I hate pornography, so I am a fan of resources for people who also hate pornography but have a better sense of how to fight the good fight than I do. I’m not foolish enough to think that the problem of porn addiction is going to quietly disappear from our society, so I keep my eyes peeled for good weapons to wield. I was, therefore, very excited to hear about Marcel LeJeune’s new book, Cleansed: A Catholic Guide to Freedom from Porn. I happen to be acquainted with the author through my work in campus ministry. For that reason, I’m just going to call him Marcel. “LeJeune” just seems too stuffy. This is not a book for stuffy people, and I hope this does not turn out to be a stuffy review. It’s a book packed with stuff, but it’s good stuff.
The primary characteristic of Marcel’s book is how straightforward and action-oriented it is. That’s not to say that it doesn’t leave room for reflection or storytelling. On the contrary, the stories pack a bigger punch because they are so carefully chosen. At times, I wanted a little more “heart” than “head,” but that’s probably because I just love stories so much.
The organization of the book makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. First, he offers an assessment of the wider cultural problem around pornography. The rise of pornography and declining age of addicts didn’t happen in a day. Next, he offers weighty, practical suggestions for how to change the culture, the Church, yourself, and your family. Finally, he brings all the strategies and philosophy together into a basic presentation of St. John Paul II’s theology of the body. The structure reminds me vaguely of papal encyclicals: identify the problem, offer the solution (which can only be found in Christ), and highlight the Blessed Virgin Mary as the perfect example of how to live the Truth. Cleansed is no encyclical, but if the approach ain’t broke, why try to fix it?
This is more than just a book of lists, though. Marcel makes it clear that there is more than just instruction. There’s a deeper reason to seek healing, beyond the pain and suffering it can cause porn consumers and their families. That reason is Jesus. There is no room for waffling, wandering, or accommodating. True freedom can only be found in Jesus Christ, and that includes freedom from the chains of addiction.
The practical aspects of this book can’t be ignored. If you are ready to give up porn, Marcel provides a concrete, step-by-step action plan. If you just need 1 reason to practice custody of the eyes, he gives you 9. Even the discussion questions are meant for action. My educator heart was happy to see that the suggestions range from the simple (“How were you taught about sex?”) to the reflective (“What kind of prayer appeals to you most?”) to the outright challenging (“Have you been proactive about protecting your home from porn?”) and beyond.
Two things about Marcel’s book stood out as I was reading. First, he frames an addiction to pornography as one part of a greater struggle with one’s sexuality. I’ve never heard it described that way, but it makes sense. When we don’t understand how to live our sexuality in an appropriate, chaste, and loving way, of course we will find destructive modes of expression. Of course we will turn something that should be private and loving into something public and profitable. Second, his advice for talking to your kids about sex is eminently practical. We have a cultural myth around “The Talk” that I’m not sure ever becomes reality. It didn’t for me. I don’t have any kids, but I have long believed that chastity education can be started with preschoolers. I think Marcel and I are on the same page there.
Cleansed is a solid book. I recommend it for:
- Catholics who are ready to kick their porn addiction, or maybe right on the verge of being ready. This could be the tipping point into grace.
- Anyone who is looking for a strategy-based guide to fight porn addiction. I’m not a man or a porn addict, but it seems like this would be good for men in particular, especially those who already have good accountability groups, support systems, mentors, or role models for a personal connection.
- People looking for a resource for the addict in their lives: parents, spouses, friends, counselors, mentors, and ministers.
- Anyone interested in the theology of the body or Catholic teachings on sexuality. When you know how to fight good desire gone wrong, you have a weapon for when disorder comes after you. If the enemy gets to be too strong, you know where to run.
Even if you are not bound up in addiction, making this book for you, there’s a good chance that someone in your life is and needs it more than you do. St. Peter tells us to always be prepared to give an answer when they ask why we have hope. Find your answer in Cleansed.
I received a free copy of Cleansed: A Catholic Guide to Freedom from Porn from Pauline Books & Media in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks for their generosity!
