From Object to Icon

The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World

By: Andrew Williams

Narrated by: Andrew Williams

Since the advent of the internet, it has become increasingly obvious that our society suffers from a pornography problem—and Orthodox Christians are no exception. While many practical resources are available to help those who struggle with pornography use, these fail to address the problem at its deeper, spiritual root.

From Object to Icon offers a solution by showing all of us how to change the way we see—how to see iconographically rather than pornographically. Whether or not we struggle with pornography use, this book shows us how to stop objectifying others and instead see the spiritual reality in everyone we encounter.

©2023 Andrew Williams (P)2023 Andrew Williams

Beautifully written and full of theological depth

If you’re cradle Orthodox you may not appreciate how utterly remarkable this book is. But wow it is a masterpiece.

Coming to Orthodoxy from an evangelical background, I had previously read “Every Man’s Battle” and other similar books. Even at the time those books seemed hollow and even colored by a gnostic distaste towards embodiment. I studied the scriptures deeply at that time and realized something deep was missing from the evangelical theology of embodiment. What was missing was the theology of the bodily resurrection, and of icons, and of the sacraments.

When I found orthodox Christianity it seemed obvious to me that this tradition had maintained precisely the needed antidote for the cultural disaster of the sexual revolution and the pornographic view of embodiment that infects American Christianity.

That is where this book absolutely shines. Williams makes the deep riches of our theology and faith directly accessible to struggling sinners like me. It is written with compassion, and love and kindness, yet never shrinking back from calling for deep repentance and healing of the heart. He never once gives in to gnostic tendencies like blaming of women bodies for men’s struggles. Instead, embodiment and sexuality are seen iconographicly, calling us “further up and further in” to the life of God.

This book needs to be in every parish in America. And now I’m going to listen through it again.

Great book

Not just pornography but can be applied in objectifying others in general and the masks we all wear.

So much more than I expected

This book is not just a book about addressing a pornography issue with icons. It’s a robust theology of personal spiritual transformation through encountering God in an intimate way. One of the best books I’ve listened to maybe ever.

Seismic

I didn’t know what to expect going in with this book. I bought it after listening to the author’s interview on the Ancient Faith Today podcast, that was obviously very good. However, as good as the interview was, I was soon to be shocked at how the interview paled in comparison.

While the title rightfully includes the word “pornographic” in its title, a word that tends to be louder than the words surrounding it, the focus of the book is what I consider a master class in what is iconography.

Let me state immediately that I didn’t think I understood the many dimensions of iconography; however, this book helped me to not only confirm how right I was in my lack of understanding, but it was like the author gently took me by the hand and showed me that there was far more to it than I had ever imagined. And what a wonderful revelation it’s been for me.

It goes with saying that I recommend this book. I believe it’s helpful in more ways than can be listed here. I will say that if you’re considering purchasing it, even in the slightest, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It’s one I plan on reading and gifting to folks again and again.

Life- and Heart-Changing

I have trouble finding the words to describe what this book has meant to me as I've listened. It has truly changed the way I see: myself, others, images, icons. A beautiful and moving book that is so much deeper than "fighting porn addiction" and the other superficial treatments I've seen in Christian publishing.

Wow!

As a Protestant convert? This is an incredible gift of a book. If you need to understand why the church has fought so hard and won against the iconoclast? This is the book to explain the depth of not only scripture, but the fullness of our faith, which includes the veneration of our icons. May we continue to treat all humans with the same veneration we give our icons.

A truly profound and powerful book

A book about much more than pornography, but about two ways of seeing and encountering the world, two ways of being and becoming. It explains iconography more clearly and beautifully than I've encountered before. I definitely recommend.

Lifechange - All will benefit from this

This is a phenomenal book that Christians of all denominations can enjoy. Even if you recoil at the idea of venerating the holy icons of the eastern orthodox churches, you will still be blessed by a careful reading (listening) of this book.

A helpful juxtaposition

What I had hoped to be a polemic against pornography has been one of the most thoughtful reflections on concept of icons, both written and living.

The line of reasoning in the work is nuanced but not in a way that feels manipulative, but in a way that brings remarkable clarity and charity.

Naked and Seen

This book juxtaposes our over-sexualized world with the beauty and medicine offered via intimacy through the Church and its iconography.
Listen to this book and be blessed. Share it with the men and women in your parish. Venerate the icons with a renewed and holistic scope.