James Dobson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids James Dobson |
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Dobson c. 2007
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| Religion | Evangelical Christian |
| Founder of | Family Research Council Focus on the Family Family Policy Alliance |
| Education | Point Loma Nazarene University (BA) University of Southern California (MA, PhD) |
| Personal | |
| Born | James Clayton Dobson Jr. April 21, 1936 Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Shirley Deere
(m. 1960) |
| Children | 2 |
| Religious career | |
| Works | Marriage Under Fire Dare to Discipline The Strong-Willed Child |
James Clayton Dobson Jr. (born April 21, 1936) is an American Evangelical Christian author and psychologist. He is best known for founding the organization Focus on the Family, which he led from 1977 until 2010. During the 1980s, he became a well-known voice for conservative social views in the United States.
Dobson hosted a daily radio program called Focus on the Family. The show was heard by millions of people in many countries. He also started a new radio show in 2010 called Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson.
Through his work, Dobson has shared his ideas on "family values." He believes that marriage between a man and a woman is a key part of society. He has written many books and given talks to share his views with families.
Contents
Early Life and Schooling
James Dobson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 21, 1936. Religion was very important in his family from a young age. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all ministers in the Church of the Nazarene.
Because his parents were traveling evangelists, Dobson often stayed with relatives. He was a good student and enjoyed playing tennis. As a teenager, he grew very close to his father.
Dobson went to Pasadena College, which is now Point Loma Nazarene University. There, he met his wife, Shirley. After graduating in 1958, he earned a doctorate degree in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1967.
Career Journey
Working as a Professor and Author
For 14 years, Dobson was a professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. He also worked at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. During this time, he saw many changes in society during the 1960s. He felt that these changes were weakening families.
These experiences led him to write his first book, Dare to Discipline, in 1970. The book gave parents advice on raising children. It became very popular and helped establish Dobson as a respected voice on family issues.
In 1976, Dobson left his hospital and university jobs. He began to share his ideas through radio shows and public talks. He also made videos of his lectures so more people could see them.
Founding Focus on the Family
In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family. The organization grew quickly. By the 1990s, it produced radio shows, magazines, and videos. The goal was to provide resources and advice to families based on Christian principles.
Dobson also became involved in politics. He encouraged his followers to contact government leaders about issues they cared about. In 1981, he helped start the Family Research Council, an organization that works to influence public policy.
When Focus on the Family moved to Colorado Springs in 1991, the city became known as a center for the Religious Right movement.
Dobson stepped down as president of Focus on the Family in 2003. He left his role as chairman in 2009. He wanted to let a new generation of leaders take over. He then started a new organization, the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute, in 2010.
Key Ideas and Social Views
Beliefs on Marriage and Family
James Dobson strongly supports the idea of traditional marriage. He defines this as a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. In his view, men and women have different but equally important roles in a family. He has suggested that mothers with young children should focus on raising them at home.
Dobson believes that strong marriages are the foundation of a healthy society. In his 2004 book Marriage Under Fire, he argued that societies that move away from traditional marriage face problems. He has written that protecting the family is one of the most important issues of our time.
Thoughts on Schooling
Dobson believes parents have the main responsibility for their children's education. He encourages parents to be active in their children's schools. He supports private schools and tax credits for religious schools.
He also supports the right of students to pray in public schools. He believes this does not go against the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Advice on Child Discipline
In his books, Dobson gives advice on how to discipline children. He wrote that parents should be firm and consistent when a child is defiant. He believed that learning to respect parents helps a child learn to respect other authority figures later in life, like teachers and police officers.
Dobson's book The Strong-Willed Child suggests that children naturally challenge authority. He wrote that it is important for parents to guide their children with loving authority. He also warned that discipline should never be harsh or harmful to a child's spirit.
Some experts have disagreed with Dobson's views on discipline. However, his books have remained popular with many parents who find his advice helpful.
Political and Social Impact
Dobson's views have been very influential, especially among evangelical Christians and in the United States Republican Party. He has often worked behind the scenes to support politicians and causes he agrees with.
Social Influence
Dobson's books and radio shows have shaped how many American families think about parenting and gender roles. His radio program, Focus on the Family, reached millions of listeners around the world.
He is considered one of the founders of the purity culture movement. This movement encourages young people to remain chaste until marriage. He is also a member of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
Political Work
Starting in the 1980s, Dobson built a network of activists to promote conservative social policies. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to a national committee on juvenile justice in 1982.
He has often encouraged his followers to vote for candidates who share their values. In 2004, he started Focus on the Family Action, now called Family Policy Alliance. This group is allowed to be more directly involved in political campaigns.
Dobson has been a powerful voice in American politics for decades. He has supported many Republican candidates, including Mike Huckabee in 2008 and Ted Cruz in 2016. He also served as a faith advisor to President Donald Trump.
Personal Life and Awards
Dobson married Shirley Deere in 1960. They have two children, Danae and Ryan.
Over the years, Dobson has received many awards for his work.
- In 1982, he was named "Layman of the Year" by the National Association of Evangelicals.
- In 1987, he received "The Children's Friend" award from Childhelp USA.
- In 2005, he received his 16th honorary doctorate degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
- In 2008, his radio program was added to the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Dobson has also worked with leaders from other Christian faiths, including the Catholic Church. In 2009, he signed the Manhattan Declaration. This was a statement by Evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox Christian leaders on important social issues.
