End of an Era: James Dobson Departs Focus on the Family

Life Site News ^ | 2-25-10 | Peter J. Smith

[mlizzy]

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, February 24, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – After 33 years at Focus on the Family, psychologist Dr. James Dobson bids farewell on Friday to the Christian ministry he founded, and brings his radio presence at the organization to an end. But the famous Christian commentator is not finished with the airwaves, as he has announced plans for a new, independent radio ministry following his departure.

Focus on the Family CEO and President Jim Daly told listeners of Focus on the Family’s radio program Wednesday that "this week marks the completion of a transition period that probably started more than 10 years ago."

Dobson stated that his intention in stepping down was to give responsibility to the younger generation, and ensure FOTF's future success by not inadvertently leaving it leaderless. Focus on the Family’s Citizenlink reports that Dobson, 73, will join Daly on the radio program later in the week “to discuss memories, his future and Focus on the Family's future.”

For decades, friends and foes have known Dobson - a signer of the recent Manhattan Declaration - as an outspoken champion of the right to life for the unborn, and tireless defender of the family and the institution of marriage.

Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program brought in an estimated 1.5 million listeners in the United States and over 220 million followers across the globe. There, Dobson made his voice a clarion call to pro-life and pro-family action through political involvement no less than prayer and ministry.

“If people of faith - the so-called values voters - don’t come out and let their voices be heard, there are going to be some major implications for this country,” Dobson warned his listeners in October 2006.

[mlizzy]

“I don’t see evil behind everything,” said Daly. The Journal reported the CEO did not care for Dobson’s strident attacks on political leaders such as President Obama. While Dobson called Obama’s ideas “fruitcake,” the Journal said Daly preferred to praise the President for having a White House event on fatherhood --from the article.

Yes, the "soft" approach works so well regarding the destruction of little tiny babies. I am looking for Daly's e-mail to send him a little note ...

[JWinNC]

bump for FOTF

sad to see Dobson go

[ScottinVA]

For decades, friends and foes have known Dobson - a signer of the recent Manhattan Declaration - as an outspoken champion of the right to life for the unborn, and tireless defender of the family and the institution of marriage.

And I don't have the warm/fuzzy that his follow-on has the same belief of sanctity for the unborn. I get the feeling FOTF is going to take a "moderate" course on social issues. You know... keeping up with the times and all that.

[mlizzy]

You are exactly right. His follow-up said as much ... and if you can't even speak out for the teensy defenseless unborn, what good is your lousy soul anyway?

Save Babies
Pray to end abortion!

[Bitsy]

I get the feeling FOTF is going to take a “moderate” course on social issues. You know... keeping up with the times and all that.

It’s always safe to go the PC route, don’t you know. But, at lease Dr. Dobson will still be a force.

[Spudx7]

While listening to FOTF a while ago, my husband commented, “Remember when we used to find this really deep and challenging?”

I thought we had changed...maybe its FOTF. We choose to go on line to listen to a more ‘inspiring’ christian family radio program, Generations.

That said, FOTF’s ‘Truth Project’ is excellent.

[BibChr]

(Pssst - I love Adventures in Odyssey! Er, I mean, my kids love it. Yeah, that's the ticket.)

[MBB1984]

I am sad to see Dobson go as well. He was a tireless crusader for Christian values.

[MinuteGal]

Most folks think that Dr. Dobson is Rev. Dobson.

In fact, he is a doctor of psychology and an author. His father was a traveling evangelist who never went to college.

Dr. Dobson is a brilliant man, an achiever, a doer, a communicator.

I'm happy to see he's not retiring. We need religious thinkers on our side as much as we need economic or ideological thinkers.

I wish him the best in his new endeavor....and may the Lord bless and keep him.

Leni

[mlizzy]

I wish him well as well, but I wish he was still with Focus ... they are now planning on taking a softer stance on important issues ... it’s a shame ...

[Corin Stormhands]

I think you’re misreading what Daly said. The way I read it is just that FOTF won’t be on the forefront of fighting abortion from the legal/political standpoint, but will focus more on changing hearts and minds.

In the end, that’s where this battle will be won. The March for Life is important. But more babies have been saved by folks volunteering for their local Crisis Pregnancy Center than by marching up Capitol Hill.

Just my $0.02.

[fatez]

Mr. Daly is not PC nor will he back off the the social issues one bit. I have met Mr. Daly and have had dinner with him. I work right down the street from Focus at another Christian ministry. Here is the skinny on this, FOTF is losing the Millinnial moms. They absolutely abhor the preceived stridency of Dr. Dobson. The other issue they have is that the target audience does not listen to talk radio very much. FOTF is trying to change the format (i.e. Podcasts) while keeping the same message. I work with alot these young ladies and they really are turned off with Dr. Dobson. Just so you know, I don't agree with them, just telling you what is going on a FOTF.

[Quix]

INDEED.

[Bitsy]

Just so you know, I don't agree with them, just telling you what is going on a FOTF.

Thanks for the information. Jesus told the Pharisees they were vipers and they didn't take too kindly to that truth. But, maybe Dr. Dobson will do better in another area or arena. Sometimes people don't like those who speak the truth however strident.

[stevio]

Oh man, just what we need, another wishy-washy leader.

[tang-soo]

That said, FOTF’s ‘Truth Project’ is excellent.

Yes it is. Been thru it 4 times - once as a facilitator. The lesson on American History is a must for all FReepers.

[mlizzy]

I hear what you are saying, but I've got two dogs and one sits kindly by my feet when she has to pee, and the other one darn near does handstands to grab my attention to walk her, and when she adds in big barking and paper-ripping, I move. She's a smart dog.

And Dobson was an outspoken man. So are those who holler/walk/pray for life. Christ wants action, not wishy-washy-ness, and I'm afraid that's what FOTF might be leaning towards. However this article could be misleading as well. We'll see as time goes on.

Me personally: I think more dead babies need to be in full view (actual aborted babies; not pictures; how 'bout we line them up daily curbside in buckets?) before anyone anywhere will realize the full ad nauseum (murderous sin! sin! sin!) behind abortion and put a stop to it. And Jesus will stop abortion if only we pray and ask Him to. So few pray, and those that do, don't pray long or hard enough. I know that's true; otherwise abortion would be illegal by now.

Pray to end abortion!

[mlizzy]

Oh man, just what we need, another wishy-washy leader.

Exactly! And we all know Christ's plans regarding the lukewarm. To think this new guy at FOTF wants to applaud our leader on the things he's done that are good?; that's like complimenting the devil, telling him he looks good in black.

[stevio]

LOL. Good analogy.

[LomanBill]

>>FOTF is losing the Millinnial moms

What, you mean taking out the exploding ARM on the McMansion and waiting for the rapture didn’t work out so well for the “Left Behind” enthusiasts?

Everytime I tune in to the local (Colorado Springs) “Christian” radio stations, I’m disgusted to observe what a high percentage of the advertisers are vultuers, wolves in sheepskin, from the financial distress industry.

It’s Just Bidness.

[LomanBill]

>>I think more dead babies need to be in full view

 

Emperor Nero used to light his parties ala burning Christians.

 

"Shock and Awe" wouldn't have worked on the Nazis either:

 

http://www.defendthefamily.com/pfrc/books/pinkswastika/html/the_pinkswastika_4th_edition_-_final.htm

 

Nor will it work on their present day incarnation - the Postgenderist/Transumanist activists seeking power in temporal governance.   It's the Nazi Ubermensch idiology in rainbow sheepskin.

[Theo]

Please don’t characterize Jim Daly as a “wishy-washy leader.” I know him. You do not. And he is passionate for life, and Jesus. Please, don’t pile onto the anti-Christian junk that the media are throwing at Focus on the Family.

[Theo]

Please don’t defame Jim Daly. It’s quite clear you don’t know anything about this man. He fears God, and cherishes life. Please, don’t jump in on the hate-Focus bandwagon. He is on fire for God, and passionate about life; he is not “lukewarm” in any sense of the word.

[Theo]

I have no idea what you’re talking about. I live in CS, and never hear “vultures” on the radio.

Is your comment meant as a denunciation of local radio, or of Daly and/or Focus on the Family?

[Theodore R.]

It says in Scripture that the day will come when “men can’t stand sound doctrine.” That day has long been here. Many churches have even scrapped the old hymns.

[mlizzy]

Anyone who would dismiss James Dobson, when he clearly wants to go on with his message, is not in my Christian “on fire” column, but maybe there were other things about James Dobson he didn’t like other than his on-fire Christianity. Who knows?

[stevio]

You are correct, I don’t know him, I was going by what I read in the article. I respect and admire James Dobson. I hope Jim Daly is as passionate, blessed, and doesn’t pull punches as Dr. Dobson always has.

[Theo]

To be honest, James Dobson planned his own dismissal a decade ago. He stepped down from the Presidency, and then a few years later stepped down from the Board. The next step was a difficult one, but one that he affirmed needed to be done to assure Focus on the Family would continue after his death: He stepped down from the radio program.

Focus on the Family admires and loves Dr. Dobson. His leaving was his idea, and it’s difficult to see the founder of the ministry move on, though it was his idea....

[mlizzy]

Others feel differently. I have no idea what is the truth. I'm just sorry to see him go.

[LomanBill]

>>Is your comment meant

Just a simple observation of who advertises on commercial radio.

Still some unshorn fleece evidently.

[LomanBill]

>>on commercial radio.

on commercial “Christian” radio.

[LomanBill]

>>I have no idea what you’re talking about.

 

Evidently.

 

Here's another self-evident fact for free minds to ponder:

 

 

 

 

Why is that?   Folks at FOF got a problem with the American founder's notion  that "ALMIGHTY GOD HATH CREATED THE MIND FREE", hmmm?

 

 The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom

Thomas Jefferson, 1786

Well aware that Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is withdrawing from the ministry those temporal rewards, which proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting labors for the instruction of mankind; that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that, therefore, the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to the offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow citizens he has a natural right; that it tends also to corrupt the principles of that very religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing, with a monopoly of worldly honors and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles, on the supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency, will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them.

Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.

And though we well know this Assembly, elected by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only, have no powers equal to our own and that therefore to declare this act irrevocable would be of no effect in law, yet we are free to declare, and do declare, that the rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights of mankind, and that if any act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the present or to narrow its operation, such act will be an infringement of natural right.

http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu/sacred/vaact.html

 

 

 

[Theo]

Yes, I posted that article on FR a few days ago, along with my rebuttal.

It is sad to see Dr. Dobson leave the Focus on the Family radio program. I agree. But it was his decision, and it’s the right time.

[Theo]

I went to Focus on the Family’s site and searched their family of ministries and found that document referenced here:

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0000601.cfm

Boundless is their ministry for young adults.

Are you able to acknowledge that maybe you were wrong in your judgment against Focus on the Family?

[LomanBill]

[Jefferson's novel idea of keeping government out of the church]

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0000601.cfm

 

 

Oh Jefferson and "the great majority" went a little beyond that:

"Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting "Jesus Christ," so that it would read "A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;" the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination."
-Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, in reference to the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom

 

http://www.history1700s.com/etext/html/texts/jefferson/jeff1.txt

 

"THE INSERTION [of Jesus Christ] WAS REJECTED BY THE GREAT MAJORITY"

 

FOF seems to have left that part out;  evidently only marketing a selective reflection of American history that profits them... whereas Jefferson's ideal that "ALMIGHTY GOD HATH CREATED THE MIND FREE" - is better relflected by:

"The right to search for truth implies also a duty; one must not conceal any part of what one has recognized to be true."
--Albert Einstein

 

 

[LomanBill]

BTW, it's ironic, given your criticism and plea that "I don't know what you're talking about" - that the article/page you referenced is "Focused" upon:

As are the Vult... err, Advertisers, I'VE HEARD peddling their services on local "Christian" commercial radio stations; advertisers who seem to disproportionately consist of:

Mortgage Brokers...

Credit Score "Fixers"...

Refinancers...

Foreclosure Avoidance peddlers...

Financial "Advisors"...

The Debt Distress Industry - who, evidently, see more fleece to be shorn from the gullible "Left Behind" sheeple.... than from consumers listening to secularly oriented stations in the same city.   Noticed the same thing out in Anaheim, BTW - Certainly lot's of "Fish" in that sub-prime pond.

 

And the Gospel, on "Christian Radio"?  Sadly, not readily discernable within the lyrics of the watered-down "feel good" musical pabulum the sheeple are fed and pacified with between commercials.... 

 

So I s'pose I'll just continue to believe my lying, ears.... my lying, cynical, ears - and this:

John 2:14-16
14 In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
NIV

Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Ba'al

--The Who?

[Theo]

Do you hate everyone who doesn’t affirm you 100 percent? You’re pathetic.

[Theo]

You’re rather that Christians don’t talk about money? You’re angry with Focus on the Family because they talk about financial stewardship? Huh?

[LomanBill]

[Do you hate everyone who doesn’t affirm you 100 percent? You’re pathetic.]

 

Pathetic?  LOL.   My what big canine incisors you have, gram.. err... Theo!

 

Nah, "Theo" if there's anything worthy of my hostility - it's just lying historical revisionist simpletons who cherry pick what they like to hear from Jefferson and then pretend the rest doesn't exist.

"Where the preamble declares, that coercion is a departure from the plan of the holy author of our religion, an amendment was proposed by inserting "Jesus Christ," so that it would read "A departure from the plan of Jesus Christ, the holy author of our religion;" the insertion was rejected by the great majority, in proof that they meant to comprehend, within the mantle of its protection, the Jew and the Gentile, the Christian and Mohammedan, the Hindoo and Infidel of every denomination."
-Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography, in reference to the Virginia Act for Religious Freedom

 

http://www.history1700s.com/etext/html/texts/jefferson/jeff1.txt

 

"THE INSERTION [of Jesus Christ] WAS REJECTED BY THE GREAT MAJORITY"

 

 

And if there's anything that's Pathetic, it's the systemic feudalism that's being manifested in FOF's back yard within Company Town "Little Chicago" - A municipal enterprise that's become a laughing stock in the Republic; all under the facade of religious spirituality propped up by a bunch of sheepskin-wearing Fabian Socialist Wolves .

 

 

Expecting things to be just like the good old days when The Church of England ruled America by royal mercantile proxy.... before those pesky colonists dumped all that Tea in Boston Harbor are ya?   NOT GONNA HAPPEN, Bishop.  This might have been a nation of Christian Individuals at one time, but it has NEVER BEEN and will NEVER BE a mandated Christian (or any other religion) Theocracy.

 

 

Furthermore, if nitwits like you hadn't shoved a religious foot in the 1st amendment door - the Wiccans wouldn't have their little circle at the Air Force Academy - WOULD THEY?   No doubt, soon to follow will be the self-"affirming" homosexual miscreants who are busily building their "church" right on FOF's back door step  at 5460 N. Union Blvd.   

 

Come one, come all - and witness the religious Circus Tent that has become Colorado Springs.

 

Nice craftsmanship, Theo. NOT.

[Theo]

I have no idea what you’re talking about, or why this is at all relevant to either Dr. Dobson or Focus on the Family. You’re kind of freaking me out, so I think I’ll just let the conversation with you come to a close.

[LomanBill]

>>You’re rather that Christians don’t talk about money?

 

Nothing wrong talking about this...  (though so few religionists ever do):

Hos 12:7-8
7 The merchant uses dishonest scales;he loves to defraud.
8 Ephraim boasts, "I am very rich; I have become wealthy.
With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin."
NIV

Talk about - or focused upon / obsessed with obtaining?  Big difference.   Do the Debt Industry's  commercials support "Christian" radio or is it vice versa?

 

Someone once asked me - If the love of money is the root of all evil, then why do religious institutions spend so much time focused upon, and begging for, it?

 

Good, reasonable, question.

 

And what did the spiritual gurus at FOF have to say about the monkey bidness that was built upon this unbalanced scale/McHouse of sand...

"...fraud, you probably think there should be rules against it, I think the market will figure it out."

--Alan "The Wizard" Greenspan

...??  Not much, evidently:

 

 

So much for protecting the sheeple from the wolves.

 

 

[LomanBill]

>>I have no idea what you’re talking about

 

How's that workin' for ya?

Braack! "I have no idea what you’re talking about"
Braack! "I have no idea what you’re talking about"
Braack! "I have no idea what you’re talking about"
Braack! "I have no idea what you’re talking about"
Braack! "I have no idea what you’re talking about"

Do Parrot feathers itch beneath the wool?

 

When's FOF going to run a series on the Roman-Syncretic, un-Christian, origins of Ishtar/Easter?

"The right to search for truth implies also a duty; one must not conceal any part of what one has recognized to be true."
--Albert Einstein

Seems to me FOF's antics are more demonstrative of an interest in mucking about with temporal governance than an interest in leading folks to the Truth - spiritual or otherwise.

[Theo]

You are one angry man.

Maybe search “Sub-prime mortgage” instead of “Subprime mortgage.” You’ll find a nice collection of articles.

You are so opinionated for one so ignorant.

[LomanBill]

>>You are one angry man.

So was He:

John 2:13-16
 14 In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
NIV

>>Maybe search “Sub-prime mortgage”...You’ll find a nice collection of articles.

Ok.... let's see:

 

One article on "Giving in tough times" (note the Focus, again) - that's your idea of a "nice collection"?  

 

Well yes, evidently Sup-prime Fraud certainly DID result in a nice collection... for the predators, and their enablers (spiritual and otherwise), on top of the Ponzi scheme.

 

 

And given The Debt Distress Industry's commercials on "Christian" radio there's evidently still bits of fleece Left Behind.... for further collection.