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From Object to Icon: The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World
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.
266 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2023
61 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Williams
229 books7 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 8, 2024
The single best book I've read on the Orthodox theology of icons, iconography, and personhood. Recommended reading for anyone interested in why icons are so important to the Orthodox faith, or for inquirers or converts wondering why we venerate icons. An utterly profound exploration of what being human truly means. Adding this to my "read again" list.
February 14, 2024
This book will become one of the must reads for my boy when he enters his teenage years. This book draws on the powerful twisting nature that sexual explicit imagery plays on each of us and how we may redirect our eyes in God's image. In 2005, when I was a teenager, about 25% of teenage boys viewed porn, in 2017 nearly 100% viewed it.
Both pornography and iconography draw on the human desire for connection. Pornography twists the real connection we can have with one another, it cuts ourselves off a person without taking any responsibility. Iconography, on the other hand, is about making ourselves vulnerable as we look into the face of the sanctified. This book not only tackles the dangers of an overly sexualized society, but it's purpose is to allow ourselves to become vulnerable instead of hiding behind masks. As we move from object to icon, we find freedom in acknowledging our vulnerability.
I Definitely recommend this book to any teenager, as there is a true "struggle for spiritual vision in a pornographic world."
Both pornography and iconography draw on the human desire for connection. Pornography twists the real connection we can have with one another, it cuts ourselves off a person without taking any responsibility. Iconography, on the other hand, is about making ourselves vulnerable as we look into the face of the sanctified. This book not only tackles the dangers of an overly sexualized society, but it's purpose is to allow ourselves to become vulnerable instead of hiding behind masks. As we move from object to icon, we find freedom in acknowledging our vulnerability.
I Definitely recommend this book to any teenager, as there is a true "struggle for spiritual vision in a pornographic world."
January 21, 2025
Whether you have "porn problem" or not, we're living in a world with pornographic vision. This book is an incredible dive into the root of the problem that can only be addressed with recovering an iconographic vision of the world. Highly recommend. Will reread.
January 9, 2024
One of the best books I have ever read, it's one that changes the way that I must live, just by knowing the truth! I pray that this helps many see others around them in the image of God!!!
April 18, 2025
✨🌿God does not call us to cut off desire at the root but to don the wedding garment and join the banquet 🌿✨
September 18, 2023
Pornography is increasingly a powerful force in our modern world. However, the pornographic mindset that Williams describes is even more prevalent.
The main structure of the book sets pornography against iconography as antithetical worldviews.
A man who sees pornographically sees the whole world as object, including himself. To see iconographically, on the other hand, is to see through the veil of material things and physical people, to the deeper realities underlying them, and ultimately to God.
Williams does a really good job developing these ideas, and elaborates by using a comparison to masks (pornographic mindset) and veils (iconographic mindset).
To wear a mask is to hide, disfigure, deceive, or obscure reality.
To wear a veil is to invite, to reveal intentionally, to trust and rely on the deeper realities of life.
The essence of these two worldviews then, are sexual pornography on the one hand, and icons of saints, Christ, and the Theotokos on the other hand.
Porn is the complete objectification of the other, and as Williams points out, ultimately objectification of the self.
Icons within the church, however, are images that are made to convey spiritual truths and realities far beyond the wood and paint that compose them physically.
Our goal then, according to Williams, is to pursue an iconographic vision to the extent that we begin to see the whole world this way. That each person we run into would be an icon of Christ to be venerated and loved.
This is a great book, and Williams does a very good job of maintaining a humble and edifying tone while discussing a very challenging topic.
The main structure of the book sets pornography against iconography as antithetical worldviews.
A man who sees pornographically sees the whole world as object, including himself. To see iconographically, on the other hand, is to see through the veil of material things and physical people, to the deeper realities underlying them, and ultimately to God.
Williams does a really good job developing these ideas, and elaborates by using a comparison to masks (pornographic mindset) and veils (iconographic mindset).
To wear a mask is to hide, disfigure, deceive, or obscure reality.
To wear a veil is to invite, to reveal intentionally, to trust and rely on the deeper realities of life.
The essence of these two worldviews then, are sexual pornography on the one hand, and icons of saints, Christ, and the Theotokos on the other hand.
Porn is the complete objectification of the other, and as Williams points out, ultimately objectification of the self.
Icons within the church, however, are images that are made to convey spiritual truths and realities far beyond the wood and paint that compose them physically.
Our goal then, according to Williams, is to pursue an iconographic vision to the extent that we begin to see the whole world this way. That each person we run into would be an icon of Christ to be venerated and loved.
This is a great book, and Williams does a very good job of maintaining a humble and edifying tone while discussing a very challenging topic.
January 5, 2025
I have always been fascinated with the ideas of perceptions and the fact we see the world through a story or narrative. For example, we don't perceive objects as their atomic makeup or matter, but instead see stories, narratives, and ways objects can be used or obtained (for example, you don't see the matter of a cup; instead, you see a way to drink or hold water—you see meaning).
This book aims to explore this divide between the meaning of objects and our perspectives. For instance, the author presents this view or idea (through Orthodox Christianity) in terms of masks and veils. Masks are the reality or story we wish to see (or that are put on to block the reality) of objects or people. For instance, seeing myself as someone I'm not or failing to see the reality of a woman/person in pornography. Veils are instead the opposite, allowing for visibility into the reality of people and objects. Seeing myself for who I am, being able to connect with individuals and see them for who they truly are—without all my projections, fantasies, and desires. Essentially, a mask obscures a person or object, while a veil communicates the person or object's presence or meaning.
For example, if I removed all my conditionings and instead saw the world through a veil (there are chapters dedicated to how), I would be able to connect and love the world and see the horrors of pornography for what it truly is (or any sin/deed).
Andrew argues that icons, or iconography, are no different than language or numbers. They are representations of reality. They ARE reality. "Language, [or even numbers], are veils—they always stand between us and the reality we are trying to communicate or trying to perceive."
This book is also really a dive into the nature of sin, not just pornography (in fact, I would say this book has little to do with pornography and more to do with addictions, sin, perceptions, and how to grow closer to God). Hence the title of the book. It is essentially a manual on how to move from viewing people and things as mere objects (materialistic/rational/pornographic) to viewing them as having meaning, importance, love, and, most importantly, God. All through a proper spiritual vision or fix of perception.
The topics discussed in this book are too deep and profound to leave a short review on, hence the need for an entire book on such topics. But they will forever leave one with a much better understanding of the nature of the universe and reality/truth.
Furthermore, it must be said that these topics, particularly that of the narrative/perception and its relationship to reality, meaning, and truth, are something so heavily under-researched and discarded—particularly due to universities and academia's focus on materialistic empiricism—that they are in an immense need for further research (as I thank Andrew himself for pursuing) because I genuinely believe there is something we are missing in our understandings of nature, being, meaning, and truth.
This book derives teachings from saints, Christianity, orthodoxy, neuroscience, Greek, and psychology. Leaving a compelling and in-depth analysis of the topics discussed at hand. It is a deeply profound book to read, going against every modern form of perception and deeply challenging and fixing the materialistic/rationalistic/pornographic mindset.
The subjects discussed in this book are my favorite subjects to talk about and investigate. It is very hard to find books or even people who are interested in such things. Especially in our current culture. And I think Andrew Williams, through the beautiful and true works of Orthodox Christianity, is providing us with a solution (and vision) of the reality of the world around us to help aid us in these modern, chaotic times.
Thank you Andrew.
This book aims to explore this divide between the meaning of objects and our perspectives. For instance, the author presents this view or idea (through Orthodox Christianity) in terms of masks and veils. Masks are the reality or story we wish to see (or that are put on to block the reality) of objects or people. For instance, seeing myself as someone I'm not or failing to see the reality of a woman/person in pornography. Veils are instead the opposite, allowing for visibility into the reality of people and objects. Seeing myself for who I am, being able to connect with individuals and see them for who they truly are—without all my projections, fantasies, and desires. Essentially, a mask obscures a person or object, while a veil communicates the person or object's presence or meaning.
For example, if I removed all my conditionings and instead saw the world through a veil (there are chapters dedicated to how), I would be able to connect and love the world and see the horrors of pornography for what it truly is (or any sin/deed).
Andrew argues that icons, or iconography, are no different than language or numbers. They are representations of reality. They ARE reality. "Language, [or even numbers], are veils—they always stand between us and the reality we are trying to communicate or trying to perceive."
This book is also really a dive into the nature of sin, not just pornography (in fact, I would say this book has little to do with pornography and more to do with addictions, sin, perceptions, and how to grow closer to God). Hence the title of the book. It is essentially a manual on how to move from viewing people and things as mere objects (materialistic/rational/pornographic) to viewing them as having meaning, importance, love, and, most importantly, God. All through a proper spiritual vision or fix of perception.
The topics discussed in this book are too deep and profound to leave a short review on, hence the need for an entire book on such topics. But they will forever leave one with a much better understanding of the nature of the universe and reality/truth.
Furthermore, it must be said that these topics, particularly that of the narrative/perception and its relationship to reality, meaning, and truth, are something so heavily under-researched and discarded—particularly due to universities and academia's focus on materialistic empiricism—that they are in an immense need for further research (as I thank Andrew himself for pursuing) because I genuinely believe there is something we are missing in our understandings of nature, being, meaning, and truth.
This book derives teachings from saints, Christianity, orthodoxy, neuroscience, Greek, and psychology. Leaving a compelling and in-depth analysis of the topics discussed at hand. It is a deeply profound book to read, going against every modern form of perception and deeply challenging and fixing the materialistic/rationalistic/pornographic mindset.
The subjects discussed in this book are my favorite subjects to talk about and investigate. It is very hard to find books or even people who are interested in such things. Especially in our current culture. And I think Andrew Williams, through the beautiful and true works of Orthodox Christianity, is providing us with a solution (and vision) of the reality of the world around us to help aid us in these modern, chaotic times.
Thank you Andrew.
March 28, 2024
I first encountered Andrew Williams’ work in 2016 via Ancient Faith Radio when he did a short podcast series called, ‘Finding the Freedom to Live.’ It was incredibly eye-opening for me, and I found the series to be beneficial as well. I have re-listened to it many times over the years, and benefited from it each time.
Listeners of that podcast will recognize some examples, and themes addressed in this book, but there is also a lot covered in this book that wasn’t covered in the podcast. The book is just as insightful as the podcast, and I can definitely see myself revisiting it many times in the future.
Listeners of that podcast will recognize some examples, and themes addressed in this book, but there is also a lot covered in this book that wasn’t covered in the podcast. The book is just as insightful as the podcast, and I can definitely see myself revisiting it many times in the future.
March 20, 2025
It's about getting past the mask we wear to hide the broken places inside of us to who we really are- made in the image of God, but also sinful and broken. Pornography is the form of darkness which received the focus, but any addiction, any idol that has gripped us tight calls for the crucial self-examination described here in the book so that we may be healed. There's no 5 step method described here to achieve this. But there are plenty of dots to connect that can get us moving toward the goal of wholeness in Christ. Not a particularly easy read; it has a lot of substance.
March 29, 2024
A helpful read. Definitely one to struggle with though.
September 22, 2023
I was very excited to start reading From Object to Icon: The Struggle for Spiritual Vision in a Pornographic World by Andrew Williams, especially when I heard that this book was not just for pornography addicts. As we find out in the book, pornography is simply a symptom of a much wider problem – not viewing people (including ourselves) as icons of Christ. As a recent convert to Orthodox Christianity, I am eager to see the world in new ways, especially if it will help me to love God and my neighbors better. I suspected this work would help me do so, but it has even gone beyond that. I have learned more about icons and the reasons behind venerating them – why they are so necessary to Orthodoxy and an Orthodox phronema.
There are also several chapters devoted to the masks we create that keep us separated from our neighbors and the path toward communion – whether it be healing/wholeness, an iconographic vision of God’s creation, or ultimately, theosis. In preparation for communion, in all its meanings, we must confess and reveal our true face by removing our masks. It truly was an answer to prayer to read the chapter about confession, which talks about confessing our true faces, not simply the deeds we have done or not done.
Another thing that impressed me is how Mr. Williams identifies with the reader. Mr. Williams explains about his usage of the first person in the book and how we need to identify with all sorts of sins that, on the surface, we may think we’re not guilty of but really are.
I have also found that the author did a podcast for Ancient Faith Radio called Finding the Freedom to Live, which seems to cover a lot of the book’s content, but I haven’t listened to all of the episodes yet. It is a great supplement to the printed book, which surprises me because I am a usually retain information better from printed material. Even after listening to the podcast, I imagine I will be re-reading the book at least one more time so I can further internalize this important shift in mindset for me.
There are also several chapters devoted to the masks we create that keep us separated from our neighbors and the path toward communion – whether it be healing/wholeness, an iconographic vision of God’s creation, or ultimately, theosis. In preparation for communion, in all its meanings, we must confess and reveal our true face by removing our masks. It truly was an answer to prayer to read the chapter about confession, which talks about confessing our true faces, not simply the deeds we have done or not done.
Another thing that impressed me is how Mr. Williams identifies with the reader. Mr. Williams explains about his usage of the first person in the book and how we need to identify with all sorts of sins that, on the surface, we may think we’re not guilty of but really are.
I have also found that the author did a podcast for Ancient Faith Radio called Finding the Freedom to Live, which seems to cover a lot of the book’s content, but I haven’t listened to all of the episodes yet. It is a great supplement to the printed book, which surprises me because I am a usually retain information better from printed material. Even after listening to the podcast, I imagine I will be re-reading the book at least one more time so I can further internalize this important shift in mindset for me.
January 31, 2024
I picked this one up when looking at the most popular new books coming from an Eastern Orthodox press, Ancient Faith Publishing. The idea sounded really interesting . . . how to view the world iconographically instead of pornographicly. I know very little about the Orthodox view of icons still, but this book was a surprisingly helpful and and beautiful take on spiritual vision, whether you are orthodox or not (like me).
The author's main contention is that we should never look at people as severed from spirit, as severed from the image of God they were created in. Instead, we should view them as the orthodox view icons - the image that we see through to the image of God beneath. To deny the spiritual value in a person is the only way to justify many harms, including pornography but also much more than that. When we deny the value in a person and refuse to look past the physical, we also have to deny the same in ourselves and 'forget' that we too are created in the image of God.
I loved this book but its very thought provoking. I found reading one chapter a day was plenty. Highly recommend this one for anyone who wants to wrestle with some difficult but rewarding concepts. Like it or not, we live in a pornographic world and this book helps the reader to see a different way.
The author's main contention is that we should never look at people as severed from spirit, as severed from the image of God they were created in. Instead, we should view them as the orthodox view icons - the image that we see through to the image of God beneath. To deny the spiritual value in a person is the only way to justify many harms, including pornography but also much more than that. When we deny the value in a person and refuse to look past the physical, we also have to deny the same in ourselves and 'forget' that we too are created in the image of God.
I loved this book but its very thought provoking. I found reading one chapter a day was plenty. Highly recommend this one for anyone who wants to wrestle with some difficult but rewarding concepts. Like it or not, we live in a pornographic world and this book helps the reader to see a different way.
April 21, 2025
Ostensibly a book about porn, this is one of the best books of Orthodox theology I’ve read. Pornography here is essentially a stand-in for sin. Williams offers a clear-eyed, deeply hopeful and helpful, view of the human predicament, repentance, and redemption. Recommended to all teen through adult Orthodox Christians, and anyone else willing to wade through some potentially new terminology and concepts (the nous, iconography, etc.)
June 10, 2025
A great, in-depth look at pornography and how it twists worship of Christ. If Christ is in every created thing, how could we lust after him through those things? (way easier said than done). This goes into what St. Augustine teaches. When he sought ultimate meaning in the world, he was lost. But once he encountered God, he understood what it was to really live.
A little repetitive, hence not 5 stars, especially if you already understand the science behind trauma and recovery.
A little repetitive, hence not 5 stars, especially if you already understand the science behind trauma and recovery.
April 4, 2025
Not just about porn.
This book was so helpful to me as it describes how we should strive to see others in this life and how venerating icons can help show us the way. It’s a book I believe I will re-read as it has so much richness. Everyone should read this book, even if you don’t personally struggle with pornography; it’s about so much more than that. Wonderfully and insightfully written.
This book was so helpful to me as it describes how we should strive to see others in this life and how venerating icons can help show us the way. It’s a book I believe I will re-read as it has so much richness. Everyone should read this book, even if you don’t personally struggle with pornography; it’s about so much more than that. Wonderfully and insightfully written.
November 7, 2024
This book is for everyone, not just pornography addicts. Indeed, it is about being able to look past an world in which everything is an object somehow meant to serve our needs, to something much larger, deeper, and real.
December 17, 2024
I'd recommend this to anyone struggling with any addiction, not just pornography. I think that at the heart, the book addresses our deep thirst to be truly seen and loved. It describes a path toward seeing ourselves how Chirst sees us.
April 30, 2025
Would have given it 5 based on content alone but the delivery in the book wasn't as reader/listener friendly as his podcast series "Finding the Freedom to Live" on the same material
September 27, 2025
I rate a lot of books five stars, but man - this book is genuinely life changing, life giving.
October 17, 2025
One of the greatest books I've read on spiritual struggle. Every Christian should read this, as it has so much insight into this world.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews