Rating: 
Summary: Getting back to the basics.
Review: Desire is not a bad thing, but like everything in the fallen world in which we live, it has been tainted by sin and perverted by Satan. The perversion that Satan offers is just a tainted shadow of reality, not even resembling the Real Thing. Nevertheless, those illusions and shadows are comforting because they help ease the pain of living in such a fallen world. Thus an addiction begins that eventually may seem hopeless to break. However, there is hope and in PURE DESIRE Pastor Roberts explains why.This book deals specifically with sexual addiction. However, the information found here is just as helpful in dealing with an addiction of any sort: whether it be alcohol, drugs, food, or anything else. The book is written towards men, but can be just as helpful for women trapped in bondage. We've liven in a chained world long enough. It's time to break free and get back to the basics.
Rating:
Summary: Much more than a book just about Sexual Sin
Review: I am so pleased to recommend this book. You are well advised to purchase a copy. Throughout the book, Ted Roberts DOES talk about sexual temptations and sin. For this, I was very grateful, as I needed a resource to help me with my counselling, that was comprehensive, Biblical, and practical. However, best of all, this book is for people who have "have repented innumerable times and tried with everything they have to follow Christ," and "have tried to remedy the situation by being more determined and spiritual, but it didn't work," (p. 26,27). Sound familiar?
Rating:
Summary: Much more than a book just about Sexual Sin
Review: I am so pleased to recommend this book. You are well advised to purchase a copy. Throughout the book, Ted Roberts DOES talk about sexual temptations and sin. For this, I was very grateful, as I needed a resource to help me with my counselling, that was comprehensive, Biblical, and practical. However, best of all, this book is for people who have "have repented innumerable times and tried with everything they have to follow Christ," and "have tried to remedy the situation by being more determined and spiritual, but it didn't work," (p. 26,27). Sound familiar?
Rating:
Summary: Table of Contents
Review: I had been enslaved in Sexual addiction for years and have been in recovery for 3 years and have read literally all the books I could get ahold of about sexual addiction and this book is number one in my opinion. Pastor Roberts reaches to the very heart of the issue of sexual addiction. The diagram about the noose of sexual addiction has been very informative and helpful. You will learn about sexual addiction and be deeper in recovery than ever before. Diane Roberts last two chapters in the book struck my heart as never before, it is good to hear the woman's side and perspective. This book deserves 5 stars and plus. If you want to learn about sexual addiction this is the book!
Rating:
Summary: Read this book NOW if you struggle with sexual addiction!
Review: One of my seminary counseling teachers wanted to make Pure Desire required reading during the Fall 2001 semester, but had read it too late to include it in our class reading list. Her strong recommendation of this book made me want to read it ASAP, and I managed to fit it in between my regular course reading. It was definitely worth the free time I had to sacrifice in order to read it. Suffice to say, Pure Desire is one of the best books on healing sexual addiction that I've ever read. I can say that because I've been able to personally investigate the book's background and apply its truths to my own life, since I live very close to Ted Roberts' church in Gresham, Oregon. In addition to reading the book, I attended Dr. Roberts' three-day Pure Desire Seminar, which is intended for pastors who want to start a ministry for sexual addicts in their own churches. During the seminar, I (and others) directly questioned Dr. Roberts and his staff about their methods, theology, etc. Their answers backed up what I read in the book, and my interaction with them showed me their genuine desire to see people healed from the bondage of sexual addiction. Finally, I visited one of their For Men Only (FMO) sexual addiction healing groups as part of my seminary internship, and I found it so helpful for my own struggles that I have stayed with it for almost nine months and counting. Basically, I have found the methods and ideas presented in the book to actually work in real life. For example, one of the main healing strategies Dr. Roberts advocates is to become part of a small group where men can "confess [their] trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that [they] may be healed (James 4:7)." I have seen a number of men go through the FMO group I attend, and there seem to be two types. First, there are the ones who know they have a problem (usually because they have gotten into trouble due to their addiction), but are not really ready to deal with it. These men tend to stay for awhile, and then leave the group to go back to their addiction. Second, there are the ones who have truly hit bottom and are willing to persevere on the long road to healing. It is these men who are honest with their struggles, and therefore they avoid such traps as rationalizing and compartmentalizing their addiction. Sure, we all take turns with discouragement and despair, and lapses do occur. But when others are there to lovingly bear the burden and provide accountability, it helps us get through the valley and go back up the mountainside. Of all the small groups I've been in over the years, this one has by far been the best for my own personal healing. Therefore, I can vouch firsthand for Dr. Roberts' exhortation to avoid the trap of isolation (which makes it easy to act out) by becoming part of a healthy group situation. I believe that the central theme of Pure Desire is the restoration of healthy, loving, and holy relationships with God, self, and others. Sexual addiction is a symptom of a deeper relational problem. It is a sinful solution to a real desire for intimacy on the part of the addict. Pure Desire presents a way out of this trap that works if you really want to follow it. No, its not easy or quick, because true healing in this area takes time. And to be honest, it can be difficult to find help for this issue due to the closed-minded attitude of some churches toward sexual issues and problems. But it is possible, because I have found Christians willing to help, and over time I have observed healing gradually taking place in myself and others. If you are struggling with sexual addiction, you need to read this book (and others like it) and get help. You can pay now by owing up to your problem and getting on the road to healing, or you can pay later with your marriage, your reputation, or even your life. It's up to you, man.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book ASAP if you stuggle in this area.
Review: One of my seminary counseling teachers wanted to make Pure Desire required reading during the Fall 2001 semester, but had read it too late to include it in our class reading list. Her strong recommendation of this book made me want to read it ASAP, and I managed to fit it in between my regular course reading. It was definitely worth the free time I had to sacrifice in order to read it. Suffice to say, Pure Desire is one of the best books on healing sexual addiction that I've ever read. I can say that because I've been able to personally investigate the book's background and apply its truths to my own life, since I live very close to Ted Roberts' church in Gresham, Oregon. In addition to reading the book, I attended Dr. Roberts' three-day Pure Desire Seminar, which is intended for pastors who want to start a ministry for sexual addicts in their own churches. During the seminar, I (and others) directly questioned Dr. Roberts and his staff about their methods, theology, etc. Their answers backed up what I read in the book, and my interaction with them showed me their genuine desire to see people healed from the bondage of sexual addiction. Finally, I visited one of their For Men Only (FMO) sexual addiction healing groups as part of my seminary internship, and I found it so helpful for my own struggles that I have stayed with it for almost nine months and counting. Basically, I have found the methods and ideas presented in the book to actually work in real life. For example, one of the main healing strategies Dr. Roberts advocates is to become part of a small group where men can "confess [their] trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that [they] may be healed (James 4:7)." I have seen a number of men go through the FMO group I attend, and there seem to be two types. First, there are the ones who know they have a problem (usually because they have gotten into trouble due to their addiction), but are not really ready to deal with it. These men tend to stay for awhile, and then leave the group to go back to their addiction. Second, there are the ones who have truly hit bottom and are willing to persevere on the long road to healing. It is these men who are honest with their struggles, and therefore they avoid such traps as rationalizing and compartmentalizing their addiction. Sure, we all take turns with discouragement and despair, and lapses do occur. But when others are there to lovingly bear the burden and provide accountability, it helps us get through the valley and go back up the mountainside. Of all the small groups I've been in over the years, this one has by far been the best for my own personal healing. Therefore, I can vouch firsthand for Dr. Roberts' exhortation to avoid the trap of isolation (which makes it easy to act out) by becoming part of a healthy group situation. I believe that the central theme of Pure Desire is the restoration of healthy, loving, and holy relationships with God, self, and others. Sexual addiction is a symptom of a deeper relational problem. It is a sinful solution to a real desire for intimacy on the part of the addict. Pure Desire presents a way out of this trap that really works if you want to follow it. No, its not easy or quick, because true healing in this area takes time. And to be honest, it can be difficult to find help for this issue due to the closed-minded attitude of some churches toward sexual issues and problems. But it is possible, because I have found Christians willing to help, and over time I have observed healing gradually taking place in myself and others. If you are struggling with sexual addiction, you need to read this book (and others like it) and get help. You can pay now by owing up to your problem and getting on the road to healing, or you can pay later with your marriage, your reputation, or even your life. The path you choose is up to you.
Rating:
Summary: Eternal Insight
Review: Pastor Ted Roberts boldly and openly addresses the issue of sexual addiction. Pastor Roberts delivers an incredibly powerful teaching based upon his life experience. His experiences (which make "Pure Desire" riveting) are plentiful and relevant to this subject. Ted's challenges growing up (seven stepfathers in an alcoholic environment), his fantastic adventure as a Marine fighter pilot in Vietnam, his commitment to Jesus Christ, his battle (and victory) against addiction, and Ted's twenty-plus years in the counseling office all contribute richly to a message that will help people move out of their cell of despair and into the full blessing of God. The Lord has placed His hand on Pastor Roberts, giving him a mission and a message for those who are ensnared in the web of addiction. If you struggle with sexual bondage and wish to change your habits, "Pure Desire" will describe how to do that. This book delivers a gracious word that will give you hope and encouragement and a practical approach to overcome destructive habits. If you are not battling addiction, "Pure Desire" will provide insight and understanding of the behaviors (and mind set) that block so many from reaching their God-given dreams and desires. This book offers insight on how to help others climb out of the pit of shame and step into the fullness of God's love. Don't miss this spirit-filled message. It will enrich your life.
Rating:
Summary: Eternal Insight
Review: Pastor Ted Roberts boldly and openly addresses the issue of sexual addiction. Pastor Roberts delivers an incredibly powerful teaching based upon his life experience. His experiences (which make "Pure Desire" riveting) are plentiful and relevant to this subject. Ted's challenges growing up (seven stepfathers in an alcoholic environment), his fantastic adventure as a Marine fighter pilot in Vietnam, his commitment to Jesus Christ, his battle (and victory) against addiction, and Ted's twenty-plus years in the counseling office all contribute richly to a message that will help people move out of their cell of despair and into the full blessing of God. The Lord has placed His hand on Pastor Roberts, giving him a mission and a message for those who are ensnared in the web of addiction. If you struggle with sexual bondage and wish to change your habits, "Pure Desire" will describe how to do that. This book delivers a gracious word that will give you hope and encouragement and a practical approach to overcome destructive habits. If you are not battling addiction, "Pure Desire" will provide insight and understanding of the behaviors (and mind set) that block so many from reaching their God-given dreams and desires. This book offers insight on how to help others climb out of the pit of shame and step into the fullness of God's love. Don't miss this spirit-filled message. It will enrich your life.
Rating:
Summary: Pure Desire - Not Just For Sexual Addictions
Review: The principles and applications for lasting deliverance from sexual addictions set forth so clearly and concisely in this book will work just as well for other types of bondage - food, anger, drugs, etc. Using the Bible as a foundation, this book will be an excellent asset to every small group ministry seeking to help those in bondage.
Rating:
Summary: Get Moving
Review: This book is for any man who has decided it is time to get real and honest about the nature of sexual addiction. Perhaps without even realizing it, most men in the US are dealing with some level of sexual addiction. Ted Roberts book is a page turner on this subject of understanding more about and how to begin fighting against this insidious addiction. His personal experiences and struggles are interspersed with some fun yet useful anecdotes from his Marine Aviation Days and Vietnam Figheter Pilot days. A good book for maturing Christian men who are ready to take up the sword and join in the battle against their own struggle in this area and who want to become equipped to have an impact on the lives of others.
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