Comments

I grew up a huge fan of Dobson and the original Focus on the Family series. But over the years it seems he has tried to become an expert on everything (hello, Al Mohler!)and gotten away from that first love, strengthening the family. As a result, families are still suffering and his voice has diminished. During the last presidential cycle, this seemed especially true when he would promote his clout and some of the letters he sent out were shameful partisan politics.

I am sad what has become of the ministry, but wish him and his wife well in retirement.

Hurray!

My the Lord continue to bless Focus on the Family and your new found path with Christ!

Thanks and God Bless your Family!

Guido and Alan must be kids that don't appreciate all that James Dobson has done and, hopefully, will continue to do so. Also to insult Al Mohler at the same time is ridiculous. Two great men that have done so much to revitalize activisim in the church. The only thing good about James Dobson stepping down as chairman is that it will free him up to be more involved in teaching people to be more involved. Christianity is being attached every day and we need apologists like him and Mohler to fight the tidal wave of criticism. Guido and Alan should be thanking God for all that Dobson and Mohler have done rather than be so quick to criticize. I pray for them in that regard.

I'm thankful for courageous, godly men like Dr. Dobson. May the Lord raise up more like him. Christians need to be fearless about the truth.

I agree with Guido. I am a product of Dobson's parenting strategies, and really appreciate Dobson's work on parenting, even more so now that I am a parent. He has something extremely valuable to contribute to the conversation about discipline and developing self-esteem in the child, etc. But I think that his involvment in partisan politics will silence his voice for many, many people who don't like his politics. I am sure that there are many who regard his voice as indispensible, but for those of us "kids" who would like to see the Christian message having a broader impact and the Christian faith being less polarizing in our society, we wish that Dobson had stuck with what he knew best- psychology and parenting.

A sad but inevitable announcement. He is the last of a generation of culture-engaging Evangelical leaders who, in spite of their mistakes, have done great good for Evangelicals and for the country. Rick Warren and others now lead an Evangelical movement towards greater breadth of engagement and a more holistic understanding of the Gospel, and that is a good thing; yet we must respect and remember the great good done by men like Dobson, their love for God, the church, and this suffering world. God bless, Dr. Dobson.

I feel blessed when I think about James Dobson. He has done a tremendous amount of work with Focus on the Family. I thank God for Dr. Dobson' ability to speak out on such vital issues. I thank God for the example he and his wife, Shirley have been to us all for so many year.
I wish them well in their retirement and hope to continue to listen to him where ever he speaks.

God Bless

James Dobson is a courageous, intelligent, hard-working Christian. I have been impressed by his ministry and our family has benefited from his exhortations. I hope he leaves Focus with goodwill all round. We need more men like him. I wish him and his wife long and happy lives.

Like Sarah, I feel divided over the work of Dr. Dobson. I will be forever grateful for the guidance I gained from his books and broadcasts as far as his parenting advice was concerned. I reared four children while leaning heavily on some of his ideas. But frankly, I have been confused and even embarrassed over some, no, many, of his political statements. Specifically, his denunciations of gays (in the 90s) I found to be troublesome. Strong words were spoken in an unloving tone as Dobson ignorantly painted the gay community with a broad brush. Going too far only brought alienation between the evangelical church and the culture. This was not the kind of culture clash that Jesus engaged in during His time on earth. .

We appreciate very much what James Dobson has done for FAMILY EDUCATION OVER THE YEARS.
Sawak Sarju...........Canada.

I grew up with great respect and admiration for James Dobson. I am deeply disappointed in how his ministry has devolved into a purely partisan political organ. Dobson’s populist attack on Barack Obama for comparing him to Al Sharpton was shameless and disingenuous. It was purely partisan politics. I felt ashamed.

The email lists connected with Focus most recently promoted The Minutemen, which is laying the groundwork for a private political militia in all 50 states.

Evidence for prostituting the gospel to politics: Dobson's founding the Council for National Policy with Tim LaHaye and Phyllis Schlafly, whose members included theocracy proponent and Christian Reconstructionist R.J. Rushdoony. Rev. Moon's Unification Church is represented on the Council for National Policy as well. The CNP connects hard-right activists with wealthy funders like Howard Ahmanson, Jr.

Paul Weyrich and Pat Buchannan said Christians "lost the culture war." James Dobson and his cohort have apparently decided to win the political and government war with groups like the Council for National Policy and the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps.

Dobson like the others around us who are falling day by day Dobson was threatened with his misdeeds and was soon to be turned out of his safe closet.
The truth will be out shortly.
Votres

I'm from Australia & enjoy listening to Focus On The Family Radio Show.
James Dobson talks about lots of great topicson his Radio Broadcasts..
james Dobson has intervirewd & continues to intervirw lots of greewat guest on his Radio Broadcasts.
I enjoyed hearing the Interview that James Dobson had with thw woman who suffed from breast cancer she was inspiring Gpod rest her soul.
I told one of my frtiends called Michelle Fitpatrick about the Australoian webiste of Focus On tThe Family.

Marianne seems to know far less about Scripture than the incredible Mr. Dobson, and possibly to have misunderstood Mr. Dobson's comments regarding homosexual sinners. I do not, of course, speak for Mr. Dobson, just my understanding of his concepts, but "all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" - and Jesus IS the glory of God, the "exact representation of the Father". Jesus spoke to several specific types of sinners quite regularly, trying to help them get out of the destructive pattern of their sin, much like we do with addicts & alcoholics today. And as I see it, that's exactly what James Dobson tried to do FOR homosexuals. Plus, he warned the rest of us to keep the radical ones from spreading their specific infectious sin to the rest of our society - especially children; which is one of the main things they often attempt to do. Marianne, would you "Dis" someone who worked hard to try to save crack addicts from their sin? And tried to warn all others, especially kids, not to get involved with crack or its proponents? If you see crack addicts any differently than homosexuals, then you do not understand what Scripture, and our Lord Jesus, has told us for several thousand years about homosexuality. Dr. Dobson loves them and would like to see them accept the deliverance Jesus purchased for them. Blessings all! Dave

The core of truth is centered on Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection as well as the FRUIT of the SPIRIT (Galatians 5). I haven't seen much FRUIT coming out of FOF or most of the mainstream Evangelical church for years.

FOF, Dobson and others have a message motivated by FEAR. Content from many articles, sermons, books, daily broadcasts and the Letter to 2012 are evidence of that. Isn't "FEAR NOT" one of the most repeated commandments in Scripture?

Think of Jesus time on earth. Who did Jesus love and who did Jesus condemn? He LOVED sinners and accepted them unconditionally. LOVE was the motivation and people responded by either accepting or rejecting Him. Jesus saved His harsh words and condemnation for the Pharisees while they lambasted Jesus and rejected Him for loving sinners and for not being the Messiah on their terms.

Pharisees (I can say this because I am a recovering Pharisee) have a nasty habit of adding requirements and pre-qualifications to the essential message of Good News. Or worse yet, of sneaking in pages of addendums after someone joins the club.

Ask yourself this question and then ask it of your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who do not subscribe to your brand of faith - Is the FOF and mainstream evangelical/Charismatic and/or YOUR agenda and life message focused on the Fruit of the Spirit, FAITH (not fear), and on being an authentic representation through words and ACTION of Christ's unconditional love?

hey kids, try to do better. close your stupid laptop and get out and do better.

i dare you.

you just can't handle someone passionate enough to spend a lifetime on their convictions. it is too easy to bring complaints and groans. bring some solutions.

i dare you

Dr. Dobson will continue to be relevant and impactful in Christ's work here on earth. And a heavenly greeting awaits him when that day comes.

I think Dr. Dobson's decision is wise. He will still be close enough to advise and yet apart enough to allow the current leadership to grow.
I have appreciated his ministry and wish him the very best.
If his retirement is like mine he may find out that he is busier than when he worked the daily schedule. But even there The Lord can use him to lead.

Best Wishes and continued prayer Dr. Dobson

I think Votres is tipping his/her hand: critical minded, bitter resentment is oozing out -- pouring may be more like it. Could it be that such a perspective comes from having been in the receiving end of some of Dobson's legitimate cutting comments? If time reveals anything, it may well show that a few invalid and inappropriate cards have found their way into Votres's deck. Like the rest of us, Dobson doesn't wear a halo, but his life and ministry have, and will, I believe, continue to bear fruit. We can be grateful for that.

James Dobson has always spread the message of Jesus. His love for hurting families and the guidance we received in bringing up our boys has been invalauble. We have reaped what we sowed! This world does not want to hear the truth of Gods word anymore. This is why people are turning on James Dobson because he will not say what you want to hear but what God says. Those who dislike him will also dislike the infallable word of God. You can critize James Dobson but what will you say to God when you stand before him?

Dobson, love him or hate him, was none-the-less a prominent and respected voice for Evangelical conservatism. And, although, I may not have agreed with him on every political issue he addressed, I did respect him. Hopefully, God has a replacement.

Dr. Dobson was excellent until he tried mixing church with politics.
Even Jesus didn't preach that gospel.
Render unto Ceasar that which is Ceaser's, and unto God that which is God's.
Placing the Church under the political leaders is like Stalinism.
Placing the Church over the Nation would be like the Middle (dark)
ages, or like Colonial America.

millions around the world are indebted to Dr. Dobson for his sound, biblical and practical advice on raising the family in a dangerous culture. He is to be commended for his steadfast committment to moral values, and he will be sorely missed when he takes the next inevitable step of giving up the radio program. I, for one, hope that that day will be years down the road.

I agree with the comment (Elizabeth at February 27, 2009). I engaged Dobson in correspondence nearly 20 yrs ago about a public position he took making some sins worse than others and requiring Christians to act vengefully toward some, regardless of repentance and correction. He caused me much personal agony and damage. Perhaps if what Votres is suggesting is true, he may be headed for the fruits of his own comments. He is just a man, just a Christian, and he fails like the rest of us. We all must be forgiving, and I must remind myself constantly that I must forgive him.

God bless you Dr. Dobson.

Allen in his comments above is right: Daring those who are banging on Dr. D ...... How many people have done as much good day after day after day as this man (and his wife). So easy to criticize when one doesn't live in the fishbowl that he does with your opinions constantly mattering and very few others in N. America with his voice.

I don't agree with him on the way he has handled many political and other decisions, but I'd rather be him than me on judgement day. Wow what a life lived and still going strong.

Let's pray for the dude in areas we see a need for change.

Dr. Dobson has and continues to live a public life of integrity. He takes on difficult topics when the rest of us run and hide behind christian versions of political correctness.

Good on ya' Dr D!

David in Toronto

Dr. Dobson's books and words of wisdom were a vital part of my life as a mother. I'm thankful that he allowed God to move and work through him to minister to many families over my lifetime. I admire him for touching on difficult subjects that many others tried to sanitize for political correctness....it takes wisdom and courage to defend your beliefs...and people don't always have to agree, but he challenged me to examine and seek knowledge for myself...a TRUE TEACHER.

Dr. Dobson's dedication to the family and the sanctity of human life has been a tremendous influence on my life. He inspired me to do something for the unborn. I will always be grateful for his example and dedication to this unique mission. Only etermity will reveal the fruits of his faithful service for the Lord.

I grew up with loving parents who had 'No parenting techniques. When I had a child who controlled the home and a second one just born, I had 'serious learning to do. Our Heavenly Father, Focus On The Family, and The Cosby Show were The major aids in my learning. 'They were 'the highlight of my day and my week. God Blessed us with these Godly and/or wise people. Listening to them was many times my main source for hearing things I did not grow up hearing. With -nothing political-, I am so thankful for them. I am still learning as a grandparent in these trying and fiery times. Oh can we be so Grateful! and Thankful! rather than nit picking and 'keep our focus' on the most important things, as The Lord desires. Thank you so much 'Focus On The Family, 'Mr. & Mrs. Dobson, and 'All of you for your devotion - extending and exhibiting your Godly loving spirit and understanding for us. I learned more from you than you will ever know.

remembers me about Moses and Joshua, a change in leadership no more no less. We have to remember that Christianity is about Christ, we all men shall fade away, so the imperishable light of God shine.

I think that Dobson has and is a great asset to the Christian as well as non Christian community! I pray that his retirement would continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ! Now for those of you who feel that they don't like James Dobson's political views well get ready because if you feel that following Christ doesn't polarize you to a political view then your in for a big surprise, because I feel that we as Christians are about to be persecuted like never before in this country and James wants us to stand up for Christ and His Word in every aspect of our lives. The Christian should always defend the Word in all places private, public and political! Maranatha. God bless you James Dobson!

As to Jim Roane phd You need to study your bible better the context that Jesus was speaking of there was as to paying TAXES not political activism, read the whole context of what was being taught, the problem today is that too many people take the Bible out of context and don't spend any time in understanding the circumstances with which it was written and then applying it to our current life! If you are going to quote the bible be ready to totally understand the CONTEXT of the verses, because the bible can be used to explain anything you want in any way you want. You as a Christian are acoountable for what you say!

We pray John l4:12 will become his Guide in healing the Hebrews 6:6 through the years; i.e,we have begged him to help the elderly (all in Heaven now but one 90 year old Lorrayne Filson)who lost their life savings in the 23 Million Dollars Religious Rico Fraud at the Calvary Temple Denver church (sic);to this day we will continue to beg him and Shirley to remember the teachings of our childhood as children of Holiness Parents: we go to hell if we don't repent of such open sins - a text book is being written for students of all discplines and the letter Dr. Dobson wrote in honor of Charles E. Blair will be part of the evidentiary evidence -
The War Widows

Focus on the Family was regular listening for me except when there were preachers with the US shouting style of preaching, which some people find inspirational;but I find stressful and a turn off. (I can't listen to many US preachers).
Dr James Dobson has maintained a radio programme over a long time, quite an achievement. Sometimes I felt it reflected conservatism rather than Christianity, but sometimes it had some inspirational speakers who are great witnesses for Christ, for which I am grateful. I live in Australia and I feel the programme suffers here as cultural and other issues are often only relevant to the USA. Australia needs its own programme with maybe some of the relevant US segments. The short Glenn Williams talks are the most relevant to us at the moment and are played on many stations including some secular ones.
I may not always agree with the views or perspectives of the programme or Dr Dobson, or what is not covered in Focus on The Family, and I don't listen to it as a rule any more, but I thank Dr Dobson in his work.

Dr. Dobson, you have been an inspiration to me and will continue to be inspite of your retirement. May God continue to bless you and your dear wife Shirley.

I hope that James can just relax a bit . . . maybe read a good novel. . .see a good movie. . .play a little. . .meet a friend at Starbucks to just chat a bit. . .

I do wish the Dobson's well. They indeed have been a blessing in the lives of many.

I too like so many wish he had stuck what seemed the original focus that I heard and enjoyed even as a youth. These messages were purposed to change individual hearts which in turn would indeed change families and ultimately nations.

There seems now to be so much stealthy hate within and without the Church. Often times, those of us who publicly state we are followers of Christ unwittingly ( i hope ) exacerbate and i dare say incite a spirit of hatred.

We must 1st care about WHO is in the world this is more apt to help WHAT is in the world that is so desparately sad and sinful. Each of us, empowered by the Holy Spirit should purpose to get to know people-all types of people, their joys their pains and deal as Christ did when He was on earth. Hearts will be opened to truth and righteousness and God's government and kingdom when INDIVIDUALS know we care. No political working will ever do this.

Nonetheless, let us pray for one another to follow Christ's way even when we may have been mistaken in our approach and zeal. Humbly submitted.

Posted by: David

Dr. Dobson, you have been an inspiration to me and will continue to be inspite of your retirement. May God continue to bless you and your dear wife Shirley.

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As we've all been taught evil lives forever, don't worry David... inspite (sic) of his retirement .... evil will live in those he spawned behind his pulpit of bigotry and hate.

Guido, "over the years it seems he has tried to become an expert on everything (hello, Al Mohler!)and gotten away from that first love, strengthening the family. As a result, families are still suffering and his voice has diminished"

What the heck are you atlking about, the guy was alwasy a crazy republican extremist. There was never any transision. And you make him sound like some suoerhero, like families would not be suffering becuase of him, what has he done? Blown alot of right wing hot air over the years making a name for himself so he could have clout in the un-holy marriage of Evangelicalism to a political party. He doesn't do any good for anyone but himeslef, build a following and tell people how to vote. It's all a dog and pony show. Don't turn him into a saint. Heed the Boibles warning to watch out for "Wolves in Shepherds Clothing" Thats all these mega church Evangelical leaders are, idealsit who manage to use religious jargon to get otehrwise decent Christ follwing people to get all tangled up in their agendas and give them the clout they lust for. Meanwhile pastors in traning lik myself are left to figure out how to deal with these problems facing families in the REAL WORLD!

How can you not speak about political issues when you are an advocate for the family? I don't understand much of the criticism above. All of the issues above DO affect the family. Just look at how it was before FOF. There are countless parents out there that had no idea about parenting with a sound Christian influence before FOF. Look at how everyone's morals and values have changed in our culture in the last 30 years after being brow beaten relentlessly by the biased anti-christian culture we now live in. I shudder to think if FOF wasn't the force it was during these last 30 years. Reading some of the comments above is like reading many of the talking points you see in today's media. Don't get me wrong, I think the authors of many of those comments could really have strong biblical beliefs, and when asked about individual issues could perhaps agree that those political issues DO affect the family and do not agree with Biblical morals and values, but have been swept away by the pressure of belonging to the "world."
When I think of Jim and Shirley Dobson, I think of Ray Boltz's song "Thank you"

To David M, re: Marianne's post and your comments about her:
Just a note to say that JESUS said nothing about homosexuals, except to invite them "to come unto me" and find Salvation, Peace and Joy.
I ask you, "Would Jesus Discriminate?"
What does "Who So Ever Will, Let Him Come" really mean?

Our Rhetoric can be well intentioned but be hateful and hurtful.
Then the rhetoric accomplishes nothing in terms of winning the lost to Jesus Christ.

As a former Lesbian,I can say Dosbson hit the nail on the head in his writings.
It IS spiritual and once you embrace the lifestyle it causes changes to one physically. I thank Jesus and Dobson for having the guts to stand up for truth. Thank you ..Thank you ...Thank you.

Jesus does love those who are Homosexuals so much he doesn't want them to live in sin. You can not serve two masters. I know that.. and now I am FREE!!
May Christians NEVER compromise the truth of the Gospel and not give a watered down one that is pleasing to peoples ears.

Dobson has lost his effectiveness, the reason is simple when he began Conservative Christianity was the norm, now it is the exception.

Sorry, Ron Maldonado at March 2, 2009, Jim Roane, PhD, did not say anything of the sort. Here is what I said, "Dobson, love him or hate him, was none-the-less a prominent and respected voice for Evangelical conservatism. And, although, I may not have agreed with him on every political issue he addressed, I did respect him. Hopefully, God has a replacement." I noticed that you are credited with posting 2 comments, one following the other. I assume that one of the quotes is not yours. Sorry to disappoint you.

Congratulations to Dr. Dobson for many years of faithful service. I know he will hear His Lord say "Well done good and faithful servant." Dr. Jon Mark Vermilion