dr. Struthers convincingly demonstrates how viewing pornography changes how the brain works by showing how we form our memories and make attachments. By better understanding the biological realities of our sexual development, we can cultivate healthier and biblical perspectives about sex and interpersonal relationships. In this book, the author exposes false assumptions about pornography and casts a vision for a redeemed masculinity, showing how our sexual longings can actually propel us toward growing in our sanctification. This book offers real help for men who struggle with porn, in that it points them to the hope and freedom of the Gospel.
Since I’ve read a lot of books and written several articles on pornography over the years, and having overcome an addiction to pornography, I always find books on this topic fascinating and quite beneficial. What makes this book so unique is, rather than merely going at this topic from a biblical-theological perspective, the author uses his specialty (understanding the brain through neurology) to help his readers understand why people struggle with pornography. While the book is not easy reading, it is very beneficial reading.
Whether you are struggling with porn or know someone who does, reading this book will help you. It is not often that I read a ground-breaking book, but if there was ever one that that could fit into that category, it would be this book. This book will help every man understand how his sexual choices affect this crucial part of his humanity. Finally, I believe that those who are struggling with an addiction to porn and who embrace the message of this book will be greatly helped.
