From Object to Icon

The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World

By: Andrew Williams

Narrated by: Andrew Williams

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.