Desire and Deceit: The Real Cost of the New Sexual Tolerance

Christians everywhere are surrounded by an ever increasing level of sexual permissiveness in our post-modern society. With pluralism, moral relativism, and subjective truth as the philosophical crown jewels in the modern Western worldview, even mainstream churches are being swept away by the floods of sexual tolerance. With homosexual pastors preaching from the pulpit, same-sex marriages gaining ground, and pornography running rife throughout the church, R. Albert Mohler Jr. takes a solid stand on the word of God as the standard for all relationships and behaviour. Presenting an overview of the infiltration of sexual tolerance throughout society, Mohler is a trustworthy guide through the treacherous landscape of false doctrine, cultural implications, effects on manhood and the family, etc. in Desire and Deceit. Mohler fills the pages of this brief, yet vitally relevant volume with lucid, thought-provoking prose that pulls no punches. In a world filled with compromise, Mohler is anything but, clinging to God's word as the only standard for human sexuality Mohler contrasts the modern, secular viewpoints of lust and homosexuality with the orthodox Christian response to ungodly arguments. As a fairly new believer I was always confused by the growing acceptance of homosexuality within the church when the Bible seems so clear on the topic. Mohler's examination of the growth of the modern homosexual movement, and the flawed theology this movement is based upon are laid out in order that Christians may be equipped to deal with these questions as they walk in the world daily. Though Mohler cuts to the chase and isn't afraid to step on toes, these rebuttals of today's free-for-all stance on sexuality are far from being condemning. He continually points readers towards Christ, and makes clear the fact that we are all of us sinners -- the sins of the heart no less damning than those of the loins. With this clearly in mind, it becomes clear that Mohler's perspective is balanced, free from legalistic overtones, and filled with grace. He seeks not to vilify those leading sexual lifestyles in contrast to God's design, but rather to inform Christians of the dangers, and cultural ramifications inherent in accepting the all too common moral stance, "Do whatever you like, as long as no one gets hurt." All of us are desperately in need of Jesus; one sin isn't more hell-worthy than another; and, with this in mind, Mohler's readers are lead into a compassionate desire to pray for those suffering in bondage. Statements such as the following reveal Mohler's balanced and theologically accurate view on the subject of homosexuality (to which he devotes much of his treatise.) "Salvation and repentance must be preached to homosexuals -- and to heterosexuals as well. East of Eden, not one of us has come before God as sexually pure and whole, even if we have never committed an illicit sexual act. Our ministry to homosexuals is not as the sinless ministering to sinners, but

Dr. Mohler is right on the issue of sexual tolerance. What a powerful book. He tackles the issues facing our world and does so in a biblically fashion. He not only uses the Bible, but uses other sources to support his point. Dr. Mohler is more than capable to deal with the current issues facing our society.

As for the review of R. Albert Mohler, Jr.'s "Desire and Deceit," this book is loaded with timely warnings and cites good sources of material. I would have liked to see more scripture references. Overall, I feel this may be a valuable read to help keep us from repeating history. But, the book seems to accentuate the negative. Maybe if we taught ourselves and our children the proper way to behave and policed what we expose ourselves to (like movies and TV shows that glorify improper relationships), we would have a better chance of defeating this temptation in our lives.

Anyone with a heart has to be disturbed by the state of marriage in our country. Illegitimacy is closing in on 40% of all births, living together is standard, and marriages tend to last as long as the expiration dates on milk cartons. This is a great tragedy for our nation, and for the 50% of all children in our country who will expereience living with only a single parent. These children are at hugely higher risk for abuse, neglect, emotional problems, drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuity, and, at hugely higher risk later on of criminal behavior. (For statistics, please read "The Abolition of Marriage".) In fact, our culture has become toxic to children. Mohler's small, thoughtful book tackles the problem from the perspective of a Christian pastor. He states sadly that "All manners of faith and morality are now considered by a majority of Americans to be issues of mere private preference" (p47). The bitter fact is that "the left wing of the Enlightenment has finally won the day...a majority of Americans now reject the very notion of absolute truth" (p 47). He discusses pornography and the effects of Kinsey, and the shattering of the once strong Christian ethics in our nation. A disturbing but necessary book.

Even before I bought this book, I didn't expect it to be a fun book to read. The topic is one that deals with the proliferation of evil in our world. There is almost no way to do anything except feel hopeless when we look at how people have been able to take sinful activity and make it look good and wholesome, but Mohler covers the subject truthfully and with a gentle spirit. This book is not enjoyable, but it is an important book for everyone to read because it shows the problems that accepting sex, in all of its forms, as the saving grace of our society is causing.