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1. James Dobson: Conservative Icon and Family Values Advocate
2. Focus on the Family and Cultural Influence
3. The "Culture War" and Family Values
4. Popularity and Controversies
5. Ecumenical Relations
6. Later Career and Influence

James Dobson: Conservative Icon and Family Values Advocate

James Dobson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 21, 1936. Raised in a deeply religious Nazarene family, Dobson claims to have given his life to Jesus at the age of three. His parents' strict discipline and prohibition of dancing and cinema left a lasting impact on his young life.

Dobson pursued academic psychology, believing that God had called him to be a Christian counselor or psychologist. He earned his doctorate in psychology from the University of Southern California in 1967.

Focus on the Family and Cultural Influence

In 1977, Dobson founded Focus on the Family (FotF), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting "family values." He hosted its daily radio show, which reached millions of listeners worldwide. FotF became a major voice in the conservative social movement of the 1980s, advocating for heterosexual marriage and traditional gender roles. Dobson also established a network of state-level lobby groups called Family Policy Councils.

The "Culture War" and Family Values

Dobson saw a "War of Values" raging in American culture. He advocated for Christian parents to prepare their children for this battle, teaching them about heterosexuality and traditional gender roles as prescribed in the Bible. He viewed feminism and LGBTQ rights movements as threats to the family and civilization.

Popularity and Controversies

In the 1970s, Dobson gained notoriety for promoting corporal punishment for disobedient children. In the 1990s, he became a key figure in the "purity culture" movement, promoting abstinence-only sex education. Dobson's views on homosexuality have been condemned by LGBTQ+ activists.

Ecumenical Relations

Despite theological differences, Dobson forged relationships with Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, particularly on issues related to family values. He signed the Manhattan Declaration in 2009, which called for Christians to resist laws that violated their religious beliefs on abortion, same-sex marriage, and other moral issues.

Later Career and Influence

After stepping down from Focus on the Family in 2010, Dobson launched the radio program "Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson." He continued to promote his conservative views through various organizations, including the Family Research Council and the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Dobson remains a controversial but influential figure in American Christianity and politics.