By Anna Young
I was 15 when I became passionate about the abortion issue. I had no interest in politics, impacting the public square, or many other moral evils. I had an interest in protecting children and women from the violence of abortion. As I matured and dove deeper into the issue of abortion, I started seeing how so many other factors contribute to the life issue: contraception, family formation, adoption and foster care, the economy, health and wellness, gender roles….the list goes on. I discovered that it is challenging to focus on protecting children without widespread institutional and ideological shifts in all facets of the cultural, economic, and national landscape. Shifts must happen at the dinner table, the Oval Office, the church pew, and the United States Border.
Katy Faust’s latest work, Pro-Child Politics: Why Every Cultural, Economic, and National Issue is a Matter of Justice for Children, is a comprehensive and timely exploration of the societal and governmental levels where child protection is crucial. In the introduction, Katy poses a thought-provoking question, ‘What if we put our children first?’. She invited topical policy experts to author a chapter on 19 different cultural, economic, and national issues that impact children’s welfare. The chapters on cultural issues are life, masculinity, femininity, family, race, gender ideology, and pornography. The economic chapters include the economy, taxes, debt, energy, ESG, and DEI. Finally, the national chapters are religious liberty, education, digital technology, the environment, foreign policy, policing, and border security and immigration. Each chapter breaks down complex issues into bite-sized pieces, making the topics tangible and actionable for the reader.
I was drawn to this book because of its unique approach. Katy Faust, whose work I’ve been following for some time, is the founder of Them Before Us, an organization that, along with Y4Life, is sounding the alarm about IVF, non-traditional marriage, and cohabitation. I had the privilege of hearing her speak at the 2024 Y4Life in Washington, D.C., conference and was captivated by her expertise and passion. Her faith, knowledge, and dedication were evident, and I knew I had to read her next book!
What I found most compelling about this book were the unconventional chapters. Who would have thought that debt and energy policy are so intertwined with the well-being and protection of children? Each chapter inspired me, and I believe it will inspire you, too, as you look at these issues from a fresh angle and take action.
Jeremiah 29:7 says, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (ESV). Jesus won the victory, and He paid the price of our sin and shame on the cross with His blood. He is preparing a place for us in heaven, a place where there will be no more abortion, no more divorce, gender confusion, violence, loss, or strife. In the meantime, before we reach the pearly gates, Christians are given vocations and tasks to live out in faith. We are called to steward the earth, spread the Gospel, be fruitful and multiply, and work for His glory. Amidst all of the political discussions, debates, and polarized rhetoric…are real human beings made in the image of God who are hurting because of poor policies that put the most vulnerable on the line: children. Christians are called to care for the widow and the orphan, and Katy Faust makes a compelling case that the widow and the orphan are put in harm’s way because of the lack of pro-child politics. This is not familiar rhetoric, and many don’t think of children when they think of politics. This Christmas Season, Katy’s book would be a perfect gift for:
- The pro-lifer who is interested in broadening their understanding of the political landscape. Our protection for children does not have to go out the window when we talk about issues besides abortion…it should come along with us.
- The political junkie who thinks children’s welfare or the abortion issue is a “losing issue”. We can be creative in policy solutions while remaining firm in our convictions that protecting the lives of children is a moral and just cause.
- The Christian who isn’t political. Christianity isn’t a jacket we wear or take off, depending on the weather. It is our first and foremost identity as image bearers of Christ. We should bring our Christianity wherever we go, even into the political arena. Pro-Child Politics makes the case that politics is no longer debates on tax policy or social security reform…objective truth, gender, religious liberty, and life are on the line.
Intrigued? Check out her book HERE or read more about Them Before Us HERE. Katy Faust is speaking at the 2025 Y4Life and YA For Life in Washington, D.C. Conferences on January 24, 2025! Click HERE to register for Y4Life’s FREE Gospel-motivated conference for high school and college youth as well as young adults in their 20s and 30s!