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The Spectacle Blog
Dr. James Dobson’s era at Focus on the Family comes to a close this week. The world-renowned (and politically controversial) child psychologist leaves the ministry at the end of this month. He stepped down as board chairman early last year but continued hosting the group’s half-hour radio show. Now, Dobson is gone for good — and some are assuming that he was forced out, or at least politely shown the door.
I can’t speculate on what happened, but it’s easy to conclude from media reports that Dobson’s successor, Jim Daly, will take a much different tact to the ministry. Part of Focus on the Family’s controversy — and virtue — is that Dobson isn’t afraid to tackle difficult social issues or side with politicians who support a conservative position. Daly wants to dial it back, moving toward the Rick Warren “kum by ya” ethic.
From The Wall Street Journal:
Mr. Daly said he preferred to build bridges with others. While Mr. Dobson blasted President Barack Obama for “fruitcake” ideas, Mr. Daly praised the president for his devotion to family and last summer attended a White House event celebrating fatherhood. On abortion, Mr. Daly said he wouldn’t spend much energy fighting for a ban—though that remained his ultimate goal—but would emphasize adoption.
The ministry’s political action budget is about $10 million, the same as in years past. Mr. Daly said he hasn’t yet decided what role the organization will play in this year’s elections.
Mr. Daly said he would reinvigorate the organization’s central mission—“helping marriages, helping parents”—which he said had been overshadowed by Mr. Dobson’s activism.
The WSJ article goes on to suggest that Focus’ fundraising could be hurt by this shift away from hot-button social issues like abortion and homosexual marriage. That’s definitely the case. More to the point, though, the shift could make Focus increasingly irrelevant. The American political landscape already is littered with lightweight Christian groups pushing liberal ideas. Very few are willing to take tough stands on traditional marriage and the sanctity of human life.
Those stands make Focus, and Dobson, unpopular with a large segment of the population. But they’ve also made Focus unique and an important part of the social conservative movement — and, as a byproduct, the conservative movement in general. Daly shouldn’t destroy that in the name of the ubiquitous “come together” approach, which leads to conservatives sacrificing everything and liberals nothing.
Update: Dobson is teaming up with his son to launch a new radio show in March.
View all comments (36) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by David N. Bass
http://spectator.org/blog/2010/02/23/dobson-departs
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GregA| 2.23.10 @ 2:28PM
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. " Revelation 3:15-16
Alan Brooks| 2.23.10 @ 2:49PM
If you listen to KRKS (rebroadcasted out of the Springs, you'll hear that he, along with Mike Rosen of Denver's KOA, is the Jewel of the region.
The secular, Rosen; and the Christian, Dobson.
A well-balanced combination.
Bob| 2.23.10 @ 2:36PM
It's been reported that Focus is losing money. Obviously, Dobson wasn't great for fund raising -- something you neglected to mention. During this past year they've cut their staff by 7% and dropped a number of programs -- like turning gays into heteros which has proven not to work. So we have Rev. Wright on the left and Dobson on the right -- two peas in a pod.
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.23.10 @ 2:56PM
Once again to the barricades of stupidity, Bob.
I just love it when you spin your kaledioscope and peer at the real world.
Heh!
Bob| 2.23.10 @ 5:54PM
Thanks, Ken, for another factless (perhaps fectless) comment. Can't read the numbers again or you just don't know how to check them? Bottom line, Ken -- he just can't add....
SoCon| 2.23.10 @ 9:49PM
Don't you mean 'feckless' oh, mighty one? You sure about that Harvard gig you always brag about?
Should have checked one of your correct spelling graphs first.
ds80| 2.24.10 @ 9:29AM
"Dobson wasn't great for fund raising. Whoever thought leftist, human secularist, anti-Americans would donate to Focus? Have you donated to Focus, Bob?
"turning gays into heteros which has proven not to work ... and your statistics are from what creditable source? You conveniently failed to mention that the program will be continued by Exodus International. Your anti-Christian bias is showing, Bob.
"Wright ... Dobson ... peas ... pod" Laughable.
Alan Brooks| 2.23.10 @ 2:55PM
The Jewish, represented in this context by Rosen;
The Christian, represented by Dobson.
The tree = the Judaic.
The fruit= the Christian.
Margie| 2.23.10 @ 3:40PM
Question: Can "Bob" post once without bashing Christians?
Answer: Not so far.
SoCon| 2.23.10 @ 9:55PM
He's an atheist, Margie--not exactly a friend of Christians!
Margie| 2.23.10 @ 10:24PM
Yep. I know. I just like to point out his hypocrisy. He always says Christians are bigots, yet that is what he actually is.
SoCon| 2.24.10 @ 3:48AM
"Projection is a pillar of Leftist thought." This applies to all leftists, including Bob.
Alan Brooks| 2.23.10 @ 3:52PM
"Once again to the barricades of stupidity, Bob.
I just love it when you spin your kaledioscope and peer at the real world.
Heh!"
The events of this decade will cure Bob of an interest in phony-liberalism. Iran, and all the rest of it, will concentrate his mind.
It goes without saying-- save to the dim bulbs who read this blog-- that there was a classical liberalism. How Sad it was lost in the shuffle.
Bob| 2.23.10 @ 5:57PM
Let's see, I want to cut Medicare and Social Security, get rid of the education department, want tort reform. I guess you don't understand conservatism, Alan. I'd expect that from an AmSpec blogger who can't deal with facts. I'm just like the rest of the liberals....
That's what happens when you substitute belief for reason....
Alan Brooks| 2.23.10 @ 7:59PM
"Let's see, I want to cut Medicare and Social Security, get rid of the education department, want tort reform."
Then I'll vote for you if you run for office, and convince a few others to vote for you as well.
Where do we send campaign contributions?
SoCon| 2.23.10 @ 9:52PM
If the campaign is to shut Bob up, I'll donate BIG!
JmsA| 2.23.10 @ 6:04PM
Bob,
Wouldn't you agree your characterization of Mr. Dobson and Mr. Wright a bit of a stretch--at least?
JmsA| 2.23.10 @ 6:14PM
Bob,
I didn't realize you were a liberal, or is it progressive. At least, I haven't heard Mr. Dobson referring to America as...well you probably know better than any of us what he said, don't you? That said, I don't believe the barricades that others keep on referring back to, will save you and your ilk from the coming Tsunami, if you get my meaning?
Respectfully,
JmsA
SoCon| 2.23.10 @ 9:54PM
Bob's an atheist--he doesn't have a future; at least not one he'll like.
ds80| 2.24.10 @ 9:33AM
Prickly little thing it is, that Last Judgment. One suspects Bob will refuse the grace of final repentance 'coz it won't have a chart/graph/table attached.
SoCon| 2.24.10 @ 1:39PM
LOL! Bob will make an excellent 'devil's advocate'.
He should like the 'global warming' where he's going.
Cheryl McCann | 2.23.10 @ 6:31PM
I have enjoyed Dr. Dobson so very much because he is not afraid to speak out, even when it is not popular. If you are a moderate, I consider that not to be a stand at all.
Alan Brooks| 2.23.10 @ 8:05PM
Best if all, he will be 75 next year, which means he can behave himself at all times.
James Dobson is no Tiger Woods, JFK, or Wilt Chamberlain.
Pete2| 2.23.10 @ 11:24PM
Dobson was at the forefront of the morality fight in this nation. Looks like he has lost the battle this time as these "christians" lurch to the irreverant side of the faith. Whatever the reasons for his leaving, Focus on the Family days are numbered as they abandon the good fight with their new standard bearers. It is true you don't have to embrace christian ideals to be a conservative in one sense but you will stray from those ideals if they are not grounded in them. That is something both Eisenhower and Jefferson both knew. Athesists believe in nothing and stand for nothing.
SoCon| 2.24.10 @ 3:50AM
Agreed, Atheists are just gaseous hot-air balloons--like Bob.
Kris Lepine| 2.24.10 @ 11:23AM
I was a faithful listener to Focus on the Family for many, many years while our kids were young. Then the local station changed the time of the program and I couldn't listen. James Dobson is one of the most generous, kind and loving man this country has ever known. And what he has done all these years is to serve and honor God, and to make this a better world in which to live. The majority of men and woman in this country will never have that said about them.
A side note tothose of you who respond to the ignoramuses who have no idea of what they speak. Since they hate anything to do with God, faith, honor and all things Christian: you are giving them just what they want......attention. Just like obscene phone callers, the best way to handle them is to ignore them. I was trained years ago by the phone company to tell people experiencing this type of call to quietly and immediately hang up the phone. Not getting the response they crave is the best way to handle them.
SoCon| 2.24.10 @ 1:37PM
I believe it's a mistake to let lies go unchallenged, especially written lies. The trolls on this page post here often, and tormenting them is considered sport among many of us "Real Conservatives."
I know Dobson is a good man and I will not remain silent as liberal cretins try to besmirch his name. I am sick and tired of our passivity.
Petty Pitts| 2.24.10 @ 1:51PM
James Dobson is good, honest, moral, and a soldier in the fight for the good and right. God called him and sustained him. If his words didn't convict aethiests, he would not be doing his job. Rah, rah for him. He has fought a good fight and will be rewarded with a beautiful crown when he gets to heaven. Go Dr. Dobson!!! We love you and will never forget all that you have taught us. Your words were comforting and encouraging and will remain in the hearts of men and women when you are long gone. God Bless You!!!!!!
htrjuyl5 | 3.9.10 @ 10:15PM
it really deserves such a high price. of mine sent me a pair of which thrilled me up for several days. It's
not until then that did I realize eac
8485tjytk | 3.9.10 @ 10:15PM
All you need to do is to roll the hair outward instead of inward with GHD hair straightener.
pricila| 4.24.10 @ 9:10AM
100 times out of 100 you will be waved in, and for good measure you might actually ask a few people happening by if they "have seen this man" (flash picture). online fax
Jill Riter | 8.22.10 @ 2:42AM
God leads us all where He wants us to go and tell and serve. Chalk it all up to that. A wise question to ask oneself, "Am I where God wants me to be?"