Dr. James Clayton Dobson Jr., the influential evangelical Christian leader, author, and founder of Focus on the Family, has died at the age of 89. His passing marks the end of an era for American evangelicalism, leaving behind a complex legacy that shaped both religious and political landscapes for over four decades.

Dobson died peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs, surrounded by family members. The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease, which he had battled privately for several years. His influence extended from the family counseling room to the White House, making him one of the most significant—and controversial—figures in modern American Christianity.

From Psychologist to Evangelical Leader

Born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dobson initially pursued a career in psychology. He earned a PhD in child development from the University of Southern California in 1967 and worked as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine for 14 years. It was during this time that he began developing his conservative Christian approach to family counseling.

Dobson’s 1970 book “Dare to Discipline” launched him into the national spotlight, selling over 2 million copies. His advocacy for corporal punishment (within what he called “biblical parameters”) and traditional gender roles resonated with conservative Christian families feeling adrift in the cultural upheaval of the 1970s.

The Founding of Focus on the Family

In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family with an initial investment of $500 and a small office in Arcadia, California. What began as a weekly radio program grew into a multimedia empire that would eventually reach over 200 million people worldwide through radio broadcasts, publications, and counseling services.

Political Influence and Controversies

Dobson’s transition from family psychologist to political influencer began in the 1980s when he became an unofficial advisor to the Reagan administration. His influence grew throughout the 1990s as he mobilized evangelical voters around issues like abortion, homosexuality, and school prayer.

Dobson’s political involvement was not without controversy. His staunch opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, including his characterization of same-sex attraction as a “developmental error” that could be prevented through proper parenting, drew sharp criticism from mental health professionals and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

Complex Legacy: Praise and Criticism

Dobson’s legacy is marked by both ardent support and fierce criticism. Supporters credit him with strengthening families, providing biblical guidance for parenting, and defending traditional values in an increasingly secular culture. Critics argue that his teachings promoted harmful practices and contributed to political polarization.

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Key Controversies

• Corporal Punishment: Dobson advocated for spanking children, drawing criticism from child development experts
• LGBTQ+ Rights: His opposition to same-sex marriage and characterization of homosexuality as changeable drew widespread condemnation
• Political Partisanship: Critics argued he transformed evangelicalism into a political movement aligned with the Republican Party
• Gender Roles: His promotion of complementarian gender roles was criticized as limiting women’s opportunities

Later Years and Family Talk

In 2009, Dobson resigned from Focus on the Family following disagreements about the organization’s direction. He subsequently founded Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that continued his radio ministry and political advocacy with an even more explicitly conservative approach.

Despite declining health in his final years, Dobson remained active in his ministry, recording radio programs and writing until shortly before his death. His wife of 65 years, Shirley Dobson, predeceased him in 2022. He is survived by his two children, Danae and Ryan, and several grandchildren.

Reactions to His Passing

News of Dobson’s death prompted reactions across the political and religious spectrum, reflecting his complex legacy:

Former President George W. Bush called Dobson “a man of deep faith and conviction who loved his family and his country.” Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups noted his complicated legacy, acknowledging his influence while criticizing what they termed “harmful” teachings.

Theological and Cultural Impact

Dobson’s impact on American evangelicalism cannot be overstated. He helped transform a relatively apolitical religious movement into a potent political force. His emphasis on the nuclear family as the central unit of society shaped evangelical priorities for decades.

Final Years and Death

In his final years, Dobson gradually stepped back from public life as he battled Parkinson’s disease. His last public appearance was in 2023 at a Family Talk event celebrating his 87th birthday. Despite his declining health, he continued to record abbreviated versions of his radio program until late 2024.

Dobson’s family has announced that a private funeral will be held in Colorado Springs, followed by a public memorial service that will be livestreamed for his global audience. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the James Dobson Family Institute.

Conclusion: A Complicated Legacy

James Dobson’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in American religious history. As an architect of the modern evangelical movement, his influence extended far beyond the church walls into the halls of power and millions of living rooms.

Whether viewed as a prophetic voice for traditional values or a polarizing figure who deepened cultural divisions, Dobson’s impact on American society is undeniable. His legacy will continue to be debated, but his role in shaping contemporary evangelicalism remains beyond dispute.

As news of his passing spreads, millions who were influenced by his ministry are reflecting on his complicated legacy—one that combined sincere faith, psychological insight, political activism, and controversial positions that often put him at the center of America’s culture wars.