Every Man's Battle Audio (Every Man) by Stephen F. Arterburn Summary

1. Every Man's Battle teaches bouncing your eyes away from temptation immediately.
2. Stephen Arterburn advocates Job's covenant with eyes for sexual purity.
3. The six week bouncing technique helps men form lasting purity habits.
4. Every Man's Battle frames sexual temptation as inherent to maleness.
5. Three perimeters of defense protect mind, eyes, and heart simultaneously.
6. Arterburn teaches men to cherish wives as purity's innermost perimeter.
7. The book distinguishes choosing manhood over simply being male biologically.
8. Every Man's Battle uses corral metaphors for managing female attractions.
9. Arterburn says sexual freedom requires active engagement, not passive prayer.
10. Critics argue Every Man's Battle objectifies women as temptation sources.
11. Starving visual attractions helps retreat women to safe friendship zones.
12. Arterburn warns modern culture constantly saturates men with sensual imagery.

About the Author of Every Man's Battle Audio (Every Man)

Stephen F. Arterburn is the bestselling author of Every Man's Battle and a leading Christian counselor specializing in sexual integrity, addiction recovery, and faith-based healing. This groundbreaking book addresses men's struggles with sexual temptation and pornography through a Christian lens, drawing on Arterburn's decades of experience in counseling and ministry.

Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the nationally syndicated radio show New Life Live!, heard by over two million listeners weekly on more than 180 stations nationwide. He also founded the Women of Faith conferences, which have reached over four million attendees. A sought-after speaker, he has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America, CNN Live, and Inside Edition, and was inducted into the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame in 2000.

With over seven million books in print, Arterburn has authored more than 100 titles, including Healing Is a Choice, Toxic Faith, and The Life Recovery Bible. He holds degrees from Baylor University and the University of North Texas, plus two honorary doctorates. Every Man's Battle has sold over four million copies and earned a 2013 ECPA Platinum Award.

FAQs About Every Man's Battle Audio (Every Man)

What is Every Man's Battle about?

Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Mike Yorkey is a Christian self-help book addressing sexual temptation and purity for men. The book provides practical strategies for overcoming lustful thoughts, pornography use, and maintaining sexual integrity through biblical principles. With over 4 million copies sold, it offers a step-by-step battle plan for achieving what the authors define as sexual purity: deriving sexual gratification exclusively from one's spouse.

Who wrote Every Man's Battle?

Every Man's Battle was written by Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Mike Yorkey. The authors share personal testimonies of their own struggles with sexual sin and present transparent stories about their journeys toward sexual purity. Through their combined experiences and biblical insights, Arterburn and Stoeker created a practical guidebook specifically designed to help men live in a God-honoring way regarding sexuality.

Who should read Every Man's Battle?

Every Man's Battle is written for Christian men of any age or marital status who struggle with sexual temptation, lustful thoughts, or pornography. The book benefits both single and married men seeking to align their lives with biblical standards of sexual purity. Additionally, some readers recommend it for couples to read together, as it provides insight into male sexuality and can help wives better understand and support their husbands.

Is Every Man's Battle worth reading?

Every Man's Battle receives mixed reviews depending on reader expectations and perspectives. Supporters praise it as "eye-opening and challenging" with practical strategies for achieving sexual purity, noting its honest, direct approach to a difficult topic. However, critics argue the book is unnecessarily graphic in describing temptations, objectifies women, and portrays male sexuality in problematic ways that can trigger rather than help some readers. The book works best for those seeking a biblically-based action plan for sexual integrity.

What are the main strategies in Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn?

Every Man's Battle presents four core strategies for achieving sexual purity. "Bounce your eyes" trains men to immediately look away from lustful images. "Starve the eyes" involves avoiding media and situations that provide sexual gratification outside marriage. The "sword and shield" technique uses specific Bible verses as tools to combat temptation. Finally, accountability and support emphasizes engaging with accountability partners and supportive Christian communities to maintain commitment to purity.

What does "bounce your eyes" mean in Every Man's Battle?

"Bounce your eyes" is the signature technique in Every Man's Battle that teaches men to immediately redirect their gaze away from any sexually tempting images or situations. Rather than allowing the eyes to linger on attractive women or sensual imagery, Arterburn and Stoeker instruct men to train their eyes like reflexes to "bounce" to something else the moment temptation appears. This strategy aims to prevent lustful thoughts from taking root by controlling visual input before it reaches the brain's pleasure centers.

What is sexual purity according to Every Man's Battle?

According to Every Man's Battle, sexual purity means deriving sexual gratification exclusively from one's wife and avoiding all external sources. Arterburn and Stoeker define it as controlling your eyes by bouncing them away from lustful images and taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. The authors emphasize this involves living according to God's standards and avoiding even a hint of sexual immorality. They present sexual purity as an ongoing process requiring continual vigilance and commitment rather than a one-time achievement.

What are the criticisms of Every Man's Battle?

Every Man's Battle faces significant criticism for objectifying women and portraying them as "temptation grenades" and dangerous objects of lust. Critics argue the book frames male sexuality as inherently predatory and normalizes problematic behavior by suggesting "maleness" is the root of sexual sin. Many reviewers found the personal testimonies unnecessarily graphic and triggering, with some readers experiencing increased temptation rather than help. Additionally, the book is criticized for encouraging men to use their wives as "sin management tools" rather than addressing deeper heart issues.

How does Every Man's Battle help with pornography addiction?

Every Man's Battle addresses pornography addiction through practical strategies like controlling visual input and establishing accountability systems. The book teaches men to "starve the eyes" by avoiding media and situations that feed pornographic desires, while using Bible verses as weapons against temptation. Testimonials in the book describe men who overcame internet pornography by implementing these techniques consistently. However, critics note the book was written before today's digital age and may not adequately address the exponential increase in electronic temptations.

What is the "sword and shield" technique in Every Man's Battle?

The "sword and shield" technique in Every Man's Battle refers to using specific Bible verses as offensive and defensive weapons against sexual temptation. Like a sword, Scripture passages are employed to actively attack lustful thoughts when they arise. As a shield, these verses protect the mind by reinforcing commitment to purity and deflecting temptation before it penetrates. This strategy emphasizes memorizing and immediately applying relevant biblical principles during moments of weakness to maintain sexual integrity.

Does Every Man's Battle include accountability strategies?

Yes, Every Man's Battle strongly emphasizes accountability as crucial for winning the battle against sexual sin. Arterburn and Stoeker recommend establishing accountability partners—trusted Christian men who regularly check in about struggles and victories with sexual purity. The book stresses that being part of a supportive community provides essential encouragement and motivation to stay committed. This accountability component helps men avoid isolation, which the authors identify as a major factor enabling continued sexual sin and preventing lasting change.

What are the key takeaways from Every Man's Battle by Stephen Arterburn?

The key takeaways from Every Man's Battle center on four main principles. First, sexual purity is achievable through commitment and the right biblical strategies, not an impossible standard. Second, accountability partners and supportive Christian communities are essential for success. Third, controlling what you look at (eyes) and think about (mind) forms the foundation of maintaining purity. Fourth, aligning your life with God's standards leads to spiritual growth and stronger marital relationships, making the battle worth fighting.