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Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World
As standards of conduct continue to erode in our shock-proof world, we must fight the soul pollution threatening our health, our faith, and our witness to others. Without even knowing it, people willingly inhale second-hand toxins poisoning their relationship with God and stunting their spiritual growth.
Soul Detox examines the toxins that assault us daily including: toxic influences, toxic emotions, and toxic behaviors.
By examining the toxins that assault us daily, this book offers the ultimate spiritual intervention with ways to remain clean, pure, and focused on the standard of God s holiness."
Soul Detox examines the toxins that assault us daily including: toxic influences, toxic emotions, and toxic behaviors.
By examining the toxins that assault us daily, this book offers the ultimate spiritual intervention with ways to remain clean, pure, and focused on the standard of God s holiness."
240 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2012
507 people are currently reading
3232 people want to read
About the author
Craig Groeschel
99 books1,726 followersCraig Groeschel is the founding and senior pastor of Life.Church, a multisite church with locations throughout the United States and globally at Life.Church Online.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
Craig and his wife Amy started Life.Church in a two-car garage in Edmond, Oklahoma in January 1996. While Life.Church has grown over the years, its mission remains the same: to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Today, the church is known for its innovative use of technology to spread the Gospel, launching the first fully digital church experience in 2006 and the most downloaded Bible app in history, YouVersion, in 2008.
As a widely respected leader in the Church, Craig speaks frequently at leadership events and conferences worldwide. He is a New York Times best-selling author with books about topics like dating and marriage, social media, purpose, direction, church leadership, and more. He also hosts the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, a practical tool to spark new ideas and prompt innovative thinking in leaders at every level within any organization.
Craig and Amy married in 1991 and have six children. They live in Oklahoma where Life.Church began.
Visit www.craiggroeschel.com to be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, books, leadership events, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
January 5, 2013
On the cover of this book is a pair of gloved hands wringing out a sponge. This book was about as appealing as that dirty sponge water.
The message of the book is fine - "Clean living in a contaminated world." I'd agree that as Christians, this is something we should be examples of. The problem is that the message of the book stops at "Clean living" and doesn't challenge you to anything further, as if clean living is going to make your life with Christ what you always wanted it to be. It will not.
The concepts and principles in this book are so elementary it's painful - I would not even recommend this book to a new Christian. The message of the cross is so much deeper, so much more costly, so much more controversial and so much more difficult than the message of "clean living". In fact, striving for it seems almost backwards - If you're truly committed to following Christ and getting your hands dirty for the gospel, clean living is only going to result from that - you're not going to have to seek it out. The Holy Spirit is already convicting you on every topic in this book if you only listen.
He even uses the "poop in the brownies" illustration. You know the one.
In addition, I was not at all a fan of his writing style. I felt like I was reading a high school essay. I'd say 70% of this book is uninteresting anecdotes from the author's life, 15% is the author asking hypothetical questions that the reader can't answer, 10% is poor illustrations of different sins as "toxins" or "poisons", and 5% is quoted or paraphrased scripture.
I realize I'm being entirely brutal, but I forced myself to painfully plod my way all the way to the end of this thing. Go read something by Tozer or Lewis or Bonhoeffer or Claiborne or Plantinga or Platt or any number of other fine Christian authors. Let Craig Groeschel continue to make his cool smartphone Bible apps and leave the writing to folks that can write.
The message of the book is fine - "Clean living in a contaminated world." I'd agree that as Christians, this is something we should be examples of. The problem is that the message of the book stops at "Clean living" and doesn't challenge you to anything further, as if clean living is going to make your life with Christ what you always wanted it to be. It will not.
The concepts and principles in this book are so elementary it's painful - I would not even recommend this book to a new Christian. The message of the cross is so much deeper, so much more costly, so much more controversial and so much more difficult than the message of "clean living". In fact, striving for it seems almost backwards - If you're truly committed to following Christ and getting your hands dirty for the gospel, clean living is only going to result from that - you're not going to have to seek it out. The Holy Spirit is already convicting you on every topic in this book if you only listen.
He even uses the "poop in the brownies" illustration. You know the one.
In addition, I was not at all a fan of his writing style. I felt like I was reading a high school essay. I'd say 70% of this book is uninteresting anecdotes from the author's life, 15% is the author asking hypothetical questions that the reader can't answer, 10% is poor illustrations of different sins as "toxins" or "poisons", and 5% is quoted or paraphrased scripture.
I realize I'm being entirely brutal, but I forced myself to painfully plod my way all the way to the end of this thing. Go read something by Tozer or Lewis or Bonhoeffer or Claiborne or Plantinga or Platt or any number of other fine Christian authors. Let Craig Groeschel continue to make his cool smartphone Bible apps and leave the writing to folks that can write.
March 18, 2017
This is a difficult book to review. It could be a life-changing book for some readers, but it could be harmful to others. Some people need this book; some people should never read it.
The author has been rated as one of the top 10 influential pastors in the US. He writes well, is honest and real, and is Scripturally accurate.
But this is not a "religious" book or even a Bible study.
As a University student, I had no religious beliefs and was not even sure if God existed. I read widely and had an open mind, just wanting to learn the truth about everything. I took a Psychology course where one topic was taught in each 90-minute class. One long lecture was on forgiveness. I remember thinking that I had wasted 90 minutes of my life because the Bible which I had just started to read said the same thing in one sentence. Once I discovered that the Bible was accurate and concise in this one area, I began reading it for any other truth that I could find, deciding that I would receive anything that was truth and discard the rest. I thought that a lot of the Bible was mythology. After many years, I discovered that the Bible was true in everything as long as it was translated correctly.
This book talks about toxic behaviors, toxic emotions and toxic influences. The author gives many examples from real life. He also includes Scriptures but does not use them in a "preachy" way. He includes them almost as if he is quoting someone whom you know or respect like Einstein or Ghandi. So it is a very comfortable non-threatening book for someone who has had previous bad experiences with "religion".
I was not going to finish reading this book because it is written at a simple enough level that I thought it could not include something that I did not already know. But I am glad that I finished it.
Craig Groeschel is thorough. For example, I know that bitterness is dangerous and is a root that cannot be allowed in my life because it hurts me. But I think I ignored the end of the verse in Heb. 12:14-15 (see that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and hurt many -- my paraphrase). I never realized how bitterness would hurt others besides me. I would stop bitterness when I felt it, so I did not experience how it poisoned the atmosphere, relationships and the lives of others. This book is worth reading because of its thoroughness and insight.
It is simple and could easily be read using it as a study around the dinner table because its examples are easily understood even by young children.
But where this book falls short in my opinion is how it deals with people's toxic thoughts, behaviors and relationships.
As anyone who has struggled with a problem knows, it is sometimes not enough just to use will power or to be accountable to friends to stop these behaviors. To tell someone who is struggling with "self-cutting" or pornography or other serious issues described in the book just to stop with the help of friends is setting everyone up for failure and frustration. More than that, it is setting people up to feel like a failure, give up and think that even God can't help. Serious problems need more than will power; they need spiritual power.
Where this book falls short, in my opinion, is that the author tries so hard to not be "religious" that he tells people to ask God for help in some of these things without giving specific instructions on how to get the power of God inside them.
I know what it was like before I was born again to ask God for help in something. And I know what it was like after I had the power of God inside me. The first was difficult; the second was much easier. And after I was filled with the Holy Spirit, victories came much more easily often in minutes instead of months.
At the end of the book, he says that we need to acknowledge that we cannot keep the laws, we need a Savior, and we can get this only by faith. But he does not tell us how to do it. He says we need power but not will power. But he does not clearly lead people to a relationship with God. I can see many readers reading this book and feeling frustrated because they do not know how to make this final step.
To me, there are 3 levels of relationship with God: when God is on the outside, when He is on the inside, and when the person is filled with the Holy Spirit. Even the early church did not understand this, and disciples would ask new believers if they had received the Holy Spirit since the time that they were born again.
This is not being preachy. It is simply the difference between paddling a canoe across a lake, using a small outboard motor, or using twin 250 HP inboards. If you make the power available, the job is easier. Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives a person much easier victory over difficult addictions like pornography.
This is the reason that I was unsure how to rate this book. It is a good beginning, but it is like teaching a person everything about driving a car except where the ignition and accelerator are... this book can be valuable in the hands of someone who knows how to lead the reader to being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
But if you read this book and try to make the changes on your own power, you will probably fail and end up feeling condemned.
Becoming born again is an easy step, and one that should not have been omitted from this book. I feel that this book is very weak in this very important step. He says "Power, not Will Power" but he does not show very clearly how to get this power. Even a simple evangelistic magazine will include a few steps in a sidebar or a page at the end praying with the person. This is not a message that should be read "between the lines". It should be clear and concise.
It is like giving a person a list of ingredients but not telling him what to do with them. If you need clear instructions about whether to add dry ingredients to wet or wet to dry or what oven temperature to use, surely you deserve clear instructions about how to get the power of God inside your life. Step by step.
The author has been rated as one of the top 10 influential pastors in the US. He writes well, is honest and real, and is Scripturally accurate.
But this is not a "religious" book or even a Bible study.
As a University student, I had no religious beliefs and was not even sure if God existed. I read widely and had an open mind, just wanting to learn the truth about everything. I took a Psychology course where one topic was taught in each 90-minute class. One long lecture was on forgiveness. I remember thinking that I had wasted 90 minutes of my life because the Bible which I had just started to read said the same thing in one sentence. Once I discovered that the Bible was accurate and concise in this one area, I began reading it for any other truth that I could find, deciding that I would receive anything that was truth and discard the rest. I thought that a lot of the Bible was mythology. After many years, I discovered that the Bible was true in everything as long as it was translated correctly.
This book talks about toxic behaviors, toxic emotions and toxic influences. The author gives many examples from real life. He also includes Scriptures but does not use them in a "preachy" way. He includes them almost as if he is quoting someone whom you know or respect like Einstein or Ghandi. So it is a very comfortable non-threatening book for someone who has had previous bad experiences with "religion".
I was not going to finish reading this book because it is written at a simple enough level that I thought it could not include something that I did not already know. But I am glad that I finished it.
Craig Groeschel is thorough. For example, I know that bitterness is dangerous and is a root that cannot be allowed in my life because it hurts me. But I think I ignored the end of the verse in Heb. 12:14-15 (see that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and hurt many -- my paraphrase). I never realized how bitterness would hurt others besides me. I would stop bitterness when I felt it, so I did not experience how it poisoned the atmosphere, relationships and the lives of others. This book is worth reading because of its thoroughness and insight.
It is simple and could easily be read using it as a study around the dinner table because its examples are easily understood even by young children.
But where this book falls short in my opinion is how it deals with people's toxic thoughts, behaviors and relationships.
As anyone who has struggled with a problem knows, it is sometimes not enough just to use will power or to be accountable to friends to stop these behaviors. To tell someone who is struggling with "self-cutting" or pornography or other serious issues described in the book just to stop with the help of friends is setting everyone up for failure and frustration. More than that, it is setting people up to feel like a failure, give up and think that even God can't help. Serious problems need more than will power; they need spiritual power.
Where this book falls short, in my opinion, is that the author tries so hard to not be "religious" that he tells people to ask God for help in some of these things without giving specific instructions on how to get the power of God inside them.
I know what it was like before I was born again to ask God for help in something. And I know what it was like after I had the power of God inside me. The first was difficult; the second was much easier. And after I was filled with the Holy Spirit, victories came much more easily often in minutes instead of months.
At the end of the book, he says that we need to acknowledge that we cannot keep the laws, we need a Savior, and we can get this only by faith. But he does not tell us how to do it. He says we need power but not will power. But he does not clearly lead people to a relationship with God. I can see many readers reading this book and feeling frustrated because they do not know how to make this final step.
To me, there are 3 levels of relationship with God: when God is on the outside, when He is on the inside, and when the person is filled with the Holy Spirit. Even the early church did not understand this, and disciples would ask new believers if they had received the Holy Spirit since the time that they were born again.
This is not being preachy. It is simply the difference between paddling a canoe across a lake, using a small outboard motor, or using twin 250 HP inboards. If you make the power available, the job is easier. Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives a person much easier victory over difficult addictions like pornography.
This is the reason that I was unsure how to rate this book. It is a good beginning, but it is like teaching a person everything about driving a car except where the ignition and accelerator are... this book can be valuable in the hands of someone who knows how to lead the reader to being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
But if you read this book and try to make the changes on your own power, you will probably fail and end up feeling condemned.
Becoming born again is an easy step, and one that should not have been omitted from this book. I feel that this book is very weak in this very important step. He says "Power, not Will Power" but he does not show very clearly how to get this power. Even a simple evangelistic magazine will include a few steps in a sidebar or a page at the end praying with the person. This is not a message that should be read "between the lines". It should be clear and concise.
It is like giving a person a list of ingredients but not telling him what to do with them. If you need clear instructions about whether to add dry ingredients to wet or wet to dry or what oven temperature to use, surely you deserve clear instructions about how to get the power of God inside your life. Step by step.
February 22, 2020
Truly excellent. I would honestly rate this 5 stars, but it only suffers when placed next to the other books I have read this year. Highly recommend!
July 11, 2021
I loved this book, and will read it again! Each chapter felt like one of those sermons I just "know" is for me. It was convicting and thought provoking.
January 7, 2026
Love Craig G. he’s open & honest about his struggles and he’s funny. Really enjoyed this book.
January 12, 2021
This book needs to be read once a year by people who are serious about growing in their faith. It’s just that good.
June 13, 2014
Soul Detox breaks down the worldly bad habits we have and then shows how it impedes our walk with God and other Christians. Then the author concludes by telling you to pray about your problems. This book has the characteristics of an opener to a classic christian living guide and then it leaves the reader to figure out the rest on your own. The book's ending is a bit deflating.
I am not well versed in modern christian writing so the narration rubbed me the wrong way in a couple places. I was expecting profound perspective from a spiritual leader but only found common sense tales and catch phrases from a motivational speaker type. The buildups and funny life lessons seemed very "cookie cutter-ed". The writer's tone made the material feel scattered at times and unnaturally forced at others.
The book does make some very good points about life practices, bad habits, and tendencies that people take for granted but it could have been so much more. The author seems like he is trying hard and if he would cut down on the buddy-buddy, cool normal guy conversation points and fill in the gaps with more in depth practical application points this would have become the lifestyle challenging book it was meant to be.
My one big gripe is the last chapter. We are reading your book to learn something and gain perspective. I find enjoyment in these books because I am challenged to shift my perspective and way of thinking. This isn't the kind of book that someone would just start reading out of the blue. The last chapter left the impression that the author was not very serious about the book. He congratulates the reader for making it through his small book and then accuses them of wasting their time and missing out on great truths if they didn't take the whole book seriously. Call me old fashioned but I don't think that patronizing sarcasm is the best method to get a point across to an audience that feels deeply connected to the subject matter. The statements cast a negative implication on an otherwise heartfelt conclusion to the book.
Overall the book wasn't bad and it's content would probably make a good theme for a study group. I would recommend it to someone looking for a perspective on the christian view of the perils of worldly living.
I am not well versed in modern christian writing so the narration rubbed me the wrong way in a couple places. I was expecting profound perspective from a spiritual leader but only found common sense tales and catch phrases from a motivational speaker type. The buildups and funny life lessons seemed very "cookie cutter-ed". The writer's tone made the material feel scattered at times and unnaturally forced at others.
The book does make some very good points about life practices, bad habits, and tendencies that people take for granted but it could have been so much more. The author seems like he is trying hard and if he would cut down on the buddy-buddy, cool normal guy conversation points and fill in the gaps with more in depth practical application points this would have become the lifestyle challenging book it was meant to be.
My one big gripe is the last chapter. We are reading your book to learn something and gain perspective. I find enjoyment in these books because I am challenged to shift my perspective and way of thinking. This isn't the kind of book that someone would just start reading out of the blue. The last chapter left the impression that the author was not very serious about the book. He congratulates the reader for making it through his small book and then accuses them of wasting their time and missing out on great truths if they didn't take the whole book seriously. Call me old fashioned but I don't think that patronizing sarcasm is the best method to get a point across to an audience that feels deeply connected to the subject matter. The statements cast a negative implication on an otherwise heartfelt conclusion to the book.
Overall the book wasn't bad and it's content would probably make a good theme for a study group. I would recommend it to someone looking for a perspective on the christian view of the perils of worldly living.
June 10, 2012
Craig Groeschel is a preacher for today’s world. He is the founder of a LifeChurch.TV, with fourteen locations and is on the web. Groeschel has podcasts available through the itunes store, and has written several books. Soul Detox is an excellent choice for many of today’s Christians, who have allowed the world to take over their lives instead for living a life pleasing to God. Groeschel does not preach he merely presents well thought out reasoning pointing out how many of us have lost sight of the kind of life that the Lord chooses us to live. What has today become accepted in the world cannot be allowed in the life of a Christian, because it leads us away from God instead of toward Him as we are intended to move.
This is was really eye opening to me, forcing me to begin to make some changes in my life where I had become lax. Groeschel’s term ‘Christian-Atheist’ really struck home. We know the commandments, yet we choose to break them, since often the world says it is OK. This is an excellent choice for anyone. It is such an easy read, that it would make a great gift for young people, or could be studied in a youth study group. Don’t get me wrong, it should be read by most adults, too. This one book will change your life.
Galley provided by NetGalley.
This is was really eye opening to me, forcing me to begin to make some changes in my life where I had become lax. Groeschel’s term ‘Christian-Atheist’ really struck home. We know the commandments, yet we choose to break them, since often the world says it is OK. This is an excellent choice for anyone. It is such an easy read, that it would make a great gift for young people, or could be studied in a youth study group. Don’t get me wrong, it should be read by most adults, too. This one book will change your life.
Galley provided by NetGalley.
June 14, 2013
I bounced between 3 and 4 stars for this one. It has some valuable and thought provoking things to say and it did give some things to think about.
The writer here is dealing with "things" in our live that lead us in what I suppose would be called the wrong direction. In other words if you spend all your time thinking about porn it's harder to break a porn addiction. If you sit and stew about a wrong someone has done you (or for that matter a wrong you think someone has done you) then you are far more likely to be bitter and angry.
This is an oversimplification of course but I just use it to give you the idea of the book in a few words. This is done through examples and many of these come from the author's own life. He even seems to me to be exorcising some of his own demons.
So as I said helpful though again go into it with eyes open. While legalism and judgmentalism are some of the problems dealt with there are a few places on other subjects that seem to me to be a bit legalistic and judgmental.
So, read carefully but worthwhile and helpful.
The writer here is dealing with "things" in our live that lead us in what I suppose would be called the wrong direction. In other words if you spend all your time thinking about porn it's harder to break a porn addiction. If you sit and stew about a wrong someone has done you (or for that matter a wrong you think someone has done you) then you are far more likely to be bitter and angry.
This is an oversimplification of course but I just use it to give you the idea of the book in a few words. This is done through examples and many of these come from the author's own life. He even seems to me to be exorcising some of his own demons.
So as I said helpful though again go into it with eyes open. While legalism and judgmentalism are some of the problems dealt with there are a few places on other subjects that seem to me to be a bit legalistic and judgmental.
So, read carefully but worthwhile and helpful.
September 8, 2025
5 Stars.
The vibes:
- Christian nonfiction
- Short read
- Great on audio
- Toe stomper
My thoughts:
Hold onto your butts and get ready to get your toes stepped on.
This book discusses the toxic influences, emotions and behaviors that Christians are dealing with on a daily basis. This is a book for Christians, so there’s a great discussion concerning convictions and what you allow in your life.
This won’t FEEL good, but I highly recommend it.
Note- Christian non fiction
The vibes:
- Christian nonfiction
- Short read
- Great on audio
- Toe stomper
My thoughts:
Hold onto your butts and get ready to get your toes stepped on.
This book discusses the toxic influences, emotions and behaviors that Christians are dealing with on a daily basis. This is a book for Christians, so there’s a great discussion concerning convictions and what you allow in your life.
This won’t FEEL good, but I highly recommend it.
Note- Christian non fiction
July 9, 2018
this book was okay and definitely presented some basic truths but lacked overall originality. and if you’ve ever read any of this author’s other books, he recycles so many of his personal stories and illustrations that it’s quite noticeable and annoying.
January 13, 2025
You need to read this
December 20, 2012
Occasionally, if one ventures to plumb the depths of Christian pop psychology, it is not unfathomable why so many people cultivate a healthy dislike for the reading of books. There are many who read books that were only written in the last decade or so. If you belong to this majority, and, unless you have taught yourself the use of discriminating taste, the odds are that everything you’ve recently read has been poorly written. But, the degradation of quality writing doesn’t stop there. There is poor quality writing and then there is the imitation of poor quality writing. Pastor Craig Groeschel’s "Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World" is of the latter variety. Such second-hand derivations of secular pop psychology currently fills the bestseller lists of the Christian bookseller. If you are unfortunate enough to be reading bestsellers written within the insular American Christian subculture, then the quality of what you read is going to be improbably bad.
I read this book out of curiosity. The image on the cover, consisting of two rubber gloves squeezing chemicals out of a sponge, ought to have given me pause. When you begin reading the English prose of Pastor Craig Groeschel, the air positively begins to reek of bleach. His metaphors alluding to germs and toxins and poisons and “poop” fly around in this book, at first ceaselessly, but that is before his metaphorical exuberance begins to get rather embarrassing. The images of cleanliness in Soul Detox do not give one the impression of health so much as they give one the impression of the cold, white, sterile, antiseptic padded walls and floors of an asylum that Groeschel firmly believes is in sore need of a generous dose of spiritual Pine-Sol.
( You can read further here - http://redemptiosehnsucht.blogspot.co... )
I read this book out of curiosity. The image on the cover, consisting of two rubber gloves squeezing chemicals out of a sponge, ought to have given me pause. When you begin reading the English prose of Pastor Craig Groeschel, the air positively begins to reek of bleach. His metaphors alluding to germs and toxins and poisons and “poop” fly around in this book, at first ceaselessly, but that is before his metaphorical exuberance begins to get rather embarrassing. The images of cleanliness in Soul Detox do not give one the impression of health so much as they give one the impression of the cold, white, sterile, antiseptic padded walls and floors of an asylum that Groeschel firmly believes is in sore need of a generous dose of spiritual Pine-Sol.
( You can read further here - http://redemptiosehnsucht.blogspot.co... )
May 31, 2015
I usually do not write reviews of books, but I felt compelled to write something brief for this one. Although I did not read this book by my own choosing, I did read it thoughtfully and have conflicting opinions. I have a lot of trouble with the author's personality. I do not think I would be able to have a meaningful conversation with him because he sets me off with his paternalistic attitude. Honestly, I think it was his frequent crude jokes about his wife that distracted me from his real message. I did not want to hear about all the sex he and his wife had to produce six children. Until the last chapter and the conclusion, I was ready to give the book two stars. The message there was clear and powerful: Don't let religion get in the way of God. Instead of judging people and sticking faithlessly to hard and fast rules created by humans, read the gospel to know Jesus and God. Also, the conclusion promoted human agency. Instead of waiting for God to act and make you quit smoking or stop other destructive behavior, just do it yourself. This was such a refreshing perspective for someone like me who feels such frustration when Christians expect God to make the most insignificant decisions in their lives. If you know something needs to be done, work on it and God will support you as you struggle to keep making the right decisions. God is not a crutch to carry you there, but he will be your cheering section. I wish the whole book had been as good as the last thirty pages.
September 4, 2014
I really got a lot out of this book. While some might say that this book may seem obvious or slightly elementary, the fact that the church clearly still has issues with spiritual "toxins" shows that there is still a need for discussion of these topics. Finding the balance of living in the world, but not being OF the world, and not allowing the culture of the world influence our walks with God is a struggle that is as old as time. And what I appreciated about this book is the lack of condemnation and legalizations to the reader, while still not compromising on what needs to be addressed. Many Christians (and the world) often wonder why we as the church haven't been operating in more power, closer relationship with the Father, and seeing more miracles. What really makes us look any different to those on the outside looking in? By allowing little things (& sometimes bigger things) contaminate our spiritual walks, it could be making us less affective. While this book walked all over my toes, it really spoke to me of God gently encouraging me to take my walk with Him to a higher level.
October 10, 2022
In a very blunt/honest way , Craig reminds readers that as Christians we are called to live counter-culturally and to rid of things that are not God-honouring . There were some aspects of Craig’s writing style that I didn’t love - but there’s also a lot of scriptural references and hard truths that had me examining my own life and choices :)
July 22, 2024
3.5⭐️ This was just okay. It had some fantastic Biblical truths, but they felt borderline elementary. I had the expectation that Craig would focus on the fine line between holiness and legalism, which is something I’m interested to study more, but he only skirted around it a little bit. It wasn’t bad at all—it just fell short of my expectation, especially when the forward and beginning of the book were so strong.
Something else that kind of rubbed me the wrong way was how he spends a ton of time discussing how he used to struggle with making sexual innuendos during his messages in church THEN PROCEEDS TO MAKE SEVERAL IN HIS BOOK. They weren’t horribly crude, but it still felt out of place for a book on this topic.
Something else that kind of rubbed me the wrong way was how he spends a ton of time discussing how he used to struggle with making sexual innuendos during his messages in church THEN PROCEEDS TO MAKE SEVERAL IN HIS BOOK. They weren’t horribly crude, but it still felt out of place for a book on this topic.
January 11, 2020
Decent book with some great one liners and overall good message
Craigs message is on point and he is vulnerable enough to share dirt from his own life. Sometimes it can be distracting although his style reminds me of my own personality. His love of his family and Christ shine through. Look past some of the distractions and allow the message of cleaning toxins from your life.
Craigs message is on point and he is vulnerable enough to share dirt from his own life. Sometimes it can be distracting although his style reminds me of my own personality. His love of his family and Christ shine through. Look past some of the distractions and allow the message of cleaning toxins from your life.
December 20, 2018
Simple. Obvious. Obnoxiously convicting. :)
Read
June 2, 2022Love this author!!
May 5, 2022
Es un buen libro para mostrarnos cosas que pueden estar afectando nuestra vida emocional y espiritual. Cosas invluso que parecen pequeñas pero realmente tienen gran impacto en nuestras actitudes.
Si lo leemos con cuidado y vamos examinandonos a nosotros mismos, estudiando nuestro caracter, nuestra forma de ser. Seguramente veremos que tenemos mucho que cambiar. Hay mucho que Dios aun tienz que trabajar en nosotros.
Si lo leemos con cuidado y vamos examinandonos a nosotros mismos, estudiando nuestro caracter, nuestra forma de ser. Seguramente veremos que tenemos mucho que cambiar. Hay mucho que Dios aun tienz que trabajar en nosotros.
December 9, 2020
Highly recommend. If you’re passionate about living for God but always feel like there’s something missing, this book is for you. This book encourages and convicts you to live your life sold out for God and to clean up and dirt that is remaining.
December 31, 2022
That TV Show You Watch With 9 Swears A Minute... How Is That Glorifying To God?
Another outstanding book by Craig.
Consuming bad movies, bad music, bad TV shows... How is this glorifying to God?
This book changed my consumption habits.
I really began to focus on Godly things after reading this.
Another reason why I love my December "Christian books only" month each year.
Also things like waiting until marriage, careful selections of friends. This is all quite important!
A book important enough to reread every few years to hope I don't slide back into old ways.
4.9/5
Another outstanding book by Craig.
Consuming bad movies, bad music, bad TV shows... How is this glorifying to God?
This book changed my consumption habits.
I really began to focus on Godly things after reading this.
Another reason why I love my December "Christian books only" month each year.
Also things like waiting until marriage, careful selections of friends. This is all quite important!
A book important enough to reread every few years to hope I don't slide back into old ways.
4.9/5
August 8, 2012
There is so much of Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World by Craig Groeschel that I liked, but I admit, in opposition to the cliché, I was drawn by its simple cover of yellow-gloved hands wringing out a blue sponge. If only cleansing the soul could be as easily done!
However, the cleansing of one's soul requires some work because we live in a sin-contaminated world. Just as exposure to harmful toxins can accumulate in the body causing disease, the toxins of sin accumulate in our souls a little at a time diseasing our relationship with God. The analogy was quite fitting, even the names of the chapters were as interesting as their content was insightful.
Toxic Behaviors
Deception Infection: Telling Ourselves the Truth
Septic Thoughts: Overcoming Our False Beliefs
Lethal Language: Experiencing the Power of Life-Giving Words
Hazardous Waste: Uncovering Our Hidden Sins
Toxic Emotions
Bitter Roots: Digging Up the Destructive Source of Resentment
Green with Envy: Scratching the Poison Ivy of Comparison
Rage Rash: Neutralizing The Acid of Anger
Scare Pollution: Unlocking the Chokehold of Fear
Toxic Influences
Mood Poisoning: Purging the False Promises of Materialism
Germ Warfare: Cleansing Our Lives of Cultural Toxins
Radioactive Relationships: Loving Unhealthy People without Getting Sick
Religion Gone Bad: Tossing Out Moldy Legalism, Spoiled Churches, and Sour Christians
While the author pulls no punches in identifying sinful practices, it is done in the least condemning way and with some confesses of his own. In fact, there is a sprinkling of humor that I found quite engaging with such a serious subject. I also appreciated his stance against legalism:
"Some people disagree with me, but I refuse to take a legalistic stance and draw a hard line based on someone else's standards. For example, when it comes to movies, I've heard respected Christian leaders say, 'Going to see an R-rates movie is always wrong.'... The fact that we're called to discernment and not indoctrination is crucial to understand. The Passion of the Christ earned an R rating for its brutal violence, yet most Christians agree the movies has tremendous spiritual value. But at the same time, there needs to be a line somewhere. As you pray, I believe God will show you where to draw that line."
There probably is nothing new described in this book, but the principles described are well organized without being overwhelming and certainly can be put to use for cleansing one's soul, as suggested. I recommend Soul Detox highly for every Christian.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.
However, the cleansing of one's soul requires some work because we live in a sin-contaminated world. Just as exposure to harmful toxins can accumulate in the body causing disease, the toxins of sin accumulate in our souls a little at a time diseasing our relationship with God. The analogy was quite fitting, even the names of the chapters were as interesting as their content was insightful.
Toxic Behaviors
Deception Infection: Telling Ourselves the Truth
Septic Thoughts: Overcoming Our False Beliefs
Lethal Language: Experiencing the Power of Life-Giving Words
Hazardous Waste: Uncovering Our Hidden Sins
Toxic Emotions
Bitter Roots: Digging Up the Destructive Source of Resentment
Green with Envy: Scratching the Poison Ivy of Comparison
Rage Rash: Neutralizing The Acid of Anger
Scare Pollution: Unlocking the Chokehold of Fear
Toxic Influences
Mood Poisoning: Purging the False Promises of Materialism
Germ Warfare: Cleansing Our Lives of Cultural Toxins
Radioactive Relationships: Loving Unhealthy People without Getting Sick
Religion Gone Bad: Tossing Out Moldy Legalism, Spoiled Churches, and Sour Christians
While the author pulls no punches in identifying sinful practices, it is done in the least condemning way and with some confesses of his own. In fact, there is a sprinkling of humor that I found quite engaging with such a serious subject. I also appreciated his stance against legalism:
"Some people disagree with me, but I refuse to take a legalistic stance and draw a hard line based on someone else's standards. For example, when it comes to movies, I've heard respected Christian leaders say, 'Going to see an R-rates movie is always wrong.'... The fact that we're called to discernment and not indoctrination is crucial to understand. The Passion of the Christ earned an R rating for its brutal violence, yet most Christians agree the movies has tremendous spiritual value. But at the same time, there needs to be a line somewhere. As you pray, I believe God will show you where to draw that line."
There probably is nothing new described in this book, but the principles described are well organized without being overwhelming and certainly can be put to use for cleansing one's soul, as suggested. I recommend Soul Detox highly for every Christian.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2015
Soul Detox is probably a great book for new believers who know there are things in their life that need to change, but A) don't know exactly what those things are, B) don't know how to go about finding out what those things are, or C) need the motivation and guidance to actually change their lifestyles. However, for me, it was a bit too surface-level.
The book's primary purpose is to highlight areas of our lives, specifically the entertainment we choose to indulge in and certain attitudes we hold, like materialism, lustful thoughts, or anger, and explains through personal anecdotes and passages of Scripture, why they are wrong, and gives some encouragement to overcome our sin and change how we live.
I think the strongest aspect of this book is that Craig Groeschel, who is one of my favorite Pastors to learn from, does a great job at explaining how indulging in things that do not aid in our relationship with God can ultimately harm our relationship with God-- the concept of 'many things are permissible but not all are beneficial' is, in my opinion, very well explained. However, that brings me back to my original statement of how this book is probably best for new believers. It was a (mostly) enjoyable read and it served as a good refresher, and did make me rethink a few of my own choices as of late. However, I didn't learn anything new from reading this book.
Overall, I would recommend Soul Detox, but be aware that it stays fairly basic in its instruction.
The book's primary purpose is to highlight areas of our lives, specifically the entertainment we choose to indulge in and certain attitudes we hold, like materialism, lustful thoughts, or anger, and explains through personal anecdotes and passages of Scripture, why they are wrong, and gives some encouragement to overcome our sin and change how we live.
I think the strongest aspect of this book is that Craig Groeschel, who is one of my favorite Pastors to learn from, does a great job at explaining how indulging in things that do not aid in our relationship with God can ultimately harm our relationship with God-- the concept of 'many things are permissible but not all are beneficial' is, in my opinion, very well explained. However, that brings me back to my original statement of how this book is probably best for new believers. It was a (mostly) enjoyable read and it served as a good refresher, and did make me rethink a few of my own choices as of late. However, I didn't learn anything new from reading this book.
Overall, I would recommend Soul Detox, but be aware that it stays fairly basic in its instruction.
January 27, 2021
I’m glad I waited until later to review this book. Upon first reading it, I thought it a bit simplistic and lacking some depth. Parts of it struck me as somewhat legalistic and pushing a works based faith. I thought I’d walk away not really gleaning much from it because I read and study a lot. But later today, I found myself in a situation where one of the lessons of this book echoed in my head. I had an opportunity to be angry but chose otherwise. That is the mark of good Christian writings in my book. Sometimes we think we need a deep theological lesson when what we really need is a reminder of simple truth. God’s truth isn’t complicated. So I came to appreciate this book much more. It’s not an intimidating read. Therefore I think new and old believers or even wanderers may enjoy this. I did tire of all the anecdotal tales. He uses a lot of them. But they all worked with the subject matter of each chapter. Craig focuses on one potential area of bondage per chapter and discusses how it makes our souls sick and how we can chose freedom. I wish he’d talked more about the role of the Holy Spirit in this and how the power to change comes from a healthy relationship with Christ. But, he focused more on the problem and saying, “do better.” Although his message is good, it just felt a little lacking. But it is a good read and I do believe any reader can take something life giving from this book.
June 3, 2012
Life-giving and empowering words. The chapters that spoke the most to me were
"Lethal Language: Experiencing the Power of Life-Giving Words": I want to be the kind of person that the words I speak give life instead of taking it. Even in the midst of difficult conversations, words of love and peace have a much better and deeper effect than words of self-righteousness and pride.
"Mood Poisoning: Purging the False Promises of Materialism": I want to be completely out of debt. It hangs over me and is definitely our "next step" at this time. We will be better able to take the next step (foster parenting/building our own home) with this step accomplished. This chapter was timely for me in encouraging me to change our habits.
"Radioactive Relationships: Loving Unhealthy People without Getting Sick": Again, another timely chapter for me. Figuring out how to love people who suck the life out of you or don't encourage you to walk with God.
"Religion Gone Bad: Tossing Out Moldy Legalism, Spoiled Churches, and Sour Christians": Reminded me of the deeper truth and that I don't need to get caught up in the verbal "wars" Christians play. The truth of God's love has changed me and I overstep my humanity and God's ability when I feel like it's my place to "make" other people see the truth. It all comes down to two commands, love God and love people. Period.
"Lethal Language: Experiencing the Power of Life-Giving Words": I want to be the kind of person that the words I speak give life instead of taking it. Even in the midst of difficult conversations, words of love and peace have a much better and deeper effect than words of self-righteousness and pride.
"Mood Poisoning: Purging the False Promises of Materialism": I want to be completely out of debt. It hangs over me and is definitely our "next step" at this time. We will be better able to take the next step (foster parenting/building our own home) with this step accomplished. This chapter was timely for me in encouraging me to change our habits.
"Radioactive Relationships: Loving Unhealthy People without Getting Sick": Again, another timely chapter for me. Figuring out how to love people who suck the life out of you or don't encourage you to walk with God.
"Religion Gone Bad: Tossing Out Moldy Legalism, Spoiled Churches, and Sour Christians": Reminded me of the deeper truth and that I don't need to get caught up in the verbal "wars" Christians play. The truth of God's love has changed me and I overstep my humanity and God's ability when I feel like it's my place to "make" other people see the truth. It all comes down to two commands, love God and love people. Period.
December 27, 2012
There is much to like about this book. It is very easy reading. It is very easy to digest for anyone who sees the need for change in their life. Who may be struggling with issues that seem to spin their wheels. In reading this, I only could see behavior modifications which can only last so long. Real change happens, when we replace what we believe and think about those behaviors. I appreciated the symptoms that was laid out. Especially on bitterness. We can have bitterness when we compare our selves to others. Mr. Groeschel uses his own life experiences to connect with the reader. However, we all have different experiences but we all do have the same Mighty God. Mr. Groeschel writes heavy on some issues on light on others. Which he is light on the character of God...Mr. Groeschel is no John Piper, RC Sproul which are some of my favorites that I enjoy to read and learn more about the character of God; however, Mr. Groeschel seems heavy on "experiences" which I think can lead to contradictions that can be dangerous. Leaving the reader he says one thing and ends on another.
December 29, 2014
This book needs to be read in pair with prayer (if you want to be serious about being cleaned).
It came in just in the right time for me (though I wish I came earlier). It shows different aspects of what inside and around us that can make us toxic: toxic thought, toxic words and toxic behaviors. Being a Christian is a fight, being holy is a fight, but God is stronger than anything and anyone, so He can win in us if we discipline ourselves and refuse to follow earthly destructive patterns.
It came in just in the right time for me (though I wish I came earlier). It shows different aspects of what inside and around us that can make us toxic: toxic thought, toxic words and toxic behaviors. Being a Christian is a fight, being holy is a fight, but God is stronger than anything and anyone, so He can win in us if we discipline ourselves and refuse to follow earthly destructive patterns.
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