by Peter Kleponis Reviewed by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D.
As the author states: Pornography addiction is an epidemic in America, and millions of men, women and youth are becoming addicted.” It is ruining individual lives, marriages, families and careers and it’s damaging peoples’ relationships with God. No one is immune to this epidemic.
The impact that pornography has on our culture:
Pornography plays a significant role in 56% of all divorces.
The largest single population of internet pornography users is teenagers between the ages of 12-17.
It’s reported that 20% of men admit to accessing pornography at work, and many are losing their jobs because of this.
Most sexual predators began with an addiction to pornography
Pornography addiction is not only a men’s issue; it’s growing among women.
In the author’s conversation with hundreds of priests, they have acknowledged that pornography use is one of the most common sins heard in Confession today. This epidemic can no longer be ignored. As Catholics, we need to take action. Fortunately, there are resources available to help protect families from pornography and programs designed to help those trapped in pornography addiction find freedom. In the tremendous amount of shame attached to pornography addiction, few people seek treatment. Many are also afraid to seek help from Our Lord because they believe their sins are so terrible that God could never forgive them. These people need to know how micj God loves them and wants to heal them. The Catholic Church has many exceptional resources for this, starting with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This book is divided into two parts. In Part 1, I discuss the pornography epidemic in America a nd present my current research findings, along with my profession experience. I portray the scope of the epidemic, who it affects, and how widespread it is. I examine pornography’s effect on men, women, marriages, children, teens, and clergy. I also explain the Church’s teaching on pornography.
In Part II, the author discusses how to help those struggling with pornography addiction and how to protect families from this scourge. The author presents the Integrity Starts Here! Recovery program first. In the following chapters, he offers road maps to healing for individuals, couples and clergy, and show how the Church can help. He also encourages a model of healthy sexuality based on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and Love and Responsibility. Finally, I provide practical strategies to protect families from pornography along with inexpensive list of resources for individuals, couples, and families.
Throughout this book I present stories of real people, both men and women who have struggled with and suffered from pornography and then read it toi find healing and freedom. This is a beautifully written book that presents insights into God’s healing powers. With His help we can fight porn in our culture and win!