Conservative Christian powerhouse Dr James Dobson, the psychologist who built an empire championing traditional family values, has died at age 89. The founder of Focus on the Family passed away on 21 August 2025, following a brief illness, as confirmed by the Dr James Dobson Family Institute. His death marks the end of an era for evangelical activism.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1936 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson rose from humble Nazarene roots to become a child development expert with a PhD in psychology. He kicked off his career at the University of Southern California, but it was his 1970 book Dare to Discipline that catapulted him into the spotlight. The tome, advocating firm but loving parenting, sold millions and laid the groundwork for his media juggernaut.
Founding Focus on the Family
In 1977, Dobson launched Focus on the Family in a modest California office. What started as a radio broadcast counselling parents ballooned into a multimillion-dollar organisation with over 1,000 employees at its peak. Broadcast in dozens of languages, it reached families worldwide, offering advice on marriage, child-rearing, and faith amid modern chaos. Dobson’s voice boomed across airwaves, urging Christians to stand firm against cultural shifts he saw as threats to the nuclear family.
Political Influence and Controversies
Politically, Dobson was a force. He advised five US presidents, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, shaping conservative policies on abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedoms. In the 1980s, he rallied evangelicals against perceived moral decay, influencing Republican platforms.
His endorsement carried weight; in 2016, he backed Trump despite initial reservations, cementing his role in the religious right. This political clout extended globally, intersecting with Australian debates on family and values, think US trade tensions under Trump that sparked local responses.
Australian Connections and Influence
Down under, Dobson’s influence was palpable through Focus on the Family Australia, which echoes his mission in local communities. Australian churches and parents devoured his resources, from books like When God Doesn’t Make Sense, inspired by tales of loss, to parenting seminars. A podcast listener from Australia once noted his materials were “everywhere” in churches, highlighting his wide reach. Yet, this sway wasn’t without backlash; critics labelled him divisive for his staunch opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and abortion, viewing his work as out of step with progressive Australia.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes poured in swiftly. Focus on the Family president Jim Daly hailed Dobson as a “gifted man who walked with the Lord,” recalling his empathy for grieving families. Daly shared a poignant anecdote: Dobson weeping over a couple’s loss of their young son to cancer, a moment that underscored his heart for the hurting. Evangelicals worldwide echoed this, praising his defence of biblical principles in a secular age.
Today we remember a hero of the faith. Our Founder, Dr. James C. Dobson, passed away this morning. Although james we’re sorrowful over this loss, we are thankful for his legacy of family ministry that will live on for future generations, and rejoice that he is now in the presence of… pic.twitter.com/H8sSsXssos
— Focus on the Family (@FocusFamily) August 21, 2025
A Double-Edged Legacy
Dobson’s legacy is double-edged. To supporters, he’s a hero who empowered parents and preserved family sanctity amid rising divorce rates and cultural upheavals. His organisation distributed billions of resources, from films to counselling hotlines, helping countless navigate life’s storms. In Australia, where family policy debates rage, from childcare reforms to same-sex marriage laws, his ideas lingered in conservative circles, influencing think tanks and church leaders.
Detractors, however, saw him as a polarising figure whose views fuelled culture wars. His campaigns against gay rights, including opposition to marriage equality, drew ire from progressive groups. In the US, he faced accusations of mixing faith with politics too aggressively, once warning that societal “decay” could doom the nation. Globally, including in Australia, his stance clashed with evolving norms on inclusivity and diversity.
Also Read: Trump-Zelenskiy White House meeting signals new thaw
Beyond family advocacy, Dobson authored over 30 books, tackling everything from masculinity to end-of-life issues. His 1992 work The New Dare to Discipline updated his parenting blueprint for a new generation. He also founded the Family Research Council, a lames obbying arm that amplified conservative voices in Washington.
In later years, Dobson james stepped back from Focus on the Family james in 2009, launching the Dr James Dobson Family Institute to continue his broadcast. He remained vocal, critiquing cultural trends until his final days. Survived by wife Shirley (married 64 years), children Danae and Ryan, and grandchildren, his personal life mirrored his teachings: steadfast commitment.
Dobson’s passing leaves a void in conservative Christianity, but his blueprint for family fortitude lives on.
