James Dobson

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For other persons named Jim Dobson, see Jim Dobson (disambiguation).
James Dobson

Born April 21, 1936 (1936-04-21) (age 72)
Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Nationality American
Education Point Loma Nazarene University
University of Southern California
Occupation Psychologist
Author
Radio Broadcaster
Title Chairman of the Board
Political party Republican
Board member of Focus on the Family
Religious beliefs Christian
Spouse(s) Shirley Dobson
Children Danae Dobson
Ryan Dobson

James Clayton "Jim" Dobson (born April 21, 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is an American evangelical Christian and founder and former chairman of the board of Focus on the Family, a nonprofit organization he founded in 1977. He has never drawn a salary from the organization, but has used it to promote his related books and publications, yielding him royalties only for sales through other venues.[1] As part of his role in the organization, he produces the daily radio program Focus on the Family, which is broadcast in more than a dozen languages and on over 7,000 stations worldwide, and heard daily by more than 220 million people in 164 countries, according to the organization's own statements.[2][3] Focus on the Family is also carried by about 60 U.S. television stations daily.[2] He founded the Family Research Council in 1981. He is an evangelical Christian[4] with conservative views on theology and politics. He has been referred to as "the nation's most influential evangelical leader" by Time magazine,[5] and Slate has termed him the successor to evangelical leaders Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson.[6] On January 24, 1989, he interviewed American serial killer Ted Bundy right before Bundy's execution.[7]

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Background

Dobson's "Christmas Jacket" on display at Focus on the Family's headquarters in Colorado Springs

James C. Dobson Jr. was born to Myrtle and James Dobson, and from his earliest childhood, Christianity was a central part of his life. He once told a reporter that he learned to pray before he learned to talk. In fact, he says he gave his life to Jesus at the age of three, in response to an altar call by his father.[8] He is the son, grandson, and great-grandson of Nazarene evangelists. To this day, he remains a member of the evangelical Church of the Nazarene, the largest denomination to come out of the 19th century Holiness Movement.[9] His father, James Dobson Sr., (1911-1977) never went to college, choosing instead the life of a traveling evangelist. Pastor Dobson was well-known in the southwest, and he and Mrs. Dobson often took their young son along so that he could watch his father preach. Theirs was a patriarchal home, in which Mrs. Dobson always deferred to her husband in every major decision.[citation needed] Like most Nazarenes, they forbade dancing and going to movies, so young "Jimmie Lee" (as he was called) concentrated on his studies, and also became good at tennis.[10]

Dobson was drawn to the study of psychology, which in the 1950s and 1960s was not looked upon favorably by most evangelical Christians. He came to believe that he was being called to become a Christian counselor or perhaps a Christian psychologist.[8] He decided to pursue a degree in psychology, and ultimately received his doctorate in that field in 1967.

Dobson first became well-known with the publication of Dare to Discipline, which encouraged parents to use corporal punishment in disciplining their children.[11] Dobson's social and political opinions are widely read among many evangelical church congregations in the United States.[12] Dobson publishes monthly bulletins also called Focus on the Family, which are dispensed as inserts in some Sunday church service bulletins.[13]

[edit] Personal life

After their August 26, 1960 marriage, Dobson and his wife Shirley have two children, Danae and Ryan. Ryan Dobson, who graduated from Biola University in La Mirada, California, is a public speaker in his own right, speaking on issues relating to youth, the philosophical belief in ontological truth, and the pro-life movement. Ryan Dobson was adopted by the Dobsons and is an ardent supporter of adoption, especially adoption of troubled children. He runs http://www.ryandobson.com/, also known as Kor Ministries, where he has hosted a podcast since 2005.

[edit] Degrees, positions, and awards

Dobson attended Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) where he was team captain of the tennis team, most valuable player in 1956 and 1958, and later returned to coach in 1968-1969.[14] Dobson earned a doctorate in child development from the University of Southern California in 1967. He was an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years. He spent 17 years on the staff of the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. Dobson is a licensed psychologist in the State of California.[15]

At the invitation of Presidents and Attorneys General,[3] Dobson has also served on government advisory panels and testified at several government hearings. He has been given the "Layman of the Year" award by the National Association of Evangelicals in 1982, "The Children's Friend" honor by Childhelp USA (an advocate agency against child abuse) in 1987, and the Humanitarian Award by the California Psychological Association in 1988. In 2005, Dobson received an honorary doctorate (his 16th and most recent[16]) from Indiana Wesleyan University and was inducted into IWU's Society of World Changers, while speaking at the university's Academic Convocation.[2]

In 2008, Dobson's "Focus on the Family" program was nominated for induction into the Radio Hall of Fame.[17] Nominations were made by the 157 members of the Hall of Fame and voting on inductees was handed over to the public using online voting.[18] The nomination drew the ire of gay rights activists, who launched efforts to have the program removed from the nominee list and to vote for other nominees to prevent "Focus on the Family" from winning.[19][20] However, on July 18, 2008, it was announced that the program had won and would be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in a ceremony on November 8, 2008.[21] TruthWinsOut.org, a gay rights group, has said they will protest the ceremony.[22]

[edit] Social views

[edit] Views on marriage

James Dobson is a strong proponent of what he calls "traditional marriage".[23] According to his view, women are not deemed inferior to men because both are created in God's image, but each gender has biblically-mandated roles.[24] He recommends that married women with children under the age of 18 focus on mothering, rather than work for income outside the home. He believes this provides a stable environment for growing children.[25]

In the 2004 book Marriage Under Fire: Why We Must Win This Battle, Dobson explains what he believes to be the Bible's view of marriage. Dobson suggests that falling heterosexual marriage rates in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are due to the recognition of same-sex relationships by those countries during the 1990s (pp. 8-9).[26] He remarks that traditional marriage "is rapidly dying" in these countries as a result, with most young people cohabiting or choosing to remain single (living alone) and illegitimacy rates rising in some Norwegian counties up to 80%.[26] However, at least one journalist investigating the statistics Dobson cites claims he and others have "misinterpreted the statistics while not supporting their interpretations with any actual research."[26] Dobson writes that "every civilization in the world has been built upon [heterosexual marriage]," (p. 7) and describes the institution of marriage as "the bedrock of culture in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and even Antarctica" (p. 8). He also believes that homosexuality is a learned moral choice and he cites as evidence the life of actress Anne Heche,[27][28] who at one time claimed to be a lesbian but no longer does so. Criticizing "the realities of judicial tyranny," Dobson has written that "[t]here is no issue today that is more significant to our culture than the defense of the family. Not even the war on terror eclipses it" (pp. 84-85).

Critics, such as the Human Rights Campaign, point out that Dobson's views on homosexuality do not represent the mainstream views of the mental health community.[27] Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center opined that such views prompt violence: "We have reports that clearly show this kind of rhetoric paves the way to violence. Without question, gay men and lesbians are the most attacked group — and the hate crimes toward them are more violent."[29]

[edit] Views on schooling

Dobson and Focus on the Family support private school vouchers and tax credits for religious schools, and they reject education efforts that support or normalize homosexuality. According to Focus on the Family website, Dobson believes that parents are ultimately responsible for their children's education. He encourages parents to visit their children's schools to ask questions and to join the PTA so that they may voice their opinions.[30] Dobson opposes sex education curricula that are not abstinence-only. According to People for the American Way, concerned citizens have used Focus on the Family's material when challenging a book or curriculum in the public schools.[3] Critics, such as People for the American Way, allege that Focus on the Family encourages Christian teachers to establish prayer groups in public schools.[3][31] Dobson supports student-led prayer in public schools,[3] and believes that allowing student-led Christian prayer in schools does not violate the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.[32]

[edit] Views on discipline within the family

In his book Dare to Discipline, Dobson advocated the spanking of children of up to eight years old when they misbehave, but warns that "corporal punishment should not be a frequent occurrence" and that "discipline must not be harsh and destructive to the child's spirit." He warns against "harsh spanking" because he thinks "It is not necessary to beat the child into submission; a little bit of pain goes a long way for a young child. However, the spanking should be of sufficient magnitude to cause the child to cry genuinely."[33]

Dobson has called disciplining children to be a necessary but unpleasant part of raising children that should only be carried out by qualified parents: "Anyone who has ever abused a child — or has ever felt himself losing control during a spanking — should not expose the child to that tragedy. Anyone who has a violent temper that at times becomes unmanageable should not use that approach. Anyone who secretly 'enjoys' the administration of corporal punishment should not be the one to implement it."[34]

In his book The Strong-Willed Child, Dobson suggests that if authority is portrayed correctly to a child, the child will understand how to interact with other authority figures: "By learning to yield to the loving authority... of his parents, a child learns to submit to other forms of authority which will confront him later in his life—his teachers, school principal, police, neighbors and employers."[35]

Dobson stresses that parents must uphold their authority and do so consistently, comparing the relationship between parents and disobedient children to a battle: "When you are defiantly challenged, win decisively."[33] In The Strong-Willed Child, Dobson draws an analogy between the defiance of a family pet and that of a small child, and concludes that "just as surely as a dog will occasionally challenge the authority of his leaders, so will a little child — only more so."[33] (emphasis in original)

When asked "How long do you think a child should be allowed to cry after being punished? Is there a limit?" Dobson responded:

"Yes, I believe there should be a limit. As long as the tears represent a genuine release of emotion, they should be permitted to fall. But crying quickly changes from inner sobbing to an expression of protest... Real crying usually lasts two minutes or less but may continue for five. After that point, the child is merely complaining, and the change can be recognized in the tone and intensity of his voice. I would require him to stop the protest crying, usually by offering him a little more of whatever caused the original tears. In younger children, crying can easily be stopped by getting them interested in something else."[36]

Dobson's position is controversial; as early as 1985, The New York Times stated that "most child-care experts today disapprove of physical punishment."[37]

[edit] Views on tolerance and diversity

In the winter of 2004-2005, the We Are Family Foundation sent American elementary schools approximately 60,000 copies of a free DVD using popular cartoon characters (most notably Sponge Bob) to "promote tolerance and diversity."[38] Dobson contended that "tolerance and diversity" are "buzzwords" that the We Are Family Foundation misused as part of a hidden agenda to promote homosexuality.[39] The New York Times noted Dobson asserting: "tolerance and its first cousin, diversity, 'are almost always buzzwords for homosexual advocacy.'"[40] He stated on the Focus on the Family website that "childhood symbols are apparently being hijacked to promote an agenda that involves teaching homosexual propaganda to children."[41] He offered as evidence the association of many leading LGBT rights organizations, including GLAAD, GLSEN, HRC, and PFLAG, with the We Are Family Foundation as shown by links which he claims once existed on their website.[42]

The We Are Family Foundation countered that Dobson had mistaken their organization with "an unrelated Web site belonging to another group called 'We Are Family,' which supports gay youth."[43] Foundation attorney Mark Barondess suggested that anyone who thought the video promoted homosexuality "needs to visit their doctor and get their medication increased."[38][43] Dobson countered, "I want to be clear: the We Are Family Foundation — the organization that sponsored the video featuring SpongeBob and the other characters was, until this flap occurred, making available a variety of explicitly pro-homosexual materials on its Web site. It has since endeavored to hide that fact, but my concerns are as legitimate today as they were when I first expressed them in January."[42] In September 2005, Tolerance.org published a follow-up message advertising the DVD's continued availability, including We Are Family Foundation president Nancy Hunt's speculation that many of the DVDs may be "still sitting in boxes, unused, because of Dobson's vitriolic attack."[39]

[edit] Views on homosexuality

Dobson believes that God defines marriage as between one man and one woman only and describes this as the central stabilizing institution of society. Dobson believes that any sexual activity outside of such a union - including homosexuality - cannot be approved by God. In Dobson's view, homosexuality is a choice that is made through influences in a child's environment rather than an inborn trait. He states that homosexual behavior, specifically "unwanted same-sex attraction", has been and can be "overcome" through understanding developmental models for homosexuality and choosing to heal the complex developmental issues which led to same-sex attraction.[44][28]

Despite Dobson being a licensed clinical psychologist, and his expression of homosexuality in psychological terms, his views are not supported by the mainstream mental health community, including the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association.[15]

Dobson's Focus on the Family ministry sponsors the monthly conference Love Won Out, where participants hear "powerful stories of ex-gay men and women."[27] However, several gays and lesbians who formerly participated in the Love Won Out conference have since spoken out against it, decrying both its methodology and supposed success.[45] In regards to the conference, Dobson has stated that "Gay activists come with preconceived notions about who we are and what we believe and about the hate that boils from within, which is simply not true. Regardless of what the media might say, Focus on the Family has no interest in promoting hatred toward homosexuals or anyone else. We also don't wish to deprive them of their basic constitutional rights... The Constitution applies to all of us."[46] Dobson strongly opposes the movement to legitimize same-sex relationships. In his book Bringing Up Boys, Dobson states that "Homosexuals deeply resent being told that they selected this same-sex inclination in pursuit of sexual excitement or some other motive."[47]

Dobson has been quoted as saying that it is the responsibility of a father to raise his son to be a "man," and to encourage his son's masculinity.[citation needed]

Dobson has been criticized for claiming that sociological studies show that gay couples do not make good parents. Sociologist Judith Stacey, the author of one such study, responded that Dobson's claim "is a direct misrepresentation of my research."[48] In response to Dobson's claim that "there have been more than ten thousand studies that have showed that children do best when they are raised with a mother and a father who are committed to each other," Stacey replied that "[a]ll of those studies that Dobson is referring to are studies that did not include gay or lesbian parents as part of the research base."[49]

Dobson believes that bills expanding the prohibition of sexual orientation-based discrimination will lead to a situation where, "every woman and little girl will have to fear that a predator, bisexual, cross-dresser or even a homosexual or heterosexual male might walk in and relieve himself in their presence."[50]

Some gay rights activists have expressed fears that Dobson's ultimate goal is to pressure lawmakers into outlawing homosexuality and have questioned whether he favors reinstituting Old Testament death penalties for homosexual activity.[51] In an interview with Soulforce, gay minister Mel White said, "Right now [Dobson] just calls us an abomination. But he's warned us that he takes the Bible literally. Does that mean he's just waiting to enforce the execution part? I don't ask that question as an alarmist or an hysteric. I ask that question because it's real."[51]

[edit] Political and social influence

Although Dobson initially remained somewhat distant from Washington politics, in 1981 he founded the Family Research Council as a political arm through which "social conservative causes" could achieve greater political influence.[52]

In late 2004, Dobson led a campaign to block the appointment of Arlen Specter to head of the Senate Judiciary Committee because of Specter's pro-choice stance on abortion.[53] Responding to a question by Fox News personality Alan Colmes on whether he wanted the Republican Party to be known as a "big-tent party," he replied, "I don't want to be in the big tent... I think the party ought to stand for something."[54] In 2006, Family Research Council spent more than a half million dollars to promote a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in its home state of Colorado.[55]

In a Salon interview, author Chris Hedges opined that he believed Dobson wanted to impose a totalitarian system, and referred to Dobson as a "really dark figure."[56]

A May 2005 article by Hedges in Harpers described Dobson as "perhaps the most powerful figure in the Dominionist movement" and "a crucial player in getting out the Christian vote for George W. Bush."[57] Discernment Ministries, a site that describes dominionism as a heresy, characterized Dobson as belonging to the "Patriotic American" brand of dominionism, calling him "One of its most powerful leaders."[58]

In November 2004, Dobson was described by the online magazine Slate.com as "America's most influential evangelical leader."[6] The article explained "Forget Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, who in their dotage have marginalized themselves with gaffes... Dobson is now America's most influential evangelical leader, with a following reportedly greater than that of either Falwell or Robertson at his peak... Dobson may have delivered Bush his victories in Ohio and Florida."[6] Further, "He's already leveraging his new power. When a thank-you call came from the White House, Dobson issued the staffer a blunt warning that Bush 'needs to be more aggressive' about pressing the religious right's pro-life, anti-gay rights agenda, or it would 'pay a price in four years.'... Dobson has sometimes complained that the Republican Party may take the votes of social conservatives for granted, and has suggested that evangelicals may withhold support from the GOP if the party does not more strongly support conservative family issues: "Does the Republican Party want our votes, no string attached — to court us every two years, and then to say, 'Don't call me, I'll call you' — and not to care about the moral law of the universe? ... Is that what they want? Is that the way the system works? Is this the way it's going to be? If it is, I'm gone, and if I go, I will do everything I can to take as many people with me as possible."[3]

However, in 2006, Dobson said that, while "there is disillusionment out there with Republicans" and "that worries me greatly," he nonetheless suggested voters turn out and vote Republican in 2006. "My first inclination was to sit this one out," but according to The New York Times, Dobson then added that "he had changed his mind when he looked at who would become the leaders of Congressional committees if the Democrats took over."[52]

Dobson garnered national media attention once again in February 2008 after releasing a statement in the wake of Senator John McCain's expected success in the so-called "Super Tuesday" Republican primary elections. In his statement, Dobson said: "I cannot, and will not, vote for Senator John McCain, as a matter of conscience," and indicated that he would refrain from voting altogether were McCain to become the Republican candidate, echoing other conservative commentators' concerns about the Senator's conservatism.[59] He has since endorsed Mike Huckabee for president. When Dobson later indicated he "might" vote for McCain, Independent presidential candidate Alan Keyes coined the tongue-in-cheek phrase "Dobson's Choice" to highlight the dilemma conservative voters face in a two-party political system while choosing to endorse the lesser of two evils. [60] After McCain selected a pro-life candidate, Sarah Palin, as his running mate, Dobson said that he is more enthusiastic in his support for the Republican ticket.[61] When Palin's 17-year old daughter's pregnancy was revealed, Dobson issued a press release commending Palin's stance, saying "We have always encouraged the parents to love and support their children and always advised the girls to see their pregnancies through, even though there will of course be challenges along the way. That is what the Palins are doing, and they should be commended once again for not just talking about their pro-life and pro-family values, but living them out even in the midst of trying circumstances."[62]

On June 24, 2008, Dobson publicly criticized statements made by U.S. Presidential candidate Barack Obama in Obama's 2006 "Call to Renewal"[63] address. Dobson stated that Obama was "distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own worldview."[64] On October 23, 2008, Dobson published a "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America" that proposed that an Obama presidency would lead to mandated homosexual teachings across all schools, the banning of firearms in entire states, the end of the Boy Scouts, home schooling, Christian school groups, Christian adoption agencies, and talk radio, pornography on prime-time and daytime television, mandatory bonuses for gay soldiers, terrorist attacks across America, the nuclear bombing of Tel Aviv, the conquering of most of eastern Europe by Russia, the end of health care for Americans over 80, out-of-control gasoline prices, and complete economic disaster in the United States, among other catastrophes.[65] In the days after the 2008 presidental election, Dobson stated on his radio program that he was mourning the Obama election, claiming that Obama supported infantcide, would be responsible for the deaths of millions of unborn children, and was "going to appoint the most liberal justices to the Supreme Court, perhaps, that we've ever had."[66]

Dobson is an intelligent design supporter and has spoken at conferences supporting the subject, and frequently criticizes evolution."[67] In 2007, Dobson was one of 25 evangelicals who called for the ouster of Rev. Richard Cizik from his position at the National Association of Evangelicals because Cizik had taken a stance urging evangelicals to take global warming seriously.[68]

Dobson is a frequent guest on Fox News Channel.[54]

[edit] Succession planning

Dobson has been relinquishing leadership roles as he ages. With regards to Focus on the Family, Dobson stepped down as President and CEO in 2003, and resigned from the position of chairman of the board in February 2009.[69] Dobson will continue his to host the Focus on the Family radio broadcast and write for the newsletter.[70]

[edit] Publications

Dobson has authored or co-authored 36 books, including:

[edit] Books as sole author

[edit] Books with others

[edit] Notable articles and reports

[edit] References

  1. ^ Welsome, Eileen (2006-08-01). "James and the Giant Jihad". 5280 magazine. http://www.5280.com/issues/2006/0608/feature.php?pageID=502. Retrieved on 2008-06-19.  "Dobson has never drawn a salary from Focus. He derives his income from royalties on books sold through venues such as Barnes & Noble, The Tattered Cover, or Amazon.com. Dobson waives the royalties on any books sold through the ministry’s bookstore or website, which can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars of income for the nonprofit and a hefty tax write-off for Dobson."
  2. ^ a b c "Press Biographies > Dr. James Dobson". Focus on the Family. http://www.focusonthefamily.com/press/focusvoices/A000000025.cfm. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. 
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Focus on the Family". People For the American Way. 2006. http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=4257. Retrieved on 2006-10-10. 
  4. ^ "Evangelical Leader Threatens to Use His Political Muscle Against Some Democrats". New York Times. 2005-01-01. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40A12FE3E5D0C728CDDA80894DD404482. Retrieved on 2007-05-09. 
  5. ^ Olsen, Ted (2005-02-21). "Who's Driving This Thing?". Christianity Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/februaryweb-only/12.0c.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-05. 
  6. ^ a b c Crowley, Michael (2004-11-12). "James Dobson: The Religious Right's New Kingmaker.". Slate.com. http://slate.msn.com/id/2109621/. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  7. ^ Dobson's interview of Bundy is available on YouTube in several parts:Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, and Part Six
  8. ^ a b Apostolidis, Paul (2000-05). Stations of the Cross: Adorno and Christian Right Radio. Duke University Press. pp. 22. ISBN 0822325411. 
  9. ^ "A Righteous Indignation". US News & World Report. 1998-05-04.  reprinted at SkepticTank.org
  10. ^ Stepp, Laura (1990-08-08). "The Empire Built on Family and Faith". Washington Post. pp. C1-3. 
  11. ^ Balmer, Randall (2007-08). "The Wizard of Colorado Springs". Sojourners Magazine. http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0708&article=070833a. Retrieved on 2008-06-26.  "his breakthrough book, Dare to Discipline, [...] challenged the permissive child-rearing techniques of Benjamin Spock. The book, published in 1970, encouraged parents to spank their children with belts or switches and to leave such items on the child's dresser to remind her of the consequences of challenging authority"
  12. ^ Gibbon, Jeani Hunt (Sep/October 2005), Listening to Dr. Dobson, 20, Tikkun, p. 11  "Dobson is one of the single most important religious intellectuals and political leaders in America today, and many people take his words very seriously. When Dobson makes such a statement, it is the Evangelical equivalent of a Vatican Decree that is meant to communicate a policy position not only to church goers, but to social conservatives as a whole-specifically, the Republican Party."
  13. ^ Roberts, Steven V. (1995-04-25), The Heavy Hitter, 118, US News & World Report, p. 34  "Like a religious version of Walt Disney, Dobson started with a small idea and built it into a multimedia empire: 10 radio shows, 11 magazines (including specialty publications for doctors, teachers and single parents), bestselling books, film strips and videos of all kinds. Then there are the basketball camps and the curriculum guides, the church bulletin fillers and suggested sermon topics, faxed weekly to thousands of pastors."
  14. ^ "Year/Coach/Record/MVP". http://www.pointloma.edu/Athletics/MensTennis/Archives/Year_Coach_Record_MVP.htm. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  15. ^ a b "Psychologist license". State of California. http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/WLLQRYNA$LCEV2.QueryView?P_LICENSE_NUMBER=3203&P_LTE_ID=725. Retrieved on 2008-10-25.  While previous versions of this page indicated his license had expired in April 2008, the website was updated in June 2008 to reflect a 2010 expiration date.
  16. ^ "Triangle; President's Report 2005" (PDF). http://www.indwes.edu/alumni/graphics/2005PRtriangle.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-10-11. 
  17. ^ Williams, Devon (2008-05-01). "Dr. Dobson's Broadcast Nominated to Radio Hall of Fame". Citizenlink.org. http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000007319.cfm. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  18. ^ Barna, Mark (2008-07-21). "Dobson garners hall of fame honor". The Gazette. http://www.gazette.com/articles/radio_38491___article.html/dobson_fame.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  19. ^ "Dr. Dobson Blasted by Gay Activist". Citizenlink.org. 2008-07-11. http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000007803.cfm. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  20. ^ Besen, Wayne (2008-07-09). "TWO Launches Drive to Keep James Dobson Out of the Radio Hall of Fame". PR Newswire. http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/two-launches-drive-keep-james/story.aspx?guid=%7B689964E1-58B4-447C-8035-A4E5A019854E%7D&dist=hppr. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  21. ^ Cuprisin, Tim (2008-07-20). "FCC commissioner wants more concessions in satellite merger". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=774479. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  22. ^ "Religion News in Brief". Associated Press. 2008-07-25. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gVVkhOROBhtmO0erIagBCwlYOFpAD924RBS00. Retrieved on 2008-07-25. 
  23. ^ Dobson, James C. (2007-11). "The Love of a Lifetime". http://www.focusonthefamily.com/docstudy/newsletters/A000001009.cfm. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  24. ^ Dobson, James (2001). "Why Boys Are So Different". FocusonYourChild.com. Focus on the Family. http://www.focusonyourchild.com/develop/art1/A0000716.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-07. 
  25. ^ Dobson, James. "Is it important for mothers to stay home during the teen years?". Focus on the Family. http://family.custhelp.com./cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=974. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  26. ^ a b c Bennett, Erin (2006-09-14). "Verifying the Facts". 14. Colorado Springs Independent.  "The main research that Dobson uses to support his argument is from three Scandinavian countries - Sweden, Norway, and Denmark - and the Netherlands. He argues that increased extramarital cohabitation and short-term relationships have resulted from legal recognition of same-sex couples there"
  27. ^ a b c Johnson, Alex (2005-06-23). "‘Healed’ by God: Evangelical group sponsors conference on nature of gays". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8234503/. 
  28. ^ a b Schmader, David (2005-06-30). "Jesus Hates You; Christians Rationalize Bigotry at "Love Won Out"". 14. The Stranger. p. 16. 
  29. ^ Bagby, Dyana (2005-06-03). "Efforts of ‘anti-gay industry’ chronicled in new report: Civil rights group targets religious conservatives". Southern Voice. http://www.sovo.com/2005/6-3/news/national/anti-gay.cfm. Retrieved on 2008-06-21. 
  30. ^ "What can parents do to improve public schools?". Focus on the Family. http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=796. Retrieved on 2008-06-21. 
  31. ^ Zirin, Dave (2006-07-28). "You Can Keep the Faith". The Nation. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060814/zirin. Retrieved on 2008-06-21. 
  32. ^ Stammer, Larry B.; Richard Lee Colvin (1995-08-31). "Foes Target Amendment on Prayer in Schools; Beliefs: Citing Federal Guidelines, Activists and Some Religious Leaders say a Change in Constitution is Unneeded". Los Angeles Times. p. 3.  "We do not support teacher-led, state-mediated school prayer, but we do believe that students have the same religious rights as other people," said Alan Crippen of "Focus on the Family," a major evangelical Christian broadcast and publications ministry founded by psychologist James Dobson.
  33. ^ a b c *Dobson, James C. (1977-02). Dare to Discipline. Bantam. pp. 7. ISBN 0553228412. 
  34. ^ Dobson, James (2004-11-21). "Good-Natured Child Needs His Share of Parents' Attention". Focus on the Family. http://www.uexpress.com/focusonthefamily/?uc_full_date=20041121. Retrieved on 2008-06-21. 
  35. ^ Dobson, James C. (1992-09). The Strong-Willed Child. Living Books. pp. 235. ISBN 084232335X. 
  36. ^ "Discipline problems". http://www.troubledwith.com/stellent/groups/public/%5C@fotf_troubledwith/documents/articles/twi_012701.cfm?channel=Parenting%20Children&topic=Discipline&sssct=Questions%20and%20Answers. Retrieved on 2008-05-04. 
  37. ^ Wright, Susan (1985-06-19). "Parents and Experts Split on Spanking". The New York Times. p. C9. 
  38. ^ a b "US right attacks SpongeBob video". BBC News. 2005-01-20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4190699.stm. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  39. ^ a b "'We Are Family' DVD Still Available". Southern Poverty Law Center. 2005-09-06. http://www.tolerance.org/teach/current/event.jsp?p=0&ar=625. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  40. ^ Zernike, Kate (2005-01-30). "Buzzwords; Hello, Synergy, Begone, Crisis". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0DE1DE153BF933A05752C0A9639C8B63. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  41. ^ "Religious Right Attacks Tolerance Pledge". Southern Poverty Law Center. 2005-03. http://www.splcenter.org/center/splcreport/article.jsp?aid=131. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  42. ^ a b Chang, Pauline J. (2005-01-28). "Dobson Clarifies Pro-Gay SpongeBob Video Controversy". The Christian Post. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050128/20875_Dobson_Clarifies_Pro-Gay_SpongeBob_Video_Controversy.htm. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  43. ^ a b Kirkpatrick, David D. (2005-01-20). "Conservatives Pick Soft Target: A Cartoon Sponge". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/20/politics/20sponge.html?ex=1263877200&en=a1bb4268064fb8bd&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  44. ^ "Love Won Out FAQ". http://www.lovewonout.com/questions/. 
  45. ^ "Orlando Sentinel: Gay activists to protest Orlando event, notion that homosexuality is ‘curable’". Truthwinsout.org. 2008-06-06. http://www.truthwinsout.org/pressreleases/orlando-sentinel-gay-activists-to-protest-orlando-event-notion-that-homosexuality-is-curable/. Retrieved on 2008-09-05. 
  46. ^ Kwon, Lillian (March 19, 2008). "Gays Still Looking for Love from Christians". http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080319/31579_Gays_Still_Looking_for_Love_from_Christians.htm. 
  47. ^ Bringing Up Boys, Focus on the Family 2003, p. 115-116
  48. ^ Paulson, Steven K. (2006-07-17), "Gay rights group: Dobson manipulated research", Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/07/17/gay_rights_group_dobson_manipulated_data/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News 
  49. ^ YouTube - Dr. Judith Stacey on James Dobson's Distortions
  50. ^ Ingold, John (2008-05-30). "Anti-bias measure inked: Governor signs bill covering sexual orientation, religious beliefs". The Denver Post. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_9420864. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  51. ^ a b "Interview with Dr. Rev. Mel White, founder and executive director of Soulforce, Inc., on the direct action to confront Focus on the Family and James Dobson on May 1, 2005 in Colorado Springs". soulforce.org. 2005-02-23. http://www.soulforce.org/article/135. Retrieved on 2008-09-13. 
  52. ^ a b Kirkpatrick, David D. (2004-05-13). "The 2004 Campaign: Evangelical Christians—Warily, a Religious Leader Lifts His Voice in Politics". The New York Times. p. A22. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E02EED9113CF930A25756C0A9629C8B63. 
  53. ^ "Conservative leader targets Specter". CNN. 2004-11-09. http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/07/specter.judiciary/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  54. ^ a b "What Will a New Bush Term Mean for the American Family?". FOX News. 2004-11-15. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,138571,00.html. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  55. ^ Asay, Paul (2006-08-23). "Focus backing state amendment". The Gazette. http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1320766&secid=1. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  56. ^ Goldberg, Michelle (2007-01-08). "The holy blitz rolls on". Salon. http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2007/01/08/fascism/. Retrieved on 2008-06-20.  Salon: "You say they would like to impose a totalitarian system. How much of a conscious goal do you think that is at the upper levels of organizing, with, say, somebody like Rod Parsley?" Hedges: "I think they're completely conscious of it. The level of manipulation is quite sophisticated. These people understand the medium of television, they understand the despair and brokenness of the people they appeal to, and how to manipulate them both for personal and financial gain. I look at these figures, and I would certainly throw James Dobson in there, or Pat Robertson, as really dark figures."
  57. ^ Hedges, Chris (2005-05). "Feeling the hate with the National Religious Broadcasters". Harpers. http://www.harpers.org/archive/2005/05/0080541. (subscription required, reprinted here.)
  58. ^ Leslie, Sarah. "Dominionism and the Rise of Christian Imperialism". Discernment Ministries. http://www.discernment-ministries.org/ChristianImperialism.htm. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  59. ^ Stoddard, Ed (2008-02-05). "Super Tuesday: Dobson delivers blow to McCain candidacy". Reuters. http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/02/05/dobson-delivers-blow-to-mccain-candidacy/. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  60. ^ http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=71830
  61. ^ MacAskill, Ewen (2008-09-01). "US politics: McCain defends running mate's experience". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/01/johnmccain.palin. Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
  62. ^ Tapper, Jake (2008-09-01). "Dobson on Bristol Palin's Pregnancy". ABC News. http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/dobson-on-brist.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-01. 
  63. ^ Obama, Barack (2006-06-28). "'Call to Renewal' Keynote Address". http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060628-call_to_renewal/. Retrieved on 2008-06-25. 
  64. ^ Gorski, Eric (2008-06-24). "Dobson accuses Obama of `distorting' Bible". Associated Press. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080624/D91G8E200.html. Retrieved on 2008-06-24. 
  65. ^ Dobson, James (2008-10-23). "Letter from 2012 in Obama's America" (PDF). Focus on the Family Action. http://focusfamaction.edgeboss.net/download/focusfamaction/pdfs/10-22-08_2012letter.pdf. Retrieved on 2008-11-26. 
  66. ^ Ertelt, Steven (2008-11-07). "James Dobson Mourns Obama Victory, Forecasts Significant Abortion Promotion". Lifenews.com. http://www.lifenews.com/nat4557.html. Retrieved on 2008-11-26. 
  67. ^ Barbara Forrest and Paul R. Gross. Creationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design. 2004, page 270
  68. ^ Cooperman, Alan (2007-03-03). "Evangelical Angers Peers With Call for Action on Global Warming". The Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/02/AR2007030201442.html. Retrieved on 2008-06-19. 
  69. ^ Gorski, Eric (2009-02-27). "James Dobson resigns as Focus on the Family chair". Associated Press. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D96K28PG2&show_article=1. Retrieved on 2009-02-27. 
  70. ^ "Dr. James Dobson Steps Down as Focus on the Family Chairman". Focus on the Family. 2009-02-27. http://www2.focusonthefamily.com/press/pressreleases/A000001313.cfm. Retrieved on 2009-03-04. 
  71. ^ "Commissioner Biographies". 1986-07. http://www.porn-report.com/101-meese-commissioner-biographies.htm. Retrieved on 2008-06-20. 
  • Alexander-Moegerle, Gil (1997). James Dobson's war on America. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. ISBN 1-57392-122X. 
  • Gilgoff, Dan (2008-04-29). The Jesus Machine: How James Dobson, Focus on the Family, and Evangelical America are Winning the Culture War. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 0312378440. 

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Persondata
NAME Dobson, James
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Dobson, Jim
SHORT DESCRIPTION Evangelical Christian psychologist, author, and radio broadcaster.
DATE OF BIRTH April 21, 1936
PLACE OF BIRTH Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Dobson"
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