Customer Reviews

At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry

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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.

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.

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.

Steve Gallagher is to be highly commended for his willingness to write this book. For far too long men have been patted on the back and told that Jesus loves them all the while they are living in sin and clear disobedience against God (Hebrews 10:26). Mr. Gallagher paints no pictures of easy, cheap grace answers for sexual addiction. He paints an ugly, sinful picture of someone bound for hell unless they repent (Luke 13:5; 1 John 2:3-6).

In this book you will read chapter after chapter of heart griping tales of sexual addicts in the Church. Many of them looked like upright men but all the while they were living in sexaul addiction (or as Gallagher puts it, "at the altar of sexual idolatry" since sexual addicts worship sex). Gallagher shares how God's Word can set men free if they are willing to lay down their pride, admit their sin to themselves, God, and their families and become accountable for discipleship, prayer, and holiness.

Truly "without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14). We are to make sure that we avoid sexual sins at all cost (1 Corithians 6:19; Hebrews 12:16) for truly, the sexual immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 6:7-9; Revelation 21:8).

Contrary to many of the negative reviews for this book, I believe this book is excellent for one reason...it really shows how the sinful nature operates. Before reading this book, I wasn't really aware that there were things that I, as a Christian woman, was responsible for doing such as guarding my eyes from watching lusty stuff, meditating on sexual thoughts, and putting myself in situations. This book makes the reader look at him/herself instead of blaming demons and situations. The reason Mr. Gallagher uses the scripture in James over and over again is because part of the reason why we are so caught up in sexual sin is because of our choices. Mr. Gallagher simply asks the reader to truthfully evaluate ourselves and let God do the rest. Our part is to allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas where we are allowing our temptations to run rampant and cut them out of our lives one day at a time!

I dont see how anyone could have an issue with this book. He has a very balanced view of things. He doesn't believe that demons are always responsible but does believe that they can influence, which is healthy. Mr Gallagher simply asks the reader "instead of blaming some demon, your family, and God, where have you allowed this addiction to take root in your life?" Bottom line: if you dont want to admit that most of sexual addiction is based on our choices and that we allowed these things to take root in our lives, you won't like this book. This is why Gallagher states "but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

There was also a negative comment about Gallaghers opinion concerning men who are in sexual sin (that their spiritual life is lacking). Notice he is NOT saying that the men who are in bondage arent saved but merely deceived as to the severity (spiritually) of habitual sexual sin.

This book is wonderful and, as an aspiring theologian, the concepts are biblically sound.

This book was recommended to me by a friend when I told him that I was struggling in sexual sin. I had already read Steve's autobiography "Out of the depths of sexual sin" and wanted to read more. When I saw the foreword of "At the altar.." was by Dr Ed Cole, this automatically increased my interest having great respect for Dr Coles teaching.

The book is a completely in-your-face exposition of the devisive power of sexual sin and how it is being used by Satan to fell countless men in the Body of Christ.

If you want to camp in your sin and not confront your addiction then don't read this book but find another to stroke your ego. But if you are serious about leaving the depravity of sexual addiction behind then grab this book with both hands. It is founded on Biblical truth and uses testimonies to show you that you are not the only person in the world who struggles in this area (as the devil would like you to believe).

It is logical in its progression from the darkness of sin to freedom in the pure light of an intimate relationship with God. There may be those who have knocked this book, however if your heart's desire is for God and not sex to be the foundation of your life then this book is just what you have been looking for.

Having read almost every book I can find on the subject I can say that this book is the best out there. It describes the problem and challenges you. He gives helpful insight to vividly expose the lie of the problem and then gives you comfort and encouragement from his own life. Many examples of different situations this problem could take year are sobering in themselves. He knows his subject and the pattern of the sin. We have over 30 people using this book in our addictions group at our church, and all agree it is what happens and it is telling the truth unapologetically. The biblical truth present here has kept me from hurting myself with this sin over and over again. Thanks Steve for this book!
If you are going to buy any book, buy this one first then let the others be soft/unhelpful towards you. If you are struggling with this, you need to be told the truth more often than comforted, so buy the book! I would also encourage the workbook, so you have to write down the truth that you read. Your heart will not want to accept the truth the first time around.

I do a lot of counseling of men struggling with sexual addiction. Far more than any book I have encountered, "At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry" cuts right to the heart of the problem. Steve Gallagher has finally given the evangelical world a book that uses the Word of God to deal with this terrible epidemic. I have given to many men, and almost all have found it remarkably helpful in their battle.
Every wife and girlfriend should read this book. Certainly, every couple preparing for marriage should read it and talk about it openly. If you have a suspicion that someone you know is involved in pornography, please give this book to him. And especially, if you are struggling, PLEASE READ AND APPLY THIS BOOK.

Our men's church group is going through this book so it was recommended to all of us by the church leadership. The author pounds on the need for sexual purity and the hope for those addicted to sex. He is honest about his own immorality. He stresses that this addiction is a life long fight. He addresses immorality of any form. I found the book challenging morally and sound scriptually. I disagreed with him only in a few minor points in exegesis. He is the more of the throw a verse at it, rather than exegete a whole passage, but he does use a lot a scripture. He focuses on you must hate the sin. You must place God absolutely first in your life: above your reputation and above your embarassment before you can conquer the sin. Only God can bring a man to this point in his life. The principles are simple and are hard to implement, but I believe them to be sound. If nothing else the author challenges you to really think about what it means not to be conformed to the world.

Written from a contemporary protestant Christian perspective, the information given here is vital to any man (or woman dealing with a man) seeking to understand and ultimately reject the self-destructive life of sex addiction. There's more to it than "just saying no" and he explains this complex process remarkably well. If you're ready to face reality... and the reality of Jesus Christ whom you may only THINK you know... then you can do no better than to read this book cover to cover. He tells the truth ... which is the only thing that can set you free.