Who was faith leader James Dobson — the man who shaped American evangelicals, dies at 89

James Dobson, a well-known Christian psychologist and broadcaster who became one of the most important voices in America on family values, has died at the age of 89. Dobson was a big part of Christian political activism for decades. He was known for his daily radio show and conservative ministry Focus on the Family. The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute confirmed his death on Thursday.In a statement announcing his passing, his family said, “Dr. Dobson’s impact endures through the many lives he touched, the families he strengthened, and the unshakable faith he proclaimed,” as quoted in a report by CNN.
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Who was faith leader James Dobson?

For more than 40 years, his ministry shaped debates about gay rights, abortion, and family issues. Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, James Dobson leaves behind a lasting imprint on American Christianity.

James Dobson founded the conservative ministry Focus on the Family, advocated against abortion and gay rights, and began a radio show advising Christians on how to be good parents, passed away on Thursday.
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In 1977, Dobson established Focus on the Family, which at its height employed over 1,000 people and provided him with a forum to advise White House panels, comment on legislation, and oppose legislation that would have prohibited conversion therapy as a means of “curing” homosexuals, as quoted in areport by CNN.
He was a member of the Evangelical Executive Advisory Board of President Donald Trump. Following his departure from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson established the institute that bears his name. The institute claims that the Family Talk radio show, which is nationally syndicated and broadcast by 1,500 radio stations, has over half a million listeners each week.

Why was his influence considered so significant?

Dobson’s institute’s senior vice president, Gary Bauer, referred to him as a “pioneer” who supported families in a society where values were changing. In a 1985 Oval Office interview, Dobson thanked President Ronald Reagan for focusing on family-related issues, as per a report by CNN.

Dobson, a fervent opponent of pornography, filmed a video interview with serial killer Ted Bundy the day before his execution in Florida on January 24, 1989. Dobson was informed by Bundy that he sought gratification for his sexual cravings through raping, killing, and disfiguring women as a result of being exposed to pornography.

1,200 radio stations at the time carried Dobson’s Focus on the Family show every day.

According to his family statement, Dobson was born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their children, Danae and Ryan, daughter-in-law Laura, and two grandchildren.

FAQs

What was James Dobson?
He was a Christian psychologist and the founder of Focus on the Family. He was known for his impact on faith, parenting, and conservative politics.

What age was James Dobson when he died?
James Dobson died when he was 89 years old.