Skip to content

Gary Bauer

Senior VP of Public Policy & Culture

Policy & Culture

Through the Dobson Policy & Culture Center, we focus on issues related to righteousness in the culture, such as the sanctity of human life, the God-ordained institution of marriage, parental rights, freedom of religion, and other liberties guaranteed in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Critical Issue #1

The Next Generation

There is a fierce battle being waged now in our nation’s classrooms for the hearts and souls of our children and grandchildren. Make no mistake, the left and the secular culture are manipulating the…

Critical Issue #2

The Sanctity of Human Life

All life is sacred and is a gift from Almighty God. Sadly, however, many people in our society no longer understand or acknowledge the sanctity of human life.

Critical Issue #3

Marriage & Family

Marriage serves as the foundation for every dimension of human life. Everything of value rests on it, including procreation and the care and training of children.

Critical Issue #4

Religious Liberty

The first item listed in the Bill of Rights within the U.S. Constitution addresses the issue of religious liberty.

Critical Issue #5

The Judicial System

Thomas Jefferson warned repeatedly about the emergence of an out-of-control judiciary that would destroy the Constitution and, along with it, America’s fundamental freedoms.

Critical Issue #6

Capitalism vs. Socialism

Democracy and capitalism have made our nation the most powerful and successful in the history of the world.

Critical Issue #7

The Nation of Israel

The Jews are God’s chosen people, and Israel is covenant land given to the Jews by Jehovah as an everlasting possession.

Showing Slide 1 of 7

Policy & Culture Updates

Featured

The Godless Left Killed Charlie Kirk; Now They Are Defaming His Memory

Nearly one year ago, one of the most promising Christian conservative leaders to have emerged in recent decades was murdered in front of hundreds of horrified college students, allegedly by a transgender fanatic. Even today, I still feel the anger and horror that overwhelmed me when I heard the news that Charlie Kirk had been assassinated. But at the same time, it reminds me of a tender moment between Dr. James Dobson and Charlie Kirk a few years ago in Colorado Springs.

Read More
Featured

Celebrating America at 250

Not a heatwave, violent thunderstorms, or the naysaying of the socialist Left could prevent the American people from celebrating the glorious 250th birthday of America. Millions of us gathered in our great cities and small towns to thank God and our heroes for the blessing of living in America. The largest armada of tall ships from more than forty countries sailed past the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other high-ranking officials seemed to be everywhere in the week leading up to the grand event in our nation’s capital. History may record that one of the most important Fourth of July speeches was actually delivered on the eve of the Fourth by President Trump at Mount Rushmore.

Read More
Policy & Culture

American Moment #5: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration teaches that every person has value because every person is created by God. The Founders believed that the government exists to protect the rights given by our Creator—not to create those rights.

Read More
Policy & Culture

American Moment #4: Irving Berlin and the Story of “God Bless America”

The popularity of “God Bless America” reveals something important about the American story. The song reminds us that while hard work, courage, and sacrifice are important, we ultimately depend upon God’s guidance and favor.

Read More
Policy & Culture

American Moment #3: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam War was one of the most difficult and controversial periods in American history. The nation was divided, and many veterans returned home to a country that did not always welcome them with gratitude. The memorial was built not to celebrate war, but to honor the men and women who served. It reminds us that freedom often comes at a great cost.

Read More
Policy & Culture

American Moment #2: Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

Lincoln understood something that many leaders throughout history have forgotten: nations, like individuals, are accountable to God. His speech was not primarily political—it was deeply spiritual. Lincoln urged Americans to look beyond military victories and political disagreements and consider what God might be teaching them through their trials.

Read More
Policy & Culture

American Moment #1: Julia Ward Howe and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

In 1861, while staying at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., Julia Ward Howe was inspired by Union soldiers singing patriotic songs and wrote the words to what became “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The hymn became a powerful anthem of faith, courage, and hope during one of the darkest chapters in American history. Keep reading to see why this moment matters.

Read More
Featured

Three Issues Shaping America This Week

This week, we’re sharing our thoughts on three vital issues: the Iran peace agreement, YouTube influencer Jesse Ridgway’s continued headlines, and reclaiming so-called “Pride Month.”

Read More
Featured

Saving Our Children

A preborn child’s life was terminated a few days ago by an abortionist hired by the child’s parents. Sadly, this happens in great numbers every day in America. But the death of this particular child has caused a stir, mainly because of who the father is.

Read More
Featured

Beware of False Prophets

Everyone in the world of politics is focused on the race for the United States Senate in Texas. Christians across America should be deeply concerned about the outcome. In its own way, it is bigger than just politics.

Read More
Showing Slide 1 of 11

Receive Updates From The Policy & Culture Center

Authors

Gary Bauer

Gary currently serves as senior vice president of Public Policy and Culture at JDFI, president of American Values, and chairman of Campaign for Working Families PAC. Previously, he served in the Reagan administration as Under Secretary of Education and Head of the Office of Policy Development. Gary became president of the Family Research Council, senior vice president of Focus on the Family, and was appointed by President Trump to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Defending Faith, Family, and Freedom Podcast

Subscribe to Gary's Podcast

Social

Featured Content

A word from Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson

“Public policy” refers in other contexts to politics, such as elections and political parties. That is not what we mean by the term. Our focus is on issues related to righteousness in the culture, such as the sanctity of human life, the God-ordained institution of marriage, parental rights, freedom of religion, and other liberties guaranteed in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. This is an incomplete list but should be illustrative. Of course, we are also opposed to policies that are anti-biblical, such as critical race theory and other efforts to propagandize and manipulate the minds of children. We oppose the entire LGBTQ ideology, as well as adultery, premarital sex, and matters that most conservative Christians view as contrary to Scripture. At the heart of our belief system is a biblical worldview, such as absolute truth and the teachings of Jesus. We are committed to the family as outlined in the Book of Genesis, a view of the family that is under vicious attack from within our culture. We are here to defend the family with every resource. Indeed, defending and promoting these beliefs and the truths in God’s Word are our raison d’etre, our reason to be.
Read Less Keep Reading