Purity is Possible (Live Different)

This was an awesome read. Sexuality is something that is not spoken about in the Church. I appreciate Thorne's candidness. Despite our past actions or addictions, God is forgiving and DOES want a relationship with us. It is never too late to turn away from the a life filled with sin and move toward openness and honesty. I would definitely recommend. As human beings, we don't like the idea of being alone; we need to connect. Thorne shows us that some connections and actions with lead to unhappiness, confusion, and leaves us unsatisfied. I appreciate that Thorne challenges the reader to grow and change. Never once did Thorne come off as smug, judgmental, or appalled. It was like reading a book written by a friend.

I really enjoy this book because it truly answered prayer for me. It had opened my eyes to the idols in my life that I didn't realize I was putting before God. I will recommend this book to my friends.

I was looking for some very practical help and this book provided it. The author consistently reminds the reader to remember what Christ did and continues to do for us.

Excellent book on this topic. Will recommend to friends struggling with these issues!

Such a great read. A clarion call for today.

In her book Purity is Possible: How to Live Free of the Fantasy Trap, Helen Thorne is "honest about the murky world of our [Christian women's] minds and the impact of pornography on every facet of our lives. But the real aim, the ultimate goal, of these pages is to encourage you to become more like Jesus, the perfect embodiment of true attractiveness," (Kindle location 106).Ms. Thorne shows how "fantasy, erotic, and pornography--the sexual fiction we [Christian women] imagine, read, or watch--take us out of this world and transport us to a whole new dimension," (Kindle location 213). The author does an excellent job of revealing the sin of lascivious acts without being too explicit, but her writing is still forceful enough to reveal the ugly reality of women's struggle that brings about conviction. Even though Ms. Thorne specifically addresses sexual sin, any area of discontentment in finances, career, family, etc. can be sinful and lead to an ungodly fantasy life.The author notes that "ungodly behaviour stems from ungodly worship," (Kindle location 367) and looks at the idols in the heart of Christian women. She calls out the sexual sin in our lives whether in thoughts and/or actions, and then points to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, she points to the Bible as the "only real way to see, and keep seeing, the areas in which we [Christian women] need to change," (Kindle location 938). She also clearly demonstrates that the mortification of sin is a synergistic process which requires the work of the Christian and the Holy Spirit.There were a few statements in the book that I do not completely agree with Ms. Thorne, but there are two major concerns that I want to address. The author obviously has a different view of the effectual call of salvation than I, but she recognizes the fact that not every woman reading her book is a Christian and gives a Gospel presentation. However, her presentation is incomplete; the Gospel is more than just letting Jesus pay for our sins (Kindle location 780). Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and He was buried and He rose again the third day according to the scriptures, (1 Cor. 15:3-4), and "these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name," (John 20:31).In addition, Ms. Thorne's statement that "each time we mess up, God remembers the cross and pours more forgiveness into our lives," (Kindle location 864), is not consistent with orthodox Christianity. Christians are imputed with Christ's righteousness at the moment of regeneration by the Holy Spirit. It is done once and it is done completely. The idea of infused righteousness that needs to be replenished is an unbiblical Roman Catholic construct.Nevertheless, Ms. Thorne calls out sin and then provides a biblical hope of change that's not just grounded in trying to do better the next time, but gives guidance in renewing the mind to conform to the image of Christ. She recommends specific chapters of the Bible to read and think about which provide comfort and truth to the Christian. She knows that the process of change will not be easy, but continues to point to Jesus Christ and His power. Therefore, I heartily recommend this book for all Christian women (young and old) who struggle not only with sexual sin, but also those who have a fantasy life that is not submissive to God's will. The apostle Paul reminds us that "godliness with contentment is great gain," (1 Tim. 6:6); therefore, Christians should strive to be holy because God is holy, (1 Peter 1:16).Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Many books about sexual purity and pornography were written in the past, yet they all seem to be addressed specifically to the male audience. This book was however written for women, and by a woman who has struggled herself with sexual impurity. Thorne knows firsthand what she is talking about; she has a specific goal in mind when writing to her readers. Her wish is to bring them to the only One who can release them from the bondage that this sin has ensnared them with. A world of illusions built on fantasies, which claim to make them happy, yet eludes them away from the realities of the world thus enslaving them into sin furthermore.Despite very sensitive issues, this book is clear, precise, straight to the point, biblical and easy to read. Even with all its difficult subjects, that could make one uncomfortable to a certain point, Thorne makes us feel comfortable. Her words are not condescending in any way. She continually reminds us of who we are in Christ and what He has done for us. This actually liberates us and gives us a desire to flee to our Savior.As Thorne says clearly in her book, there is a misconception that women don't practice porn or visit sex websites as much as men...this is not true! Today women suffer as much as men with this problem. It's just that it is not talked about. Harlequin books like "Fifty shades of grey" are a good example of Erotica reading that many women, even Christian women, are reading today. It is even made acceptable! As she so well identifies in her book, this certainly is not practicing purity.Yet as Christians, adopted by our Redeemer, beloved children of God, we are called for real beauty, purity and the renewing of our minds. This is what we are truly designed for. For the glory of our God, lest we forget it! We need to learn to cultivate new and honoring thoughts that will exalt our God. That will be possible by staying close to his Word and placing it before our eyes daily.Being ensnared by sin in sexual impurity is not easy to be freed from but it is possible. Christ, by his Spirit indwelling in us, helps to fulfill and grant us the courage to do so. Yet our responsibility is to do our part, which is not to be a passive act on our part. We are to engage in active acts like being accountable, pray, place boundaries for ourselves (couvenanteyes.com), getting rid of all that temptation (magazines, books), find a prayer partner, memorize Scripture, and clear all history on our computer, among other things.Like any other sin, there will be temptations and the only way to resist sin is to go to the one who Has the power to give us strength to win the battle that has already been won for us, Christ. And when we sin again, He is there to forgive when we repent and His everlasting grace is always in abundance along with His love, no matter what the sin is, whether it is sexual impurity or any other sin.If this is an issue you're struggling with and you need to hear from someone who's been there, you'll surely find comfort reading this book. But mostly you'll find comfort where she brings you: at the foot of the cross of our Lord. There you will find repentance and acceptance for your soul.Ann L BeaulieuI have received a free copy by Cross Focused Reviews. However I am under no obligation to write a positive review. These are entirely my own personal opinions and thoughts expressed according to my own discernment.

I have never written a review on Amazon, but this book has been a God send, and truly feels like affordable counselling that does not just scratch the surface, but takes you on a journey into how to overcome strong holds, and idolatry habits, with your eyes focused on the Lord, and your strength found in Christ. For anyone struggling with any forms of idolatry, I would recommend this book. Thankful to have found it. I can only pray Helen Thorne will write more.

Informative and instructive - sad and challenging that women too seem to be caught up in modern sexual attitudes

Not a book of don'ts, but a great encouraging book of structured ideals to aim for, in the struggles we face to make Purity Possible.