Dr. James Dobson was the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produced his radio program, Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and held 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He also was the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family.
Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years, and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of child development and medical genetics.
He advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions.
Dr. Dobson was married to Shirley for just shy of 65 years, and he was the beloved father of two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
It is important for Christian parents to intentionally pass on the baton of faith to their children. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson delivers a passionate message on the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy. He urges parents not to allow compromise or apathy to seep into their own Christian walk.
“He was my hero!” Those are the words of Dr. James Dobson when describing his own father as he was interviewed by Pastor Ed Young on Father’s Day in 2019. Dr. Dobson concluded that, as a young boy, “I wanted to be like him. I wanted his God for my God, his values for my values.” On today’s special edition of Family Talk, Dr. Dobson and Dr. Young discuss the importance and irreplaceable role of fathers in the home.
On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson, along with married couples Kurt and Olivia Bruner, and Al and Jo Ann Janssen, continue discussing how the Lord should be reflected in marriage. The panel reminds listeners that our relationship to our spouse is an expression of worship and honor in our relationship with the God we serve. Above all else, marriage is a covenant that requires unfaltering commitment.
Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother, and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” On today’s classic edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson, along with married couples Kurt and Olivia Bruner, and Al and Jo Ann Janssen, discuss the Lord’s blueprint for marriage. The author of The Marriage Masterpiece, Al Janssen makes the comparison that, similar to uncovering the Sistine Chapel’s vibrant beauty after years of being covered by dirt and grime, God’s original vision for marriage has become concealed by the grime of our culture.
Without wanting to heap guilt on the heads of my masculine readers, I must say that too many fathers only sleep at their homes. And as a result, they have totally abdicated their responsibilities for leadership and influence in the lives of their children.
Let's look more closely at what constitutes "a good family man" in today's world. To put that in perspective, it might be helpful to examine four traditional roles that men have played at home.
Through his worldwide ministry, the late Reverend Billy Graham led millions to a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Because of this, he changed the culture forever. On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson and Billy’s son, the Reverend Franklin Graham, reflect on the life and legacy of Christianity’s most influential evangelist. After Billy went home to be with the Lord in 2018, Franklin was inspired to write about his father’s legacy and his personal relationship with the man he called “Daddy,” in his memoir, “Through My Father’s Eyes.” Even though Franklin strayed as a young man, he came to know Christ at age 22. When he shared the good news, his father said, “Your mother and I have been praying for this day for a long time!” You’ll hear about Billy Graham’s own conversion, his famed Los Angeles tent revival, and the Yankee Stadium crusade that drew over 100,000 people.
Question: Dr. Dobson, what has been your greatest challenge as a father? What did you learn from it?
The late Dr. Benjamin Spock, who wrote the perennial best seller, Dr. Spocks Baby and Child Care, was severely criticized for his laissez-faire approach to child-rearing.
Dr. Dobson's June 2022 Newsletter: The Great Reset Agenda
