No Stones: Women Redeemed From Sexual Addiction
By Marnie C. Ferree
Forward by Mark Laaser,Ph.D.
Publishing Information: InterVarsity Press : First Edition 2002, Second Edition 2010
BOOK REVIEW
Reviewer: Muriel Mathey
Review Date: April 2015
This book is a serious, thorough resource for women struggling with sexual addiction. It gives a realistic view of the problems of women’s addiction, noting the ways it differs from men’s. In the book, Marnie Ferree doesn’t offer quick fixes but she does guide the reader toward hope and recovery.
“When we experience enough grace from human hands, we begin to trust that God also extends his grace.”
This book is not an “easy read” but rather is to be used as a study guide or textbook for sessions. Each chapter ends with questions for reflection or small group discussions.
The book’s structure is made up of three parts:
- Part 1: The Problem – Women Caught in Adultery- Secret Sin – Definition of Addiction- Consequences and Cycles of Addiction- Diagnosis of sexual Addiction.
- Part 2: The Root- Sins of the Fathers and Mothers- Unhealthy Families- Trauma of Abuse and Abandonments Long-Lasting Effects- Addicts’ Core Beliefs, Emotions, and Coping
- Part 3: The Solution – Woman at the Well –Surrender and Sobriety –Disclosure – Healthy Relationships and Rebuilding Trust – Tools of Recovery – Healing From Trauma- For Husbands (and others including clinicians) -12 Steps of Sexaholics Anonymous.
The author uses Law and Gospel throughout the book – the Law to point to the sins and God’s voice on sexual addiction, the gospel showing God’s grace in that he does not condemn. To those “caught in adultery” (as the woman brought to Jesus) we see that the condemners must put down stones of condemnation and offer a way out. Even the Master said, “Neither do I condemn you.” (John 8:11)
In some areas of her book, Marnie Ferree broadens her interpretation of what Scripture says to fit the situation she’s describing. Careful reading would be encouraged. This book provides information for a pastor or counselor who is supporting women as for help with this problem.