Customer Reviews

The Silent War: Ministering to Those Trapped in the Deception of Pornography

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Lately I've noticed an increase in the publication of Christian-based books about sexual addiction. They have been written because there seems to be a growing number of men in the church who are trapped and defeated by sexual issues. This problem is one that needs to be addressed at a basic level, and this book does that in an admirably honest and straightforward fashion. It is well-written, and should be read by anyone involved in this issue. But there is a crucial aspect which should be taken into account when reading this book (and others like it) that I'll expand upon below.

Each individual book within this genre tends to have a similar overall message and methodology - "sin bad, purity good, here's how to stay holy, etc." There's usually a unique slant to them as well, depending on whatever point the author feels the need to make. In the case of "The Silent War," the focus is on the negative consequences of sex addiction and involvement with pornography. Much of the book documents the casualties on all fronts of the "Silent War" - the men who risk everything to fulfill their sex addiction, the family members they devastate, and the women who put their physical, emotional, and spiritual health on the line by their personal involvement in the porn industry. This is particularly effective because it shows the human cost of sexual addiction, and destroys the myth that pornography is a "victimless" crime. It's only in the last couple of chapters that a solution for those in bondage to this sin is offered, and it is along the usual Christian lines of accountability, prayer, fleeing temptation, Scripture meditation/memorization, and so forth.

I liked the book - it's an easy read, the main author is very transparent about his own struggles with pornography, and the message is an important one. However, any Christian who is dealing with sexual addiction and pornography should not rely on this book alone (although it can be said that any single book on this topic is somehow inadequate). While sound, the solutions listed above will only "work" for the reader if they have a growing love relationship with Christ, and a PRIMARY desire to know Him and obey Him. If one simply concentrates on eliminating the sin (the negative) without discovering an acceptable alternative (the positive), then I think eventually they will fall again. Personal holiness is a byproduct of our relationship with God - it's not an end in itself. If that is kept in mind, then "The Silent War" is worth reading as an aid to strengthening one's existing walk with God.

Henry Rogers has written an excellent, easy to read, book that every man in America needs to read. Pornography in our society is no longer hidden from public view. Henry's book makes it painfully clear that we are constantly bombarded with pornographic images through every available medium. From newspapers to prime time television to the gentleman clubs, we are exposed to sexual temptation. The book also reveals the victims of the sex trade; the strippers, the prostitutes, even our own wives can become victims even if they have never stepped foot in a strip club or read a porn magazine. Henry's book offers suggestions for men to resist getting caught up in a deceptive world of smoke and mirrors. He exposes the consequences of our lust...I highly recommend The Silent War.

This book is written for those who struggle with the desire to view pornography, attend strip clubs, etc. Henry Rogers provides an honest look at the sex industry from the inside. Mr. Rogers shares testimonies from women in the business, shares his own personal testimony, and gives practical advise for those who are caught up in the fanstasy. Whether you are a "casual viewer" of pornography or are sexually addicted, this book is for you. Read this book, it can help you break free from the fantasy world that the sex industry has created. It will rip off the facade and show you the reality behind the picture, woman, or video. If you know someone who is struggling with pronograpy, etc., then buy this book for them. It will make a difference in their lives.

This is one of the best books I have read for quite some time. Pornography is a very sensitive and REAL issue. People normally make fun of it and think it's no big deal as everyone is bound to encounter it at one time or another, that it's alright to play with it. Henry Rogers illustrates the devastating effects it has on people's lives. Their financial, spiritual, even physical lives will rot once trapped in porn's deception.

I am very difficult person to please for I have a very short attention span but this book was like a magnet. I just couldn't put it down. Each chapter is very detailed and the author is not opinionated. Henry Rogers discusses different dimensions of pornography, from phone-sex to the Internet, girlie bars to adult magazines. In fact, a big chunk of the book is composed of stories from actual people who were/is involved in this deceitful industry. Buy this book! Specially if you have a brother or a male friend. Even women will surely realize a lot of things after reading this.

I am currently reading "Affair of the Mind" by Laurie Hall and I'm having a difficult time trying to maintain my interest. That book pales in comparison to this one. This book will surely help anyone who wants to escape or even better, to avoid, the deadly clutches of pornography.

Like most Christian men who purchased this book, I had to be as careful buying and reading this book as I did acquiring pornography. To be a Christian man, and admit to an addiction such as alcohol or drugs, will yield a warm embrace from the Church. They want to help. To admit an addiction in porn however, is to become a modern day leper. I think Henry Rogers is sensitive to the emotional rollercoaster that many men cannot escape, and he approaches the matter Biblically, which is to say, the wisely.

On a critical note, I found that the book sometimes advocated or gave rise to the very feelings I'm trying to conquer. In a chapter on Internet Pornography, he actually listed the top ten keywords used for search engines to find porn. Why give this out? Might as well tell an alcoholic where the nearest bar is at. Likewise, many of the personal accounts of these women, which were offered with the intention of having men experience a change of heart, were written much in the same manner that many erotica based stories are written. If a man struggles with this, and is turned on by the horrific experiences that these women sadly endured, then he will not see the light, but find this material to feed his sexual perversion. His account of strip clubs, which I have never attended, made me want to go. That's not a good thing for someone like me.

Overall, the book was very well written, thoughtfully and respectfully researched (especially with regard to the women), and kept the Bible at its center focus. Will this book utlimately help me overcome my addiction? I will honestly say that it gave me a lot to think about, and has got me back into the Bible. However, like many men, I need divine help to overcome that which has controlled and dominated me for so very long. I believe that God is stronger than Satan, and am prayerful that He will intervene sooner than later. My prayers are with You all as well...

Rogers trends on ground that angels, and the rest of us, fear to go- ministering to those trapped in the deception of pornography. It was not an easy book to read, I felt as if I need to wash my hands after doing so; yet, I think it is a necessary read. Rogers gets past the fantasy, deception and lies of the sex trade and casts the light of truth on its effects on the men who are trapped by it, their wives and families who suffer because of it, and the woman who serve in it.

Rogers rejects any call to victimhood, men are responsible for their thoughts and their actions. He writes: Though men are not able to control everything that comes in our minds, we are able to choose what we do with it. Rogers reasons that succumbing to sexual sin is a choice; thus, getting out of it is also a choice.

Particularly telling is Rogers investigation of the plight of the woman who work the sex trade. It comes as no surprise that most of them were themselves victims of sexual abuse as children. It is a business that robs woman of their dignity, and leaves them vulnerable to a cycle of abuse, disease and shame.

This is a man's book written for men. It is a necessary read for men who may be struggling with pornography or other sexual sin. With the prevalence of pornography, especially on the Internet, this book should prove a valuable resource in a mans effort to remain pure.

I grew up "in the church", Once, in a high school Sunday morning Bible class, I asked "What is circumcision?" Our teacher replied "Go ask your dad" and made fun of me. He had the whole class laughing at me. Why would I know? We never discussed anything of a sexual nature in church or home. Maybe it was the generation I was growing up in. It is no wonder that any Christian man with a porn problem cannot turn to anyone for help. Henry Rogers breaks the ice of (s-i-l-e-n-c-e) on this subject. I believe the reason you don't hear sermons about this problem is because the man in the pulpit may be losing the battle himself.

I had questions about the women who are "used" to produce porn. Henry answered all those questions. They do not live happily ever after spending their hard earned money. Men, we can fight the battle here and now, or we may feed all of our sons and daughters to the monster in the next generation. No joke. The proliferation of porn on the internet, as Henry so clearly demonstrates, is like a "former" alcoholic who rents a room upstairs above a tavern. He walks past the liquor and drinkers every night to his room. Having the internet in your home is like having liquor coming out of the spout in your kitchen. Who needs the temptation? Jesus said it best. "If your eye offends you, pluck it out." It is a whole lot less painful to get filtered internet than to gouge out your eye. Thanks for a painfully honest book. I am a former addict, and I needed the boost.

As someone who has been subjected to the lies and sin invovled with this subject, I found this book to be a fantastic practical guide on what to do and how to think to set yourself free. This book is not a theological masterpiece, but a real in-your-face, lay-it-on-the-line piece of literature. One of the best qualites of this book is the fact that it uses scripture mixed with real life testimonies of people who are in the industry and people who have had their lives runied by pornography. I was especially touched by the chapter that told stories of women who had been in the industry. The book is filled with enough testimonies that it would be appropriate to give to someone who may not be serving the Lord. I found this book to be very helpful in my everyday battle with lust. It helped me to realize that I will battle everyday, and that I should avoid temptation instead of believing the lie that I will never be tempted. I highly recommend this book.

I thought our marraige had survived an adulterous affair... I didn't recognize any of the signs or symtoms of an another affair but something just wasn't right. I had no idea how broad and how deep sexual addiction goes. Now with instant access to porn and personal ads, the problem is about rampant.As a woman closely involved with sexual addictions and its ramifications, I must say I read most of this book with my jaw dropped. I agree with some parts of the other reviews that perhaps it would be difficult for a man deeply embroiled in the addiction not to find something in it to turn him on. I am thankful that God prompted the author to write so frankly about such an ignored issue within the church. Yes, I was Flabbergasted at what is out there but I feel more informed. The author presents many pornography myths - especially that it is victimless. I paused for quite some time when he stated that lust is sin and sin is why Christ had to die. Then the personal history's of topless dancers and porn 'stars'...Wow do we need to watch the messages we send to our daughters about their worth and the beauty of biblical sex in a committed loving relationship. He addresses internet issues and helps the reader identify some red flags. We need to be informed enough to become more proactive. Wake up fellow Christians!

This is a powerful book about the sexual temptation of pornography and how yelding to it can wreak havoc on everyone it touches. Its damaging effects are far reaching. If you know someone on pornography's path, buy them this book. Highly recommended.