Wired For Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks The Male Brain (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
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. An unhappy union of science, religious Mumbo-Jumbo and conservative Christian values. If you are looking for insight into the physiological effects of pornography on those who are regular users there are better books out there which are devoid of Christian blather about 'sanctification'. Likewise if you are looking for practical guidance on how to reduce or eliminate use of pornography. Some passages, such as the chapter on masculinity seemed confused and replete with sweeping statements and generalisations based on anecdote and opinions. I could have done without the author's reflections on whether masturbation is sinful with reference to scripture. In short, if you are an atheist you're not going to get much from this book!
What do You think about Wired For Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks The Male Brain (2009)?
I recommend this book for anyone who is or knows someone struggling with pornography.
—leonitras
This book helped me a lot how to deal with friends who captivated by pornography.
—mwmatara
Excellent balance of biology and spirituality.
—Nick
