Every Man’s Battle: Every Man’s Guide to Winning the War on Sexual Temptation one Victory at a Time

by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker

I’d heard good things about this book, so I decided to pick it up and give it a shot (or, to be more accurate, I put it on my Amazon wish list and someone bought it for me). And I found that I could barely put it down.

Rarely will you find a book that talks so openly—yet, so chastely—about this subject. The authors seek to hide nothing—not even from their personal experiences—in an effort to produce this guidebook to defeating what is, perhaps, the most under-discussed, yet over-participated-in sin among men… even men in the church.

The back of the books says: “From the television to the Internet, print media to videos, men are constantly faced with the assault of sensual images. It is impossible to avoid such temptations… but, thankfully, not impossible to rise above them.” And they deliver on the promise. Both are self-confessed former sex addicts (or, at least, lust addicts) and, in this book, teach how they overcame this, step by step, offering not only hope, but a very practical game plan.

They say that about 80% of men struggle with sexual temptation. Of the remaining 20%, 10% (or more, I’d say) don’t struggle with it only because they’ve already completely given themselves over to it. While the 80% number may drop in the context of the church, I’d hesitate at saying it drops too significantly.

Honestly, I can’t think of any man to whom I would not recommend this book. From those addicted to pornography to those who just have a hard time controlling their eyes in the office, practicing the principles taught in this book will do nothing but strengthen your walk with God. Even to those who are among the 10% who have overcome—if you think you stand—it would be valuable to strengthen your arsenal of defenses—take heed, lest you fall.

Ladies, it probably wouldn’t hurt you to give this book a once over. It, according to the back, “includes a special section for women, designed to help them understand and support the men they love.” But I would warn you that it might change the way you look at men, and give you a good reason to distrust them. If you do read this, ladies, do so knowing that you’ll learn some unsavory things about men. Read it with the full intention of taking what you learn to help your marriage (whether you’re married now or not).

The Editors do not advocate everything taught by the authors of the books we review. Like us, these authors are fallible humans and those who choose to read these books should measure them by the bible, the one true standard.