End of an Era: James Dobson Departs Focus on the Family

Life Site News ^ | 2-25-10 | Peter J. Smith

[mlizzy]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, February 24, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – After 33 years at Focus on the Family, psychologist Dr. James Dobson bids farewell on Friday to the Christian ministry he founded, and brings his radio presence at the organization to an end. But the famous Christian commentator is not finished with the airwaves, as he has announced plans for a new, independent radio ministry following his departure.

Focus on the Family CEO and President Jim Daly told listeners of Focus on the Family’s radio program Wednesday that "this week marks the completion of a transition period that probably started more than 10 years ago."

Dobson stated that his intention in stepping down was to give responsibility to the younger generation, and ensure FOTF's future success by not inadvertently leaving it leaderless. Focus on the Family’s Citizenlink reports that Dobson, 73, will join Daly on the radio program later in the week “to discuss memories, his future and Focus on the Family's future.”

For decades, friends and foes have known Dobson - a signer of the recent Manhattan Declaration - as an outspoken champion of the right to life for the unborn, and tireless defender of the family and the institution of marriage.

Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program brought in an estimated 1.5 million listeners in the United States and over 220 million followers across the globe. There, Dobson made his voice a clarion call to pro-life and pro-family action through political involvement no less than prayer and ministry.

“If people of faith - the so-called values voters - don’t come out and let their voices be heard, there are going to be some major implications for this country,” Dobson warned his listeners in October 2006.

[mlizzy]

“I don’t see evil behind everything,” said Daly. The Journal reported the CEO did not care for Dobson’s strident attacks on political leaders such as President Obama. While Dobson called Obama’s ideas “fruitcake,” the Journal said Daly preferred to praise the President for having a White House event on fatherhood --from the article.

Yes, the "soft" approach works so well regarding the destruction of little tiny babies. I am looking for Daly's e-mail to send him a little note ...

[JWinNC]

bump for FOTF

sad to see Dobson go

[ScottinVA]

For decades, friends and foes have known Dobson - a signer of the recent Manhattan Declaration - as an outspoken champion of the right to life for the unborn, and tireless defender of the family and the institution of marriage.

And I don't have the warm/fuzzy that his follow-on has the same belief of sanctity for the unborn. I get the feeling FOTF is going to take a "moderate" course on social issues. You know... keeping up with the times and all that.

[mlizzy]

You are exactly right. His follow-up said as much ... and if you can't even speak out for the teensy defenseless unborn, what good is your lousy soul anyway?

Save Babies
Pray to end abortion!

[Bitsy]

I get the feeling FOTF is going to take a “moderate” course on social issues. You know... keeping up with the times and all that.

It’s always safe to go the PC route, don’t you know. But, at lease Dr. Dobson will still be a force.

[Spudx7]

While listening to FOTF a while ago, my husband commented, “Remember when we used to find this really deep and challenging?”

I thought we had changed...maybe its FOTF. We choose to go on line to listen to a more ‘inspiring’ christian family radio program, Generations.

That said, FOTF’s ‘Truth Project’ is excellent.

[BibChr]

(Pssst - I love Adventures in Odyssey! Er, I mean, my kids love it. Yeah, that's the ticket.)

[MBB1984]

I am sad to see Dobson go as well. He was a tireless crusader for Christian values.

[MinuteGal]

Most folks think that Dr. Dobson is Rev. Dobson.

In fact, he is a doctor of psychology and an author. His father was a traveling evangelist who never went to college.

Dr. Dobson is a brilliant man, an achiever, a doer, a communicator.

I'm happy to see he's not retiring. We need religious thinkers on our side as much as we need economic or ideological thinkers.

I wish him the best in his new endeavor....and may the Lord bless and keep him.

Leni

[mlizzy]

I wish him well as well, but I wish he was still with Focus ... they are now planning on taking a softer stance on important issues ... it’s a shame ...

[Corin Stormhands]

I think you’re misreading what Daly said. The way I read it is just that FOTF won’t be on the forefront of fighting abortion from the legal/political standpoint, but will focus more on changing hearts and minds.

In the end, that’s where this battle will be won. The March for Life is important. But more babies have been saved by folks volunteering for their local Crisis Pregnancy Center than by marching up Capitol Hill.

Just my $0.02.

[fatez]

Mr. Daly is not PC nor will he back off the the social issues one bit. I have met Mr. Daly and have had dinner with him. I work right down the street from Focus at another Christian ministry. Here is the skinny on this, FOTF is losing the Millinnial moms. They absolutely abhor the preceived stridency of Dr. Dobson. The other issue they have is that the target audience does not listen to talk radio very much. FOTF is trying to change the format (i.e. Podcasts) while keeping the same message. I work with alot these young ladies and they really are turned off with Dr. Dobson. Just so you know, I don't agree with them, just telling you what is going on a FOTF.

[Quix]

INDEED.

[Bitsy]

Just so you know, I don't agree with them, just telling you what is going on a FOTF.

Thanks for the information. Jesus told the Pharisees they were vipers and they didn't take too kindly to that truth. But, maybe Dr. Dobson will do better in another area or arena. Sometimes people don't like those who speak the truth however strident.

[stevio]

Oh man, just what we need, another wishy-washy leader.

[tang-soo]

That said, FOTF’s ‘Truth Project’ is excellent.

Yes it is. Been thru it 4 times - once as a facilitator. The lesson on American History is a must for all FReepers.

[mlizzy]

I hear what you are saying, but I've got two dogs and one sits kindly by my feet when she has to pee, and the other one darn near does handstands to grab my attention to walk her, and when she adds in big barking and paper-ripping, I move. She's a smart dog.

And Dobson was an outspoken man. So are those who holler/walk/pray for life. Christ wants action, not wishy-washy-ness, and I'm afraid that's what FOTF might be leaning towards. However this article could be misleading as well. We'll see as time goes on.

Me personally: I think more dead babies need to be in full view (actual aborted babies; not pictures; how 'bout we line them up daily curbside in buckets?) before anyone anywhere will realize the full ad nauseum (murderous sin! sin! sin!) behind abortion and put a stop to it. And Jesus will stop abortion if only we pray and ask Him to. So few pray, and those that do, don't pray long or hard enough. I know that's true; otherwise abortion would be illegal by now.

Pray to end abortion!

[mlizzy]

Oh man, just what we need, another wishy-washy leader.

Exactly! And we all know Christ's plans regarding the lukewarm. To think this new guy at FOTF wants to applaud our leader on the things he's done that are good?; that's like complimenting the devil, telling him he looks good in black.

[stevio]

LOL. Good analogy.

[LomanBill]

>>FOTF is losing the Millinnial moms

What, you mean taking out the exploding ARM on the McMansion and waiting for the rapture didn’t work out so well for the “Left Behind” enthusiasts?

Everytime I tune in to the local (Colorado Springs) “Christian” radio stations, I’m disgusted to observe what a high percentage of the advertisers are vultuers, wolves in sheepskin, from the financial distress industry.

It’s Just Bidness.