Breakpoint Podcast Summary
Episode: Children Are Greater Than Our Desires
Host: John Stonestreet (Colson Center)
Date: January 29, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode of Breakpoint addresses the ethical and societal implications of surrogacy and the broader cultural shift regarding marriage, children, and family. Host John Stonestreet critiques the commodification of children and how recent legal and social developments have reframed the purpose of marriage from child protection to adult validation. The episode spotlights the launch of the "Greater Than" coalition, which advocates for the rights of children to be raised by their biological parents.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Surrogacy and the Disordering of Society
- John Stonestreet references a recent social media post by singer Meghan Trainor, who shared a photo of herself with her newborn via surrogacy, highlighting the absence of the birth mother.
- Quote: “Trainor and her husband used a surrogate. Now, of course, as images go these days, that one is preferable to the one of men pretending to be postpartum having just bought a child via the surrogacy market. But that shows just how disordered our society has become about marriage, sex and babies.” (01:00)
- He critiques the perception of surrogacy as a harmless technological advancement, urging listeners to consider its deeper moral issues, such as the commodification of children and the violation of maternal bonds.
- Quote: “A blind eye is turned to the severe moral problems inherent to the mechanics of surrogacy, including the commodification of children and the desecration of the maternal bond. Not to mention, the system is so under regulated, pedophiles and child abuse users have been able to acquire victims.” (01:40)
2. Growing Awareness and Critique of Surrogacy
- Stonestreet notes increasing criticism of surrogacy, quoting Katie Faust of Them Before Us:
- Quote: “Thousands are finally speaking up against surrogacy. The tide is turning. We’re grateful your baby is here, alive and loved, but we won’t pretend the method was harmless. No child should be created through a system that turns women into means and babies into products.” (02:10)
3. Legal and Cultural Roots: Obergefell and Its Effects
- Stonestreet connects the normalization of surrogacy to the 2015 Obergefell Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
- He argues that this ruling severed marriage from biological reality, transforming marriage into an institution primarily for adult fulfillment rather than child protection.
- Quote: “Marriage is now presumed, both in culture and in law, to be an institution of adult feelings. Kids are mere accessories.” (03:00)
- He states that, globally, as countries legalize same-sex marriage, none have strengthened the rights of children to their biological parents, leaving children more vulnerable.
4. The "Greater Than" Coalition
- Announcing the formation of the "Greater Than" coalition, led by Katie Faust, Stonestreet explains its mission to restore the foundational purpose of marriage as a protective institution for children.
- Quote: “Greater Than proclaims the hard truth that children are treated as less than whenever they are deprived of their mom and their dad.” (04:10)
- Quote from Faust: “Greater Than is a coalition of pastors, parents, influencers, policymakers, theologians, leaders, lawyers, students, and normie Americans who are all speaking with one voice. What are we saying? Don’t touch the kids. Marriage does not exist as a tool for adult validation. It’s God’s Plan A for child protection, and we intend to retake it on their behalf.” (04:40)
5. Broader Cultural Problems: Abortion, Autonomy, and Childhood
- Stonestreet ties together abortion, surrogacy, and the redefinition of marriage as elements of a culture that prioritizes adult desires over children’s well-being.
- Quote: “Rather than seeing kids as truly equal and deserving adult protection, the dangerous combination of abortion, surrogacy, and redefining marriage reduces them to just an option among many, a means to fulfill adult desires legally.” (05:10)
- He warns that just as Roe v. Wade deprived unborn children of life, Obergefell deprives children of their right to their mom and dad.
6. The Call to Action and Resources
- Stonestreet urges listeners to join the Greater Than movement, directing them to greaterthancampaign.com for information and involvement.
- Quote: “The line has been crossed. The cost is our kids. It’s time to fight back with truth, courage and conviction. It’s our responsibility to give kids their identity, security and childhood back.” (06:00)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- “Marriage does not exist as a tool for adult validation. It’s God’s Plan A for child protection, and we intend to retake it on their behalf.” – Katie Faust, quoted and timestamped at 04:45
- “Kids are far more vulnerable today because of these new practices.” – John Stonestreet (03:50)
- “The line has been crossed. The cost is our kids.” – John Stonestreet (06:00)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- 00:01–01:40 – Introduction and Meghan Trainor surrogacy example
- 01:40–02:30 – Moral issues in surrogacy, quote from Katie Faust
- 03:00–04:00 – Obergefell decision and transformation of marriage’s purpose
- 04:10–05:30 – Launch and mission of the Greater Than coalition
- 05:30–06:00 – Links between abortion, surrogacy, and children’s rights
- 06:00–End – Call to action and Greater Than website info
Final Thoughts
John Stonestreet’s analysis urges a return to a child-centric vision for marriage and society, holding that technological and legal changes should not compromise the fundamental rights and bonds of children. The episode is both a critique and a rallying cry, inviting listeners to join a broader movement advocating for the restoration of children's rights and well-being in culture, law, and family.