At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry [Paperback]

Steve Gallagher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

Sexual temptation is undeniably the greatest struggle Christian men face. Here’s a book that digs deep and has the answers men are looking for—the kind that actually work. While other books deal with the subject superficially, Sexual Idolatry goes right to the heart. It draws back the curtain and exposes how sexual sin corrupts the entire man, something Steve Gallagher understands, having lived in the bondage of it for over twelve years. Put an end to the mystery of lust and maximize God’s power in your life with the proven answers that have helped thousands.

Editorial Reviews

Review

As I read this book, its piercing truths began to penetrate my hardened heart. -- Bradley Furges

This book has great insight and digs deep into the crevices of the human emothion... -- Rev. Jimmy Jack, Board Member Teen Challenge International

Your candid revelations of your own struggles, along with a deep analysis of the overall problem is outstanding. -- Mike Snyder, Mount Zion Publications

Review

“This book is foundational, inspirational, and confrontational—just whatyou need!”— Dr. Edwin Louis Cole “Evangelical Christianity is indebted to Steve Gallagher for turning the pain ofhis past into a path toward purity for those in bondage to sexual idolatry.”— Dr. Richard Dobbins, Executive Director, Emerge Ministries

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: PURE LIFE MINISTRIES; Revised edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970220200
• ISBN-13: 978-0970220202
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Gender & Sexuality

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Life-Changing Book!, August 21, 2000

By 

Justin Carabello (Williamstown, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry (Paperback)

When push came to shove and my back was up against a wall, God used At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry to change my life. Not only did this book expose my sexual addiction for sin, and lead me to true godly repentance, but it taught me how to be an actual DOER of God's word and walk in the Spirit (which is where the ONLY true victory over sexual addiction is!).

Steve has a special ability to communicate the hope that DOES exist for those of us who are struggling, because he has been there himself and has allowed God to conquer him. He's not some stuffed shirt telling you his "theory", but rather leading you into God and out of sin.

Now, after two years of solid victory over sexual addiction, I continue to watch men's lives change because of the powerful truth this book contains.

If you are a Christian man who struggles with sexual sin, a wife who has been victimized by this hideous sin, a pastor or Christian counselor, this book will bring healing and restoration through God's word. I stand as a living testimony that God IS able to set the captive free and heal a broken life. I encourage you to look no further.

If you are searching for a book that will deal directly with sexual addiction from testimony and God 's word, you have found it right here. God bless you.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Discernment Required, October 15, 2007

By 

M. L. McCullah "M. L." (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry (Paperback)

From my perspective this book can be helpful to men struggling with sexual idolatry. Mr. Gallagher provides great encouragement to those that are downcast and bound up by all forms of sexual lust. I know that I found what he had to say encouraging and convicting.

However, one word of caution for those who are struggling with sexual sin. Steve Gallagher presents vivid stories about sexual lust, but those who are struggling with sexual lust will find themselves stirred up to lust by the stories because of the vivid detail. The stories, in my opinion, are too descriptive. He could have given readers the stories, but with less details to get his point across. So please be careful to read this book with a person that will keep you accountable.

If you do not think that you can find someone to keep you accountable to read this book (or you do not find a accountable because of shame and fear (which is a form of pride)). I would recommend reading another book. I would recommend the following...

1. Overcoming Lust in a Sex Crazed World by C. Matthew McMahon (Puritan Publications)
2. Sex is not the problem, Lust Is by Joshua Harris
3. The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn

These books provide not only practical tips, but they seek to form a theological foundation for understanding sexual desire, (which God created), which will help men and women to consistently put to death the desires of the flesh.

This is not a bad book, but can possibly fill your mind with more sexual distortions (even though that is not the intent of the book) because of the detailed stories.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaking the truth in love., March 7, 2005

By 

David L. Barnes (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry (Paperback)

I work with crack-addicted homeless men in Washington, DC. For three years I've used the book "Every Man's Battle" by Steve Arterburn along with other materials to teach a class in sexual purity. Last year I began incorporating "At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry" into the curriculum. This year I've thrown out the "Every Man's Battle" book, not because it's no good, but because it's not good enough. Whereas "Every Man's Battle" just touches the tip of the iceberg and is useful for men who are not sure if they've crossed the line, the population I work with has gotten so far over the line they don't even know where it is anymore. Time is of the essence, and "At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry" saves valuable time by rapidly focusing on the core problem and identifying factors. Over and over again men have remarked "I really understand what you mean by the sex problem" after reading 'Sexual Addiction' (the first chapter). Sexual addiction, especially among the drug addicted population is getting worse. Ninety percent of those who relapse back into drugs start with a hook-up with a female. For those I work with it's an epidemic. Any tool that will save a life is worth using. For some, Steve Gallagher's approach may be overwhelming, but for those who have been risen from the dead it is a breath of fresh air.