The Fantasy Fallacy by Shannon Ethridge Book Review

Erotica has invaded more than our minds – it has exploded onto our bestseller lists and into our bedrooms.

Many are looking to sexual and emotional fantasies as avenues to fulfillment. Our fantasies, however, are not reliable guides into the future—they are actually rocky road maps from our past. Best-selling author Shannon Ethridge theorizes, “Fantasies are simply the brain’s way of trying to heal itself from unresolved tragedies and traumas. We mentally compartmentalize our pain to make room for pleasure.”

Fantasies have deep psychological roots, and if acted on many of them can do deep psychological damage. Rather than let fantasies rule us, let’s take out the sting and bring them under God’s rule, allowing the Lord to heal us from the brokenness and insecurities that cause inappropriate fantasies to haunt us.

Without being judgmental or condemning, Shannon helps us dissect several common and often-disturbing topics, such as:

• a distorted fascination with pornography
• the mental pursuit of multiple partners
• the lure of gay and lesbian desires
• bondage, domination, and sadomasochism (BDSM)

With tips for controlling unwanted fantasies and resources for providing a safe haven for recovery, The Fantasy Fallacy helps us recognize and heal our emotional pain and equips us to help others do the same.

My Thoughts: Author Shannon Ethridge does a good job discussing those things we often shy away from discussing in our church communities.  With the huge success of books like Fifty Shades of Grey we'd be naive to believe nary a churchgoer has delved into the pages of the lustful work of fiction.  I'm sure The Fantasy Fallacy would make for interesting conversation in Couples and Singles ministries.  Ofttimes when the discussion of sex comes up, we try to divert discussing taboo subjects like sexual desire and fantasies. 

Ethridge is candid and uses her research and personal experiences to encourage readers to look at fantasy from a believer's point of view.  A futile attempt at a conversation which has been a taboo subject in churches for generations.  Yet, sales of erotica continue to rise.  Books about erotica continue to top the bestseller lists.  I say, let's talk about it and try to understand  The Fantasy Fallacy will continue to be published. 

Buy It:  The Fantasy Fallacy is available at bookstores everywhere including Amazon.

Disclosure:  Many thanks to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review The Fantasy Fallacy.  I received a complimentary copy of this ebook for purposes of facilitating this review.