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Michael Shafer

“It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.”

Try as we might, we still stumble and fall, and the struggle against pornography is about as difficult of a battle as a man will face.

Bro, I WISH I could say that taking an online course will remove that struggle… But I can’t. If the Apostle Paul, who was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit continued to struggle against sin, we will too.

But here’s what I can promise you.

God wants you to pursue Him in spite of your battle with pornography.

Read more

“It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.”

Try as we might, we still stumble and fall, and the struggle against pornography is about as difficult of a battle as a man will face.

Bro, I WISH I could say that taking an online course will remove that struggle… But I can’t. If the Apostle Paul, who was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit continued to struggle against sin, we will too.

But here’s what I can promise you.

God wants you to pursue Him in spite of your battle with pornography.

Just because we are going to struggle, doesn’t mean we can give up. Paul also says in Romans, that because of God’s Spirit in us

“you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.”

He wants us to band together as Christian brothers, making a commitment to fight along side one another. That’s exactly what this course is designed to do – To give you a platform for fighting against the struggle with pornography. I believe you will benefit from this course. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have created it. Opting in to a community of men who are as tired as you are of drowning in their addiction is a great place to start.

So I invite you to join us.

Whether pornography is an addiction or just a temptation, you are welcome here. We keep everything confidential. So take that first step and give yourself a fighting chance to break the chains of sin that are holding you back.

Enroll in the course today.

I’ll see you there.Michael

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Have tools and resources to help you replace your porn habit with god-honoring behaviors.
  • Learn the most effective ways to develop an accountability partner relationship.
  • Learn insights from 5 great books on the subject.

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course
Introduction
What to Expect From the Course
Course Ground Rules
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Career center

Learners who complete Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Addiction Counselor
An Addiction Counselor supports individuals in overcoming substance abuse and behavioral addictions. This role requires profound empathy and a deep understanding of the addiction cycle, relapse prevention, and recovery strategies. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course offers invaluable insights into the specific struggle with pornography, treating it as a challenging habit. Its curriculum on "How Porn Affects Human Biology," "Porn's Influence on Our Brains," and "Cognitive Traps of Pornography" provides a foundational understanding of the biological and psychological dimensions. Moreover, the course's detailed exploration of "How Habits are Created and Changed," including the "Golden Rule of Habit Change," directly equips future counselors with actionable frameworks for guiding clients. Emphasizing community and accountability, which are critical in recovery, this course helps build a comprehensive perspective on supporting individuals through their journey, particularly for those pursuing roles that typically require an advanced degree and licensure.
Pastoral Counselor
A Pastoral Counselor integrates theological knowledge with psychological insights to provide guidance and support to individuals facing personal, relational, or spiritual challenges. This specialized role often helps people navigate moral dilemmas and addiction through a faith-based lens. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course is exceptionally well-suited for this career path, as it deeply explores addressing struggles with pornography through "Spiritual Principles" and the pursuit of "God-honoring behaviors." Its modules on "It Begins with Grace," "How Humility Helps," and "It's All About Jesus" directly inform a counselor's approach to spiritual healing and repentance. The emphasis on "banding together as Christian brothers" and the importance of an "accountability partner relationship" are critical components of supportive community care. Those aspiring to be a Pastoral Counselor, a role that typically requires an advanced degree, will find this course prepares them to offer compassionate, faith-informed guidance.
Life Coach
A Life Coach empowers individuals to identify and achieve personal and professional goals, often focusing on habit formation, behavioral change, and accountability. This career involves helping clients clarify their vision, overcome obstacles, and develop strategies for success. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course provides a highly relevant framework for this profession, particularly through its detailed exploration of "How Habits are Created and Changed" and "How to Create New Habits." The course’s emphasis on "Two Important Pieces of Habit Change," "How to Understand Behavioral Changes," and "How to Address Behavioral Change" offers practical tools for guiding clients towards desired outcomes. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "Why You Need a Coach" and insights into "Creating the Right Structures" directly align with the core functions of a Life Coach. This course helps one to understand the dynamics of personal struggle and the power of structured support to foster positive, lasting transformation.
Pastor
A Pastor serves as a spiritual leader and guide for a congregation, delivering sermons, administering sacraments, and offering pastoral care and counseling to community members. This role involves nurturing faith, fostering community, and providing support through life's challenges. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course offers comprehensive preparation for a Pastor, addressing a common and deeply personal struggle from a distinctly Christian perspective. The course’s foundation in Romans 7, emphasizing reliance on "God's Spirit," and its detailed discussion of "How to Approach the Struggle Spiritually," including "It's Time to Confess," "How Humility Helps," and "It's All About Jesus," directly inform pastoral responsibilities. Furthermore, the emphasis on "banding together as Christian brothers" and "Selecting Your Teammates in the Battle With Porn" equips future pastors to build supportive, faith-based communities within their ministries.
Chaplain
A Chaplain provides spiritual and emotional support to individuals in diverse institutional settings, such as hospitals, the military, prisons, or universities, often serving people of various faiths. This compassionate role involves active listening, offering comfort, and facilitating spiritual practices. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course is highly relevant for a Chaplain, as it delves into deeply personal struggles and the profound need for spiritual resilience and community support. The course's teachings on "It Begins with Grace," "You Can't Go It Alone," and "How Humility Helps" provide a framework for understanding and responding to human vulnerability. Its emphasis on "God Offers More Than Porn Does" and fostering a "Confident Child of God" worldview can inform how a Chaplain helps individuals find hope and purpose amidst their challenges, allowing them to provide empathetic and faith-informed care in sensitive situations.
Spiritual Director
A Spiritual Director guides individuals in deepening their relationship with God and discerning His presence and action in their lives. This contemplative role involves accompanying a directee on their spiritual journey, encouraging reflection, and fostering spiritual growth. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course offers profound insights for a Spiritual Director, as it is centered on pursuing "God-honoring behaviors" and relying on "God's Spirit." The course's discussions on "Wired for Sanctification," "Knowing Godly Sorrow," and "How to Use Spiritual Principles in the Fight Against Porn" provide direct guidance on navigating internal spiritual battles. Its emphasis on "It's All About Jesus" and understanding "God Offers More Than Porn Does" are central to helping individuals cultivate a richer spiritual life. The course helps one to compassionately guide others toward a vision of "Life Lived for the Glory of God," fostering a deeper, more intimate connection with the divine.
Peer Support Specialist
A Peer Support Specialist draws upon their own lived experience to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance to others navigating similar challenges, often in mental health or addiction recovery settings. This role emphasizes empathy and mutual support within a community context. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course strongly aligns with the tenets of a Peer Support Specialist. The course explicitly highlights "banding together as Christian brothers" and creating a "community of men who are as tired as you are of drowning in their addiction." This foundation in shared struggle and collective commitment to change, alongside learning "the most effective ways to develop an accountability partner relationship," is precisely what empowers a specialist to connect authentically with and support others. The course fosters an understanding of how to be a "teammate" in someone's battle, providing practical tools for offering genuine, experienced-based aid.
Youth Minister
A Youth Minister fosters the spiritual growth and well-being of young people within a faith community, guiding them through life's challenges, teaching biblical principles, and organizing engaging activities. This role often involves mentorship and addressing difficult topics from a faith perspective. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course provides highly relevant content for a Youth Minister, offering critical insights into a prevalent struggle among young men. The course's focus on "Learning Healthy Masculinity," "How Habits are Created and Changed," and replacing habits with "God-honoring behaviors" directly equips ministers to proactively guide youth. Its emphasis on "Spiritual Principles," "Confess," and "It's All About Jesus" enables a minister to address sensitive issues with compassion and biblical wisdom, helping young people navigate temptations and build resilient faith and strong accountability relationships.
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works to empower local residents to identify common challenges and mobilize collective action to create positive social change. This role involves building relationships, facilitating discussions, and developing strategies to address community needs. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for a Community Organizer, particularly in faith-based settings or groups focused on personal and community well-being. The course's explicit call to "band together as Christian brothers," its design to "give you a platform for fighting against the struggle," and its emphasis on "Selecting Your Teammates" provides a model for fostering collective action and mutual support. Understanding how to create supportive "environments" and "structures" from the course can inform strategies for building cohesive groups dedicated to overcoming shared struggles and promoting positive change within a community.
Nonprofit Program Manager
A Nonprofit Program Manager oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to achieve the organization's mission, often focusing on social good, education, or community support. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for a Nonprofit Program Manager, particularly within faith-based organizations or those addressing addiction and personal development. The course's structure for creating a supportive "platform for fighting against the struggle," its emphasis on "accountability partner relationships," and its insights into "creating the Right Structures" can inform the design of effective programs. Understanding behavioral change, community-building, and resource identification ("Finding Your Weapons," "Selecting Your Teammates") may help a manager develop impactful initiatives that support individuals in achieving "God-honoring behaviors" and fostering positive community engagement.
Health Educator
A Health Educator assesses the needs of communities and individuals, then plans, implements, and evaluates strategies to promote wellness and prevent disease. This role often involves teaching about health risks and empowering people to make informed decisions. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for a Health Educator, particularly when addressing topics related to sexual health, addiction, and mental well-being from a holistic perspective. The course's modules on "How Porn Affects Human Biology," "Porn Corrupts Intimacy," "Cognitive Traps of Pornography," and "Porn's Influence on Our Brains" provide specific physiological and psychological insights. Combined with its teachings on "How Habits are Created and Changed" and "How to Create New Habits," this course may help educators develop programs that address complex behavioral challenges and encourage healthier choices within a community.
Author/Writer
An Author Writer crafts compelling narratives, articles, or books across various genres, communicating ideas, experiences, or knowledge to an audience. This role demands creativity, disciplined research, and the ability to articulate complex themes clearly and engagingly. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for an Author Writer, especially one specializing in spirituality, self-help, or Christian living. The course's deeply personal subject matter, its structured approach to a difficult struggle, and its synthesis of "insights from 5 great books on the subject" provide a rich source of material for original works. The detailed exploration of "How Habits are Created and Changed," "How to Understand Behavioral Changes," and the spiritual journey of "Life Lived for the Glory of God" offers profound themes that can be explored in books or articles aimed at inspiring personal transformation and spiritual growth in others.
Social Worker
A Social Worker advocates for and provides support to individuals, families, and communities facing various social, emotional, and economic challenges, connecting them with resources and promoting well-being. This demanding role often involves crisis intervention and long-term case management. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for a Social Worker due to its emphasis on understanding human struggle, behavioral change, and the importance of supportive relationships. The course's insights into "How Habits are Created and Changed," "How to Address Behavioral Change," and the role of "environment" and "structures" in personal transformation can inform a social worker's approach to complex client issues. While the course is rooted in faith, its focus on accountability and building community to overcome deeply ingrained problems may help one develop empathetic strategies for helping clients navigate their own difficult circumstances. An advanced degree is typically required for many roles in this field.
Corporate Trainer
A Corporate Trainer designs and delivers educational programs to employees, focusing on skills development, compliance, or personal growth to improve individual and organizational performance. This role requires strong communication and instructional design abilities. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for a Corporate Trainer, particularly in modules related to personal development, discipline, and habit formation. The course's detailed sections on "How Habits are Created and Changed," "How to Create New Habits," "The Golden Rule of Habit Change," and "Two Important Pieces of Habit Change" offer transferable pedagogical frameworks. Understanding "How to Understand Behavioral Changes" and "How to Address Behavioral Change" can help a trainer design effective strategies for employees to develop positive work habits, enhance self-regulation, and foster a more productive and values-aligned professional environment.
Psychology Researcher
A Psychology Researcher designs and conducts studies to investigate human behavior, cognition, and emotion, contributing to scientific understanding and informing evidence-based practices. This role typically involves hypothesis testing, data analysis, and publishing findings. The "Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit" course may be useful for a Psychology Researcher, particularly one interested in the psychology of addiction, habit formation, or spiritual coping mechanisms. While spiritually framed, the course explicitly covers topics like "How Porn Affects Human Biology," "Porn's Influence on Our Brains," and "Cognitive Traps of Pornography," which provide qualitative insights into a specific behavioral challenge. Its exploration of "How Habits are Created and Changed" and "How to Understand Behavioral Changes" offers practical models of intervention and internal processes that could inspire or complement empirical studies, especially for those pursuing advanced degrees in psychology.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pursuing Purity: Breaking Free From Your Pornography Habit.
Considered a foundational text in masculinity studies, this book provides a broad understanding of the concept of multiple masculinities and their social construction. It is highly relevant for gaining background knowledge and is often used as a core text in academic settings. While not a recent publication, its theoretical framework remains essential.
Is widely regarded as a seminal work in coaching and is the basis for the Co-Active coaching model, a powerful communication process. It provides a comprehensive framework for coaching conversations and is often taught in coach training programs. It's a must-read for gaining a deep understanding of a widely used coaching methodology.
As a comprehensive collection of scholarly articles, this handbook provides in-depth coverage of various aspects of masculinity studies from diverse disciplinary perspectives. It is an excellent reference tool for deepening understanding and exploring specific topics. This is particularly useful for undergraduate and graduate students.
A widely recognized book in the business world, 'The Oz Principle' offers a framework for achieving results by fostering a culture of accountability. It is particularly useful for understanding organizational accountability and is often referenced in professional development programs. It provides practical steps for individuals and teams.
Myles Downey respected figure in the coaching world, and this book offers a comprehensive look at the principles and art of business coaching. It delves into the philosophy of non-directive coaching and provides practical techniques and models, including the GROW model and the Spectrum of Coaching Skills. is valuable for both new and experienced coaches and is considered a well-done book in the field.
Explores the importance of having a growth mindset, which is the belief that one's abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance. It is relevant to self-improvement because it challenges readers to reframe their thinking and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
This classic book explores the human search for meaning and purpose, particularly in the face of suffering. It is relevant to self-improvement because it offers a philosophical and psychological framework for finding meaning and resilience in life.
This memoir offers a powerful and personal account of navigating black masculinity in contemporary America, addressing issues of race, identity, and social justice. It provides a crucial perspective on the intersection of race and masculinity and is highly relevant to current topics.
Provides a focused and practical guide specifically on the GROW model, a widely used framework in coaching. It's an excellent resource for beginners to understand a fundamental coaching structure and for experienced coaches to refine their application of the model.
Zuboff's critical analysis of how technology companies collect and use personal data raises significant questions about accountability in the digital economy. This crucial read for understanding contemporary issues of corporate accountability and data ethics.
Offers insights into the coaching and leadership style of Bill Campbell, who coached some of the most successful people in the tech industry. It provides real-world examples of effective coaching in a high-stakes environment and is valuable for understanding the impact of coaching at a senior level.
Emotional intelligence critical component of effective coaching. provides a practical guide to understanding and improving EQ, offering strategies across the four core EQ skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. It includes an assessment tool which can be particularly useful for self-reflection and development for coaches and coachees.
Provides a foundational understanding of personal and team accountability through compelling combat stories. It's highly relevant for developing a mindset of taking full responsibility, which is crucial for leadership and performance management. While not an academic text, its clear principles are easily applicable in professional settings.
Critically examines the historical and contemporary role of white masculinity in shaping American society and culture, particularly in relation to systems of power and oppression. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary social issues and provides a critical perspective on a specific form of masculinity.
Focusing on practical applications, this book addresses how men can actively work towards gender equality, particularly in professional settings. It is highly relevant for working professionals and offers actionable insights into contemporary gender dynamics.
Chronicles the author's year-long experiment in happiness, during which she tried different strategies for increasing her well-being. It is relevant to self-improvement because it offers practical tips for living a more fulfilling life.
Through a series of essays, the artist Grayson Perry explores contemporary masculinity with a focus on its performance and societal expectations. offers a unique and accessible perspective on modern challenges faced by men.
While focused on tennis, this book introduces foundational concepts about overcoming self-doubt and interference to achieve potential, which are highly relevant to coaching. It provides valuable background knowledge on the psychological aspects of performance and learning, making it a classic in the broader field of human potential.
Introduces the concept of strengths-based development and how it can be applied in coaching. It provides a framework and practical tools for helping individuals identify and leverage their strengths for greater performance and engagement. It's a valuable resource for coaches looking to incorporate a positive psychology approach.
Advocates for a more challenging approach in coaching, moving beyond traditional non-directive methods when appropriate. It introduces the FACTS model (Feedback, Accountability, Courageous goals, Tension, Systems thinking) and is valuable for experienced coaches looking to expand their repertoire and address potential collusion.
Emphasizes the importance of coaching the individual rather than just focusing on the issue they present. It introduces reflective inquiry as a powerful technique for deeper coaching and is valuable for coaches looking to enhance their ability to facilitate client insights.
Explores how masculinity is being reshaped by significant social and economic changes on a global scale. It provides a contemporary analysis of the challenges and transformations affecting men's lives and identities.
This memoir delves into the author's experiences with toxic masculinity in the American South, offering a personal and critical examination of its impact. It provides a contemporary and relatable perspective on the pressures of conforming to traditional masculine norms.
Explores the impact of technology on privacy and accountability, arguing for increased transparency as a means of holding power accountable. Highly relevant for contemporary discussions on digital accountability, surveillance, and civil liberties.
Examines how masculinity is represented in various forms of media and the impact of these representations on societal understandings of manhood. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary influences on masculinity and can be used as a supplementary text.
Effective communication is at the heart of coaching. provides a guide to having crucial and transformative conversations, which key skill for coaches. It offers practical techniques for engaging in difficult discussions with authenticity and impact.
Provides an overview of contemporary issues facing men and boys, examining topics such as health, work, relationships, and politics through a gender lens. It offers a good starting point for understanding the current landscape of masculinity and is accessible to a broad audience.
This bestselling manual is recognized as a valuable tool for coach training globally. It offers a step-by-step guide to personal coaching, covering core principles and essential skills with practical applications.
Written by the creator of the TV show 'The Good Place,' this book offers an accessible and often humorous introduction to various ethical theories and their practical application in everyday life. It encourages readers to think about their own accountability and moral decision-making in relatable ways.
While not exclusively about masculinity, this book's analysis of emotional labor and feeling rules provides valuable insights into the social and emotional performance expected of individuals in various roles, which is highly relevant to understanding the performance of masculinity.
Explores the psychology of procrastination and provides practical strategies for overcoming it. It is relevant to self-improvement because it offers insights into the causes of procrastination and provides effective techniques for taking action and achieving goals.
Dr. Cloud examines the impact of relationships on personal and professional growth and accountability. is relevant for understanding how our connections with others influence our ability to be accountable and achieve our potential.
Introduces a systemic perspective to coaching, encouraging coaches to consider the wider system in which the coachee operates. It's particularly relevant for coaches working in organizational settings and provides a more complex and nuanced understanding of coaching.
Daniel Goleman's foundational work on emotional intelligence has significant implications for leadership and coaching. explores the link between emotional intelligence and effective leadership, providing essential context for coaches working with leaders and on leadership development.
This seminal work in political science and economics explores how communities can manage common resources effectively through collective action and established rules, which includes mechanisms for accountability among users. It provides a theoretical depth to understanding accountability beyond traditional hierarchical structures.
Emphasizes the importance of making small, consistent improvements over time. It is relevant to self-improvement because it offers a simple and effective framework for achieving long-term success.
Provides context on the global landscape of AI development and the ethical and societal implications. It touches upon the need for responsible AI development and the implicit accountability of nations and corporations in shaping the future of AI.
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to life coaching, covering essential skills, processes, and tools. It's a practical resource for those specifically interested in life coaching and offers a solid foundation for practice.
Applies principles from positive psychology to the coaching context. It focuses on helping clients build on their strengths, increase well-being, and achieve flourishing. It's a valuable resource for coaches interested in a strengths-based and positive approach.

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