Scholar recounts former ministry and the influence of the deceased founder of Focus on the Family within the Catholic community

James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family and a longtime broadcaster, died in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Aug. 21, 2022. Dobson was one of the last surviving figures of the so-called Religious Right and the culture wars of the 1970s and 1980s.

Born in Louisiana on April 21, 1936, Dobson was raised in the Church of the Nazarene. He later became a psychologist with a doctorate in psychology and worked at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California and Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

Dobson began his ministry in 1977 after the publication of his book on child-rearing, "Dare to Discipline." This marked the beginning of his radio program, "Focus on the Family," which is still heard on approximately 2,000 radio stations. His ministry focused on keeping families together.

Dobson's views on corporal punishment could draw outrage, as demonstrated in his 1978 book "The Strong-Willed Child." However, he was noted for being the same man in private as he was in public, unlike many public figures who cultivate an image or brand.

Dobson expressed the view that boys are in greater danger than girls and that some feminist ideas have precipitated confusion over what it means to be a man. He sometimes sought to ally himself with Catholics on social issues, as evidenced by his attendance at the Pontifical Council for the Family meeting at the Vatican in November 2000.

Despite having some theological differences with the Catholic Church, Dobson found more agreement with Catholics on moral issues such as abortion, premarital sex, safe-sex ideology, and homosexuality than with some of his evangelical brothers and sisters. This was evident in his collaborations with Catholic legal scholar Robert P. George, the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University.

George described Dobson as having no more determined or dedicated advocate for these causes. He highlighted Dobson's understanding that culture significantly influences people's perceptions and expectations, and that law and public policy can help shape culture.

Dobson is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley, a daughter, Danae Dobson, and two grandchildren. Catholic legal scholar Robert P. George issued an appreciation of Dobson on social media, noting their collaboration on various projects to protect and promote marriage, family, and the sanctity of human life.

The "Focus on the Family" broadcast started by Dobson continues to influence and shape cultural conversations around family values. His legacy will undoubtedly live on, continuing to inspire and guide those who seek to uphold traditional family values.

Scholar recounts former ministry and the influence of the deceased founder of Focus on the Family within the Catholic community