Forsakers of the Fatherless: A Review

Zeisloft, Ben. Forsakers of the Fatherless: The Secret Treachery of the “Pro-Life” Establishment. Cape Coral, FL: Founders Press, 2025.

The continued legalization of abortion is among the greatest, if not the greatest, marks of how the church has compromised on sin. It is to our great shame that so many have been murdered, all while so many of those who claim to be against abortion are wilfully sitting on the sidelines. Ben Zeisloft’s Forsakers of the Fatherless: The Secret Treachery of the "Pro-Life" Establishment is a compelling and meticulously researched call to action for Christians seeking to address the ongoing tragedy of abortion. With a striking cover featuring a raised sign and a preborn child’s silhouette against a red backdrop, the book signals its urgency from the outset. It is a clarion call to all, but especially Christians and the church, to stand up against pragmatism and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Detailed State-by-State Analysis

The heart of Forsakers of the Fatherless lies in its detailed examination of legislative efforts to abolish abortion in states like Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, South Carolina, Missouri, and Kentucky. Zeisloft, leveraging his journalistic skills, provides a granular account of bills of abolition, legislation that would classify abortion as murder and impose legal penalties. In Oklahoma, he traces the introduction of such a bill, noting how it faced resistance not only from pro-choice advocates but also from within the pro-life establishment, which favored incremental measures like heartbeat bills. This pattern repeats across states, revealing a consistent tension between abolitionist zeal and pragmatic compromise.

In Texas, Zeisloft documents a particularly poignant struggle, where abolitionist proposals were met with skepticism from Republican lawmakers who prioritized political viability over biblical mandates. He highlights specific instances where legislators cited public opinion polls over Scripture, exposing a reliance on worldly wisdom that he argues undermines justice. North Carolina and Louisiana follow a similar narrative, with Zeisloft detailing how pro-life organizations influenced lawmakers to reject abolitionist bills, opting instead for restrictions that allow exceptions. This recurring theme, documented with dates, names, and legislative details, paints a sobering picture of betrayal within the movement.

South Carolina and Missouri offer additional case studies, where Zeisloft uncovers how incremental legislation has trained Christians to tolerate sin rather than confront it head-on. In Missouri, he cites a specific bill that passed with exceptions for rape and incest, arguing that such compromises dilute the biblical call to protect the fatherless. Kentucky rounds out the state chapters with a powerful example of grassroots abolitionist efforts being stifled by established pro-life leaders, underscoring the need for church-led action.

These chapters are not mere historical records; they serve as a wake-up call. Zeisloft’s research is thorough, drawing on legislative records, public statements, and interviews to build a case that is both persuasive and convicting. His focus on primary sources lends credibility, making the book an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of the abortion debate.

Uncompromising Conclusion

The conclusion of Forsakers of the Fatherless is a rallying cry that ties together the state narratives into a cohesive vision for the church. Zeisloft argues that the failure to abolish abortion immediately stems from a lack of biblical fidelity, not a lack of opportunity. This is not a theoretical exercise but a practical challenge to congregations and individuals to act decisively.

Zeisloft emphasizes that the church, as the bride of Christ, must lead this effort, rejecting the incrementalism that has dominated the pro-life movement. He calls for preaching that declares abortion a sin and a crime, for prayer that seeks God’s justice, and for advocacy that holds lawmakers accountable to Scripture. The conclusion is bolstered by a Scripture Index, which reinforces his arguments with verses like Proverbs 31:8-9 (“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute”), grounding the call to action in God’s Word.

What sets this section apart is its balance of critique and hope. While Zeisloft exposes the treachery of the pro-life establishment, he also offers a vision of redemption through faithful obedience. He challenges readers to move beyond apathy, trusting in God’s providence to effect change. This prophetic tone, reminiscent of Old Testament calls to justice, makes the conclusion a powerful capstone to the book’s narrative.

Strengths and Impact

The state chapters stand out for their investigative rigor, providing a level of detail that is rare in Christian literature on abortion. Zeisloft’s ability to connect legislative failures to biblical principles offers a fresh perspective, urging readers to see abortion not as a political issue but as a moral and theological crisis demanding immediate action. The conclusion amplifies this by providing a clear, actionable roadmap, making the book both a diagnostic tool and a guide for change.

The writing is accessible yet authoritative, appealing to laypeople and leaders alike. Zeisloft’s use of the English Standard Version, with occasional King James references, ensures the biblical foundation is clear and relatable. The book’s length, 125 pages, allows for thorough analysis without overwhelming the reader, though the density of legislative detail may require careful study.

Areas for Consideration

One potential limitation is the book’s intense focus on legislative battles, which might leave some readers seeking more practical guidance for local church engagement. While the conclusion addresses this to some extent, additional examples of church-led initiatives could enhance its applicability. Additionally, the strong language against the pro-life establishment will challenge readers who are part of those organizations, though this is mitigated by Zeisloft’s pastoral intent to call them to repentance.

Final Thoughts

Forsakers of the Fatherless is a must-read for anyone committed to defending the preborn. Its state-by-state analysis exposes the hidden compromises within the pro-life movement, while the conclusion offers a biblical blueprint for action. As the church faces ongoing cultural pressures, this book is a timely reminder of our duty to seek justice without delay. Read it, wrestle with its evidence, and let it spur you to stand for the fatherless with courage and conviction. Now is the time to fight with unwavering conviction. I am thankful for brothers like Ben who unwaveringly fight for the unborn.

Soli Deo Gloria