The word “epidemic” in the title is well-chosen. Forty million adults in the U.S. regularly visit pornographic websites. Twenty-five percent of all search engine requests are for pornography. Among Christians, 47% claim pornography is a major problem in the home.

Dr. Peter Kleponis, a licensed clinical therapist, offers this small book as an overview of the issue. In clear, straightforward language he defines pornography, identifies the root causes of pornography use, and explains its effects on marriage and family life. He notes that TV commercials, lingerie ads in newspapers and magazines, and music lyrics can all be pornographic. In short, pornography is ubiquitous in American society.

The book focuses on men, since most users, and 83% of porn addicts, are male. For women, he says, the addiction is primarily to chat rooms. Since not all porn users are addicts, the author carefully explains the difference between porn as a problem and an addiction.

The book can be especially helpful for parents who wish to protect their children from pornography. After explaining pornography’s deadly effects on children and teenagers, Dr. Kleponis offers specific recommendations, most of which emphasize the need to monitor the use of technology.

Although the book is subtitled “A Catholic Approach,” Catholic teaching on pornography will no doubt resonate with people of many different faiths.

The book concludes with a summary of Dr. Kleponis’s seven-point plan for recovery and a list of resources.

For men who are struggling with pornography use, and those who love them, Dr. Kleponis offers understanding and encouragement. More widely, anyone looking for basic information about the pornography epidemic will find this an excellent introduction.

Disclaimer: Book reviews do not imply and are not to be used as official endorsement by the USCCB of the work or those associated with the work. Book reviews are solely intended as a resource regarding publications that might be of interest to For Your Marriage visitors.