Dr James Clayton Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and author of over 70 books on parenting, passed away yesterday (August 21) after a brief illness. He was 89.

Though he was not ordained a minister, Dr Dobson was called “the nation’s most influential evangelical leader” by The New York Times, having served as advisor to four American presidents and influenced policies. 

Dr Dobson, who was born in Louisiana, US, came from a long line of Church of the Nazarene ministers: His father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His parents were travelling evangelists.

He once said that he learned to pray before he learned to talk, and says he gave his life to Jesus when he was three years old, when his father gave an altar call.

The fruit of obeying his calling

Dr Dobson studied psychology, believing that he was called to be a Christian counsellor. In 1967, he became an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, a post he held for 14 years.

During his years as a child psychologist, Dr Dobson met many troubled youths and witnessed “the sudden disintegration of moral and ethical principles”. This was due to the disintegration of the family unit, he believed. Out of his observations came his book Dare to Discipline, which taught that parents have the responsibility to maintain authority over their children. (Proverbs 13:24)

In 1977, he founded Focus on the Family, an organisation committed to spread the Gospel by helping families thrive. Focus on the Family began with parenting programmes and grew into a ministry that had radio programmes, videos, magazines. It became a powerful resource for families, drawing tens of thousands of personal letters and phone calls from people seeking help.

Dr Dobson was steadfast in his mission to uphold the family unit – building strong marriages, helping parents raise their children in the fear of God. He made use of every opportunity to fulfil his mission.

Among the programmes the organisation has spearheaded are Wait No More, which encourages families to adopt children in the US foster care system and Boundless.org, a webzine for young adults that covers issues like dating, popular culture and singlehood.

Dr Dobson stepped down as CEO of Focus on the Family in 2003 and as its board member in 2009. In 2010, he founded the Dr James Dobson Family Institute, a non-profit organisation that produces the radio programme Dr James Dobson’s Family Talk. He stepped down from the Institute in 2022.

Today, Focus on the Family has offices in 14 countries including Singapore, and ministry partners in 60 cities. 

Dr Dobson dedicated his life to upholding Biblical values on family, marriage, parenting through as many avenues as he had opportunity to influence, despite resistance and criticism. 

He once said: “It is my view that our society can be no more stable than the foundation of individual family units upon which it rests. Our government, our institutions, our schools … indeed, our way of life are dependent on healthy marriages and loyalty to the vulnerable little children around our feet.” 

Dr Dobson is survived by his wife Shirley and his two children.

His legacy

“Dr Dobson’s resolute belief and courageous faith to be a voice for family has given help and hope to many who are seeking to build loving, life-giving and lasting family relationships,” Delia Ng, CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore told Salt&Light.

“His legacy reverberates into the lives and families that have been transformed by time-tested principles for marriage and family life.

“Focus on the Family Singapore continues to uphold the same mission for the wellbeing of family, society and generations to come.”

Executive Director of Gatekeepers Singapore, and former CEO of Focus on the Family Singapore, Joanna Koh-Hoe said to Salt&Light: “I had just one opportunity to meet Dr Dobson in person, and it was surreal to encounter him up close – a giant in both faith and stature.

“Through his books, videos and broadcasts, Dr Dobson shaped how I lived out God’s principles – integrating family and faith – equipping me to champion marriage and parenting in an increasingly challenging world.

“A lesser-known book about him, Gadzooks, further inspired me to lead Focus on the Family Singapore with courage, excellence and authenticity.”

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