Official Review: The Progressive Darkness

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Progressive Darkness" by Carl Binger LMHC.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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If you received a letter from Satan telling you how much of a sinful fool you are, how do you think you would react? When Carl Binger read such a letter, he immediately felt guilty and wanted to start making changes in his life. He changed the way he treated women, focused on his college career, and stopped smoking weed. Carl even started reading the Bible and truly living the way that Jesus wanted him to. All was going well- until it wasn’t. He started falling into depression and questioned whether or not Jesus really cared about him or His other children. The Progressive Darkness is the author’s testimonial of his choices after finding Jesus, going through depression, and finding peace.

The author was raw and open about his not-so-great choices, which is what I enjoyed the most. It is not always easy for one to admit that they made hurtful choices, but Mr. Binger shows no fear. He even discusses a time he used a woman for sex and describes her reaction when she found out that he just wanted to be friends. Based on the tone, Carl regrets using her. He makes it clear to readers that this treatment of women is wrong and hurtful. There are no explicit details of sex at any point in the book; the word is used solely for storytelling purposes.

Later in the book, Carl describes the morning his family told him to seek help for his depression. One thing that he talked about was Christians’ attitude and beliefs towards using medication to treat depression. This discussion was inspiring because I can relate to what the author is saying about this belief. His story about his treatment with the help of Jesus, the Bible, and medication is one that I will not forget for a long time.

If there is one thing I disliked, it is the inclusion of the author’s experience with a dream that caused him to question his sexuality. Carl uses a crude name to describe individuals that are gay, but he clarifies that he used it towards himself during his dark times. Readers that identify with a gender that they were not born with may be offended and hurt by this name. However, if the author were to remove this section, it would take away from his testimonial.

Based on the examples discussed above, I rate this book four out of four stars. Christian men who have gone through depression or are going through it may enjoy this powerful book the most. Women can read it too, but the points made may relate to men more. A male Bible study group may benefit from reading this book together because depression is not discussed often among men.

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The Progressive Darkness
View: on Bookshelves

[GoodLuck ES]

I love books where the author shares his story unashamedly for the purpose of exposing people to his mistakes and inspiring them to avoid making such so as to have a life better than his. Teaching others from one's own bad experiences is one of the greatest gifts one can give humanity.

Great review.

[Njatha77]

I like your honesty about what you didn't like about the book. Great review.

[Phoenix451]

It’s great that you could put all the potential problem areas in context so that people can make up their minds about whether it’s a dealbreaker or not before reading the book!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

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4 out of 4 stars

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If you received a letter from Satan telling you how much of a sinful fool you are, how do you think you would react?

My God, that would be scary! What an opening line!

The author was raw and open about his not-so-great choices, which is what I enjoyed the most. It is not always easy for one to admit that they made hurtful choices, but Mr. Binger shows no fear. He even discusses a time he used a woman for sex and describes her reaction when she found out that he just wanted to be friends. Based on the tone, Carl regrets using her. He makes it clear to readers that this treatment of women is wrong and hurtful. There are no explicit details of sex at any point in the book; the word is used solely for storytelling purposes.

It must be incredibly hard to admit your mistakes to the whole world. I have nothing but respect for people who do this.

Later in the book, Carl describes the morning his family told him to seek help for his depression. One thing that he talked about was Christians’ attitude and beliefs towards using medication to treat depression. This discussion was inspiring because I can relate to what the author is saying about this belief. His story about his treatment with the help of Jesus, the Bible, and medication is one that I will not forget for a long time.

Christians don't believe in meds? I ask this honestly, just curious to learn about how some people think.

If there is one thing I disliked, it is the inclusion of the author’s experience with a dream that caused him to question his sexuality. Carl uses a crude name to describe individuals that are gay, but he clarifies that he used it towards himself during his dark times. Readers that identify with a gender that they were not born with may be offended and hurt by this name. However, if the author were to remove this section, it would take away from his testimonial.

You are totally right. And I appreciate how you kept your entire review respectful.
This is one of the best reviews I've read lately!

[Bertha Jackson]

I might have to read this one. This is a great review.

[Stephanie Runyon]

Great review. It is inspiring to hear how a person can admit their wrongs and what they are doing to change their life.

[Hunter Tester]

Great review! It sounds inspiring and something I would enjoy as a Christian.

[C3cilia]

Am impressed by the honesty of the author who eventhough changed his life to christ after receiving a letter from satan still ended up in depression.It is comforting to learn that the author finally found peace.Great review!

[Paluk Pathania]

It's no surprise that after reading the first paragraph of your review, I thought to myself, "OK, this book is fine enough!" This one is definitely going to my shelf. Thanks for the lovely review.