Dr. James Dobson, the respected founder of Focus on the Family and a prominent voice in conservative Christian circles, passed away on Thursday at the age of 89. His legacy includes significant influence on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson was a child psychologist who started a radio show aimed at helping families. In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, which became a key player in American politics, especially during the 1980s alongside other conservative leaders like Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson.
At its height, Focus on the Family employed over 1,000 people and provided Dobson a platform to advise multiple presidents on key legislative issues. He authored over 70 books, which have been translated into 27 languages, and his radio program reached around 4,000 stations.
His passing was confirmed by the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, and he is survived by his wife, Shirley, and their two children, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Many see Dobson as an essential figure in the conservative movement. He was known for engaging with Presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. In 2022, he praised Trump for appointing conservative Supreme Court justices, which he believed played a key role in allowing states to ban abortion.
Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council remarked that Dobson promoted conservative ideas from a biblical perspective and that he should be recognized among the most prominent Christian conservatives.
While some of his disciplinary methods drew criticism, including advocates for non-violent parenting techniques, his influence is undeniable. He inspired many, including individuals who grew to become better parents through his teachings.
In the political landscape, Dobson also considered a presidential run in 2000, believing he could make an impact. Ralph Reed, a recognized conservative organizer, noted that he was never shy to voice his opinions.
Focus on the Family moved from California to Colorado Springs in the 1990s, becoming significant in the evangelical community, sometimes referred to as the “Vatican of the West.”
Dobson was pivotal in establishing Family Policy Councils across roughly 40 states, which actively lobby for conservative social issues. His efforts, alongside significant financial contributions for political advertising and lobbying, cemented his status as a crucial figure in the culture war.
After stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, he continued his work through a nationwide radio program where he addressed the importance of faith and the possibility of changing one’s sexuality. Despite controversy surrounding the topic, Dobson remained steadfast in his beliefs, advocating for traditional family values.
His contributions and perspectives will continue to be discussed as they reflect the ongoing debates in American society regarding family, faith, and social values.
