"The Fight"

by Adrian Rowse

Reviewed by Murray Brown

The Fight is not so much a book as it is a resource for guys (young or old) to use either individually or as part of a group in order to work toward sexual freedom and purity. Developed in Australia by Adrian Rowse, it contains many excellent insights all presented in a challenging yet sensitive manner. It consists of a DVD and a “FightPlan” booklet along with a CD of original songs all addressing the theme of sexual purity and freedom. It is well packaged and presented and obviously designed to have visual appeal to the young. The idea behind this resource is that each day for a 30 day period the young person watches the day’s DVD clip and reflects upon what is written in the booklet and the questions that are posed each day. They can work on it individually or meet together with other guys to discuss the material.

This is not a quick “Abstinence Pledge” programme. Instead it takes a much slower more measured approach in order to get to the heart of the issue, dealing with the problem of porn and building up the person’s relationship with God. DVD sessions consist either of Adrian talking or of a panel of three other young men who talk about their own journey out of pornography. These interviews are excellent! They are very real and each person describes their struggle in a very moving and authentic way.

The programme begins by looking at our sex saturated society then takes a number of days to look at the problem of pornography and strategies to find freedom. These include accountability, understanding root issues and ways to overcome temptation. It also takes the time to assure people of God’s grace and forgiveness amidst our failures. It then moves on to strategies for developing a deeper walk with God including the value of stillness and ways to find God in our everyday lives. Finally, after looking at still more ways to remain free, the booklet exhorts the reader to assist others to find the same freedom they themselves have begun to experience.

I was impressed with this resource and highly recommend it. It does not attempt to put a band aid over the problem or use guilt as a motivator. It doesn’t exhort young people to a purity pledge and then leave them without the resources to stick to it. It’s tone is not one of criticism but compassion. Yet it doesn’t soft pedal either – it’s a tough programme for those who commit to see it though.

For more information including how to order the material go to www.thefight.com.au. There is also information her for pastors and leaders on how to best use this resource. If you want to peruse a copy before buying contact me.