A Review of Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel

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As I have grown older, I have become increasingly aware that we live in toxic environment. Our food, water, and air are contaminated with poisons.

Over time these poisons take a toll on our bodies. Years from now, I believe we will discover that many of our worst diseases—especially autoimmune ones—were the direct result of the toxins we were ingesting.

But as important as toxins are at a physical level, they are even more important spiritually.

According to Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, we are living in the most spiritually poisonous time in history. In his new book, Soul Detox: Clean Living in a Contaminated World, he outlines the various threats.

And, contrary to the impression you might get by looking at the book’s cover, most of these don’t come from the world. They more often arise from inside our own souls. Specifically, he discusses:

Toxic Behaviors

  • Our personal lies
  • Our false beliefs
  • Our lethal language
  • Our hidden sins

Toxic Emotions

  • Bitterness and resentment
  • Envy and comparison
  • Anger and rage
  • Fear and worry

Toxic Influences

  • Materialism
  • Culture
  • Unhealthy people
  • Religion

Like all of Craig’s books, this one is full of stories. His writing is down to earth and practical. He is humble and transparent, conveying the empathy of a fellow-traveler. If you enjoy how he speaks—and Craig is one of my very favorite communicators—you will like how he writes.

While this is a great book for individuals to read, I couldn’t help but think how valuable it would be to discuss in a group setting. It is a book that begs for further conversation. As a result, I am considering using it with my Mentoring Group.

I’ll leave you with one quote from the Introduction:

Everything that we allow into our minds, hearts, and lives—everything that we spend our time and money on—has an impact on how we grow, or don’t grow, spiritually. As the old computer adage reminds us: garbage in, garbage out. Just as we are what we eat physically, we are also what we consume spiritually. If we don’t monitor and adjust our diet accordingly, our souls are in danger of absorbing more and more lethal poison.

This book is a must-read if you want to stay spiritually healthy. It will force you to ask the tough questions, detoxify your life, and renew your relationship with God and others.

I gave away 50 copies of Soul Detox. To qualify, my readers had to comment below. You can find the list of winners here.
Question: Why do you want a copy of Soul Detox? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Category: Leadership
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  • Gwendolyn Lewis

    Soul Detox would be a great resource to read on my next retreat day and to use in some one-on-one mentoring and as I lead teams in our Serving and  Guest Ministry.

  • Onyi Oluitan

    I have the call of God upon my life, but I’ve really messed things up and asking God to extract those ‘soul pollutants’ that bring me down and have caused me to loose focus.
    I don’t want to miss the purpose of God for my life.
    Also, I am a leader in a Christian group, this will help me to share with the group, so that everyone can detoxify their soul and stay healthy spiritually.I would be delighted to receive a copy of this book as it will go along way to help me and the group I serve as a leader.

  • Jenthehennifer

    I need to detox my soul! What we expose ourselves to builds faith within us, and what we have faith in, we produce in our lives. I’m hoping to gain more insight and understanding on what areas of my life and thinking I need to give up/surrender to Jesus, the only one who can truly detox the soul. 

  • http://twitter.com/CRAZYlegs_NK Nathan Klassen

    After watching Pastor Craig Groeschel’s first message on Soul Detox, I was hit at the core with the realization that my spiritual life is not where it should be. As a new youth pastor and an associate pastor, I recognize my huge responsibility to lead people, but my personal difficulty of allowing depression and worry control my life. I’d love to receive a copy of this book to learn better how to personally live free from toxic behaviours, thoughts and grow further in my relationship with God.   

  • http://www.facebook.com/egwumba.uche.bruno Egwumba Uche

    Evidently I haven’t read anything from this author but I look forward to SOULDETOX since it addresses a clear and present danger of the endtimes. 

    Proverbs 4 vs 23 seems to sum it all up. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. And then Matthew 15 vs 18, 19 and 20 completes the rout on toxic behaviours, emotions and influences. 

    So I guess this book promises a great help for me in dealing with these issues that proceed from the heart…unburdening, laying aside those weights. Ultimately my hope isn’t far from what Jesus said in John 14vs30…”he has nothing in me” 

    Thank you.

  • http://twitter.com/brianhosan Brian Hosan

    I have been wrestling a lot recently with some of my friends and even siblings on “Christian Liberties.”  I have read several of Craig’s books and been impacted by them all.  He is a gifted communicator, and I would love to read his new book to fuel my study of what God’s Word has to say about how to live and to get rid of the non-Biblical worldview that so easily seeps into our souls.  Thanks Michael!  

  • Laura

    I have never read any of Craig’s books, and (before yesterday) had never heard him speak. By complete chance, I clicked a link and watched a message from him on this exact topic. Something tells me this is a book and entire message God wants me to hear. From a random link on the Internet that led me to the video message, to another random Twitter link that brought me to this page, God has my attention. Whether chosen to receive this book or not, I’m blessed that you offer the opportunity to try.

  • LTurner

    My husband and I both decided that when we were able to afford a new book in our budget, that we would purchase Soul Detox with the intent to do it as a study for the two of us. We have done this with several others books (Chazown, Crazy Love, Ragamuffin Gospels, etc) and it is the engagement of these kinds of studies that keeps us both digging and clinging to Scripture in order to get through life’s hurdles while staying connected AND staying focused on God. We haven’t been able to do a new book as our study for over a year because one of life’s hurdles was the blending of our families when his three children (all early teenagers) had to suddenly come live with us, including my four children. We have known each other over 25 years but our marriage is only a couple years old. As you may already assume, the sudden transition of having 7 children (5 of which are teens) has been jolting, chaotic, loud and challenging. Even though there lies an abundance of blessings in these children, it is taxing at times and requires us to stay grounded in God’s presence AND connected to one another. It has also been expensive hence our need to follow a tight budget at this time. Having 5 teens and 2 toddlers under one roof has definitely exposed us to a lot of the culture that our children are exposed to. It has also allowed bits of the world to creep in and expose our family to some of the toxins that quietly evade families. So my husband and I have really tried to stay rooted in the Word of God for strength and a godly perspective. We have encountered a lot of challenges with dealing with the toxins of the world today, so it’s we have been certain that Soul Detox would, at some point, provide a means of cleansing and purging at a foundational level. Rest assured, this book would be used faithfully by my husband and I as we attempt to muck through the drama and adventures of suddenly raising 7 kids. Since these kids are the church of tomorrow, it’s imperative we remain in God’s leadership.

  • paul

    I would love to get a copy because I love Craigs books. I have three already and his style is so easy for me to read. I also love listening to his podcasts every week and already hearing about this book in his message series makes me want to read it. Thanks for the oppurtunity.

  • http://168opportunities.com/ Peder Aadahl

    I hope I am not to late, but in a world where things are always trying to get my attention, I have allowed myself to do things that I otherwise should stop doing.  I know this not only affects my ministry but also my relationships (including my wife).  I admit that I know that I am very blessed by God, but it can be hard to focus on what he has in store when my life is “polluted”.  

    I would love to be able to gain some more insight into how to understand and deal with the issues of my heart and soul!

    Thanks for all you do!

  • jovid52

    I’d like a copy because I’ve been dealing with a crushing sense of condemnation for a long time now and have a really difficult time distinguishing where the world is subtly lying to me

  • http://twitter.com/danielbeckworth Daniel Beckworth

    I attended the NewSpring Leadership Conference last year. The stacked lineup included: Mark Driscoll, Perry Noble, Judah Smith, Jud Wilhite, Steven Furtick, and Craig Groeschel. Craig knocked it out the park!

  • HStegemann

    Pastor Craig Groeschel has been one of the most influential teachers in my spiritual life. Through his love for our Lord and obedience to his calling, I have been able to radically grow and become an empowered ambassador for Christ. My reason for wanting a copy of his book, Soul Detox, is that I would like to continue my growth as well as have another tool to pass on to another brother or sister. I am and will continue my growth with or without this gift as I am able to listening to all of Pastor Groeschel’s teaching free of charge. Thank you for considering my request and I am sure that the 50 people you choose will be blessed by your generous gift. May God’s peace be with you.

  • Aaron Sellars

    I’d love a copy.  Read a few of Craig’s books and has always great things to say.

  • http://danbutcher.com Dan Butcher

    I’d like a copy of Soul Detox because I grew up in a legalistic environment that still comes back to bite me 15 years after I left it behind, and I’m in the middle of divorce from a toxic, unhealthy woman. I can use all the help I can get to change my thinking and clean out the junk!

  • Psstephens

    Definitely agree with Craig on this one! Am excited to read more and share with others!

  • Tin Alejandro

    Living in the days when “instant” and “fast pace” are the trend, it’s sometimes difficult to keep up with the “busy” life.  Having an added work load at the office is also a source of stress.  Grabbing a Soul Detox book would help me a lot in cleansing my life spiritually. 

  • L19community

    I am experiencing all of the toxic emotions and I want to learn how to combat them.

  • Maryanstro

    Wow! This looks like a book for our times. As a mom to 5 who has homeschooled her kids, I have endeavoured to insulate my kids so they can grow up healthy & ready to minister to others, free of toxic influences. However with 2 kids graduated, I have seen the effects of toxicity pulling them down, despite my prayers, love and grace. I did not encourage or model legalism, but they have developed their own. The culture around them seeps into their soul, at work, on campus, on Facebook. I told them they were beautiful and amazing, but they listen to other voices. I do it too. One of the ironies of the Christian life is that the more we pursue purity, the more tempted we are toward legalism and pride. Oh that I would pursue Jesus and let Him do the purifying!

  • ajwpb

    I grew up as the daughter of an Irish Catholic mother and an physically abusive alcoholic father, who died when I was ten.  I have four brothers who all have substance abuse issue’s, one of whom I am helping my 80 year old mother raise his two children. They live next door to me.  As a mother of three and an aunt of the  two I’ve mentioned; I want to have support in my spiritual walk to rid myself of bitterness and the pain of my past which is a part of my negative self talk and thoughts. I have had counseling and I have been a born again christian for several years. I am constantly striving to get where Christ wants me to be so that I may be his light in this world.  It is hard dealing with my family dynamic of addiction and co-dependency but I am working on trying to set boundaries and be a good example to my children. Thanks for considering my request. GOD bless you and your work!

  • Firegirlmom

    ,as a fairly new christian with a husbnd in school for religion and ministry,I take every chance I can get to make sure my soul and my life line up with the word of god.I. read my bible, listen to craig, study with other christians, pray and most important listen! I feel this book could only be a benifit to my walk.

  • Hilary

    I’m currently going through a “soul detox” myself after hanging on to resentment and anger that has caused physical pain in my body.  The pain is so intense that some days I’m not able to move.  I thougth this book may give me some insite to what I’m experiencing as I forgive and let go.

  • http://learningandyearning.wordpress.com/ Susan

    I am very tuned in to the ways in which our environment, food, etc. is toxic, sometimes to the point of obsession. I really need to get my focus on the ways that toxins, especially my own toxins, are polluting my soul. 

  • Mcbeth4

    I think I need it, and my Life Group would probably benefit greatly from it also – we all need a detox from this contmainated life.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bobbie-Cole/100003675480465 Bobbie Cole

    My Home Group leader is working with British MPs (Ministers of Parliament) to make access to porn something that, if you want it, you will have to opt into when you buy a computer, (i.e. the filter will be switched to no porn at point of sale.) She’d love to read this book, (after I was done with it.)

  • Michelle Nye

    What a new idea! I’ve heard of diet detox but not spiritual detox. With the fast paced life I lead and the desire I have to do more and more this is something that interests me greatly. Count on me to read this book!

  • http://www.vifcpattaya.com/ Fred & Dianne Doell

    My husband and myself are Christian missionaries in Pattaya, Thailand, one of the most spiritually and morally polluted cities in the world.  We started and pastor an international church, discipling people from among the nations that come here.  We are always looking for material that is particularly relevant to use as a tool to reach out and coach others into the freedom that Christ alone can bring.  This book sounds like a tailor made tool and we would love to have a copy to share with our leaders here who reach out to many who live with no hope.  

  • Justin

    I’m struggling to let go and let God.
    Old hurts and hangups are quickly eroding my personal relationships and my walk with Christ.
    I’ve become spiritually dry. My faith and my heart are running on fumes, and my spirit is sad.
    My self worth and self esteem are diminshing.
    I need prayer, guidance,  sound wisdom, and advice.
    Any book that could provide me with information on how to understand and address the battle that I am in would be greatly appreciated.

  • joe neikirk

    I am a Life Coach for the Athletic Dept for a small university. I am looking for books to use for small group studies.  This looks like a good one

  • Shashannacarter

    I am still pretty new as being a follower. I just want to soak up all that i can. Anything I can do to be closer to GOD I will do. I would love to have a copy of this book. I am learning so much and I believe reading this book I can learn alot more. 

  • Tamarrapresley

    We are always concerned about our physical needs but never really take time to cleanse ourselves spiritually and its really time to focus on our spirit because in the end thats all that matters. So I would love to start by reading this book !

  • mike

    Ok I dont know if all the books are gone now but wouldn’t it be nice if a young nigerian who leads a church teen small group, leads a startup IT firm and more than anyone else needs daily soul detox get a copy and smile and say thank God , my first real gift this year

  • Fred

    I would like a copy of Soul Detox because i’m at a place in ministry where i’m worn out  & trying to process some painful relational hurts after 13yrs of planting & need some healing

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  • Seashols

    Would love the analysis help in mirroring my own life.

  • Dellandheather

    I live and work at a camp in northern WI and will be leading small group for the  15 support staff young women here… this seems like an amazing book and study to make for a radical summer of spiritual growth for these young ladies. Thank you for the consideration!

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  • Adriennetaylor24

    Please help. I need to recieve this book today so i can figure out why i dont learn from my mistakes. I struggle with life daily. I am a child of God ..born again and saved by the blood of Jesus…but i am also a broken christian. A slave to my toxic behaviors…toxic thoughts and toxic habits

  • Faith and Family Class

    I teach a class of adults at church and we are launching a new class to reach out to those not connected and possibly newer believers.  We are going to do this study to launch and promote our new class and I would love to have a book(s) to be able to provide to those that may not have the money to purchase one….We have purchased 25 already!!

  • Darondacross

    I am a mother of four,3 girls and 1 boy. As a Christian mom I have to say raising children in a society that seems determined to convince this generation they are nothing unless they conform to the values and so called moral standards it has set, instead of the values and moral standards God has set is difficult. The poisoning starts at such early ages and seems to continue on. I work with those diagnosed with Alzheimer and dementia and sadly there are many who no longer see value and quality of life in them based souly on standards society again has placed on what quality of life is instead of what God says it is. We are surrounded daily by lies in which we truly need to guard our hearts from. I am reading soul detox in my daily devotional app. Only being a few days into itI already know this would be a wonderful small group study through our church! My children are old enough now where they and other members and their children join in on our groups. This book would be wonderful to study and teach in a group where children can see that even as parents we have to be aware of the spiritual poisoning that tries to attack us daily. To learn with our children that God gives us the tools to overcome all lies the enemy teaches. To stand with our children in truth so they know they are not alone in world where childrens view on hope seems smaller than ever before.

  • Saucy

    I recently completed a 9 month Leadership Track with about 40 guys and a renewed passion to continue expanding my leadership skills with other men who I’ve begun meeting with in recent weeks.  I’m looking for resources that can influence men for the kingdom!  I “stumbled” into Craig’s church and have been so blessed by the video series of Soul Detox. I’ve told a number of people of the book and haven’t even read it!!!  I WANT IT !!    Thanks so much. 

  • Carla Baker

    This book sounds just like what my soul is craving. I am going thru a difficult time and struggle with godliness vs. Happiness. Would love to be a recipient.

    • http://michaelhyatt.com/ Michael Hyatt

      I’m sorry, Carla, but the book giveaway ended a long time ago. (See the very end of the post.) Thanks.

  • Bonnie-Jean

    I have lost my way….so now I am on a journey to find myself. To do this I need to cleanse my mind, body and soul. It’s had to do that when all three are out of sync.

  • Jeanette

    I work with people who struggle with life challenges!  This book or video series could make a person mad enough to want to change!  I loved this book and how it has help me spiritually.

  • Valentinewangui

    am at a point in my life where am making adjustments in my life in a lot of aspects, especially spiritually because i believe God is taking me to a new level. i believe this book would be of great help to help me understand more of what is around me so that i can change and be the person God made me to be.

  • Melay27

    because my friend recommended me this book and as i check on the content i so love it. i see that it can help me develop personally in some areas in my life that God is still dealing with and i can use it to my whole music team as well as part of our weekly devotion… 

  • Tjennings6237

    I would kive to have a copy of this book because just a small or short sentence convinced me this is what we all need…sometimes prayers are not enough sometimes we need to search for more wisdom to help us out on this journey in life and godly counsel is always best…in return I would be able to help myself as well as others around me….Tamra

  • Peaceofmind8

    I’m lost living in a ball of confusion

  • Chelsea

    I’m contaminated with negative thinking

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