Dr. James Dobson, a towering figure in American evangelical Christianity and a longtime advocate for faith-based family values, passed away Thursday at the age of 89. His death marks the end of an era for millions of Christians who grew up listening to his voice on the radio, reading his books, and following his guidance on marriage, parenting, and moral life. For more than five decades, Dobson shaped religious discourse in the United States and helped define the role of evangelical Christians in both cultural and political arenas.
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, James Dobson was raised in a deeply religious household. His father was an evangelist, and faith played a central role in Dobson’s upbringing. He went on to study psychology, earning a doctorate that would later underpin much of his work. By blending clinical psychology with Christian theology, Dobson carved out a unique niche that resonated with families seeking guidance grounded in both science and faith.
Dobson rose to national prominence in the 1970s with the founding of Focus on the Family, a ministry that would become one of the most influential evangelical organizations in the world. What began as a small outreach effort quickly expanded into a multimedia empire. His daily radio program reached millions of listeners, airing on more than 4,000 stations across the United States and broadcasting in over 160 countries. For many families, Dobson’s calm but authoritative voice became a daily companion, offering advice on parenting challenges, marriage struggles, and moral dilemmas.
In addition to his broadcasting work, Dobson was a prolific author. His books, including The New Dare to Discipline, Bringing Up Boys, and When God Doesn’t Make Sense, sold millions of copies and were widely used in Christian homes, churches, and schools. His writings emphasized firm but loving parenting, the importance of intact families, and reliance on faith during times of hardship. While praised by supporters for providing clarity in a changing world, his views also drew criticism from those who felt his approach was too rigid or conservative.
Dobson was unapologetic about his stance on cultural and social issues. He warned repeatedly against what he saw as threats to traditional family life, including pornography, gambling, and the growing influence of secularism. He was a strong opponent of abortion, a vocal supporter of abstinence education, and a consistent advocate for religious liberty. Over time, his influence extended beyond ministry into politics, making him a key figure in mobilizing evangelical voters.
In 2010, Dobson stepped away from Focus on the Family and later founded the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI). Through this organization, he continued to engage audiences through digital media, commentary, and public policy advocacy. He also served as an adviser to five U.S. presidents and was a member of former President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, helping strengthen ties between conservative Christians and the Trump administration.
Dr. Dobson is remembered by supporters as a steadfast defender of Christian family values and by critics as a controversial but undeniably influential voice. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley, their two children, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. In a statement, the JDFI described his passing as “the close of a remarkable chapter in American Christian life,” a sentiment echoed by countless individuals whose lives he touched through his ministry.
