By Mark Ellis –
Influential Christian broadcaster Dr. James C. Dobson, whose voice and vision shaped generations through his tireless advocacy for the Christian family, has gone home to be with the Lord. He was 89.
He passed away “peacefully, following a brief illness” at his home in Colorado Springs, according to the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
He was part of the daily conversation in our household, raising two boys in the 1980s and 90s. My wife, Sally, listened to him nearly every day, and he shaped our parenting in significant ways.
Born April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson grew up in a devout, prayerful household. He was particularly close to his father, a blessing Dr. Dobson sought to pass along to others through his wise counseling. He became a spiritual “Dad” to many.
He earned his doctorate in child development from USC and served on the pediatrics faculty there before launching into full-time ministry.
In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, beginning as a small radio program that grew into one of the most influential evangelical media ministries. His broadcasting, writings—including Dare to Discipline, Love Must Be Tough, and Bringing Up Boys—shaped the evangelical movement.
Dobson became a powerful voice in conservative politics, advising presidents from Ronald Reagan through Donald Trump, though he never formally endorsed candidates. He was named one of the most influential evangelicals in America during the 1980s and ’90s, according to The Washington Post.
He mobilized Christian activists in the early stages of the culture wars—particularly around abortion, same-sex marriage, and sexual morality. The appearance of Randall Terry on his program propelled Operation Rescue to the forefront of prolife activism.
Sadly, Dr Dobson was forced out of the organization he founded, Focus on the Family, in 2009. The board cited growing concerns over Dobson’s political commentary, a desire for generational transition, and a wish to make the ministry less involved in partisan politics. It was a painful season for the founder, but Dobson accepted the change graciously, saying, “I respect the direction they believe God is leading… but I cannot be silent about the moral issues of our day,” according to Reuters.
Bouncing back, he founded Family Talk and the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute in 2010, where he continued to speak and write with his accustomed clarity, anchored in the truth of God’s Word.
Colleagues describe Dobson as a man of rare conviction—stern when needed, compassionate at his core. He was a faithful husband to Shirley for over six decades, and a loving father and grandparent whose personal faith informed every public message.
“Dr. Dobson’s life was dedicated to upholding God’s design for the family,” a longtime associate shared. “He never wavered from that calling, and his legacy will continue for generations.”
Dr. Dobson has graduated to his eternal reward—his voice silent on earth, yet still having an influence on many around the world.
To learn more about Dr. Dobson’s Family Institute, go here
RIP Dr. Dobson
Thank you for work you’ve done
He and and his other false Christian kin will see their eternal reward, far away from the gates, far below as you know you deserve. Read the bible for once; you have an instruction manual on how not to be hateful.
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