Tactics is the sequel to Every Young Man's Battle. It "explains why sexual sin is so addictive and why guys battling in the trenches to stay pure still struggle." Basically, this book is intended to show how a strong relationship with God can help a young man gain TOTAL sexual purity. To be blunt, this means helping him avoid masturbation, which the author considers a sexually immoral act.

I have to admit that I couldn't finish this book. I got about two-thirds of the way through it and just could not read anymore. (I did skim the rest of the book for this review, however.) There are several reasons for this. First, I believe that because I am female, I couldn't fully relate to the topic. I also do not believe that masturbation is a sexually immoral act; I guess that I couldn't get past my own personal beliefs. Mr. Stoeker shares his personal story throughout the book, a story of overcoming his struggle with masturbation. I applaud him for being honest about his struggle, but his "cure" for the problem just didn't satisfy me.

His basic premise is that a young man can exchange an intimate relationship with God for the struggle with sexual sin. Mr. Stoeker explains the steps towards trying to achieve this relationship. Honestly, I can't see many young men singing and dancing for the Lord! Also, while I do believe that God sets high standards for our behavior, I don't believe He is going to "look down upon" a young man who is trying to figure out his burgeoning sexuality. God made us to be sexual creatures.

I do agree with the author that young men should respect young women and not view them as "objects of their desire." They need to learn to focus more on the mind and personality of a woman rather than their appearance. However, I view masturbation as a natural act and not something with which a young man needs to worry about struggling. I do have a pre-teen in my home and know that my husband and I will be facing these issues shortly. I plan to read Every Young Man's Battle for information to help guide our son. That book was referenced throughout Tactics, and the information that was referenced seemed more reasonable to me.

Review by Kris Price, Assistant to the Publishers, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2007