Renowned psychologist and pastor James Dobson passed away at the age of 89
22 august 2025 в 17:13
Doctor James Dobson, an evangelical Christian family psychologist and media figure, passed away at the age of 89 on August 21, 2025. He left his mark on conservative politics and religion, advising several presidential administrations throughout his career. As a public figure in Christian media, Dobson faced criticism for his controversial views on the LGBTQ+ community, abortion rights, children, and the role of women in marriage.
The James Dobson Family Institute announced his death alongside a statement from their Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Gary Bauer.
«Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped how generations view faith, family, and culture», - Bauer said, according to a news release published on the institute’s website. «His bold leadership, honesty, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, counselor, and a constant voice of truth in turbulent times».
Early in his career, Dobson advocated for strict parenting methods — the most well-known of which was disciplining children, even infants as young as 15 months. He believed that parents had authority over the child and could keep a strap on the child’s dresser as a reminder of their position, according to one of his published works titled «Dare to Discipline».
In a work published in 1997, Dobson noted that child abuse is a «tragedy» and advised that a parent who «enjoys» punishment should not have such power.
As mentioned earlier, Dobson published numerous books, most of which were successful in the Christian community. Among them were «Dare to Discipline», - «Preparing for Adolescence», - «The Strong-Willed Child», - and «Parenting Isn’t for Cowards».
Dobson staunchly opposed same-sex relationships. His organization, Focus on the Family, claimed that homosexuality — which Dobson previously referred to as a «disorder» — was caused by the child’s home environment and surroundings. Dobson insisted that his organization was «not interested in promoting hatred towards homosexuals or anyone else», - according to a 2008 article published by The Christian Post.
«We also do not wish to deprive them of their basic constitutional rights. The Constitution applies to all of us», - Dobson said in 2008, according to the publication.
Regarding heterosexual relationships, Dobson believed that women should use their «sexual attractiveness» to create strong partners out of their husbands. As stated in «Dare to Discipline», - he wrote: «A girl’s natural sexual attractiveness is her primary stock in trade in the game of life. In exchange for female tenderness and love, a man accepts the girl as his lifelong responsibility — providing for her needs and caring for her well-being. This sexual aspect of the marital contract is hard to deny».
Dobson was a member of advisory groups for several Republican presidents from the 1970s until the end of his life, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Donald Trump.
No, the James Dobson Family Institute did not disclose the cause of the late author’s death
The James Dobson Family Institute announced his death alongside a statement from their Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Gary Bauer.
«Dr. Dobson was a pioneer — a man of deep conviction whose voice shaped how generations view faith, family, and culture», - Bauer said, according to a news release published on the institute’s website. «His bold leadership, honesty, and compassion helped equip countless families to thrive in a world of shifting values. He was a mentor, counselor, and a constant voice of truth in turbulent times».
Early in his career, Dobson advocated for strict parenting methods — the most well-known of which was disciplining children, even infants as young as 15 months. He believed that parents had authority over the child and could keep a strap on the child’s dresser as a reminder of their position, according to one of his published works titled «Dare to Discipline».
In a work published in 1997, Dobson noted that child abuse is a «tragedy» and advised that a parent who «enjoys» punishment should not have such power.
As mentioned earlier, Dobson published numerous books, most of which were successful in the Christian community. Among them were «Dare to Discipline», - «Preparing for Adolescence», - «The Strong-Willed Child», - and «Parenting Isn’t for Cowards».
Dobson staunchly opposed same-sex relationships. His organization, Focus on the Family, claimed that homosexuality — which Dobson previously referred to as a «disorder» — was caused by the child’s home environment and surroundings. Dobson insisted that his organization was «not interested in promoting hatred towards homosexuals or anyone else», - according to a 2008 article published by The Christian Post.
«We also do not wish to deprive them of their basic constitutional rights. The Constitution applies to all of us», - Dobson said in 2008, according to the publication.
Regarding heterosexual relationships, Dobson believed that women should use their «sexual attractiveness» to create strong partners out of their husbands. As stated in «Dare to Discipline», - he wrote: «A girl’s natural sexual attractiveness is her primary stock in trade in the game of life. In exchange for female tenderness and love, a man accepts the girl as his lifelong responsibility — providing for her needs and caring for her well-being. This sexual aspect of the marital contract is hard to deny».
Dobson was a member of advisory groups for several Republican presidents from the 1970s until the end of his life, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Donald Trump.
No, the James Dobson Family Institute did not disclose the cause of the late author’s death
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
