Faith
Honoring Dr. James Dobson: Defender of Faith
Faith Facts
- Dr. James Dobson shaped America’s values from the 1970s through today by championing Biblical principles in public life.
- An evangelical leader and founder of Focus on the Family, he impacted millions with his work defending family and traditional morality.
- His legacy lives on in his fearless advocacy for the unborn, Christian engagement in public policy, and affirmation of the traditional family.
Dr. James Dobson went to be with the Lord at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy anchored in faith and steadfast devotion to the Word of God. His ministry encouraged believers across the nation to embrace the truth of Scripture and live boldly for Christ in all spheres of life.
Born into a long lineage of pastors, Dr. Dobson’s upbringing instilled in him a passion for Biblical truth and devotion to family. A formative moment in 1948, when his father pointed him to the fulfillment of prophecy in the establishment of Israel, set the course for a lifetime grounded in faith.
Dr. Dobson earned a doctorate in psychology and served as an associate clinical professor at USC and at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Marrying his academic expertise with Biblical convictions, he became a trusted voice in both the church and broader culture.
When the American Psychological Association moved away from Biblical truth in 1973, Dr. Dobson stood strong, resigning in protest. Soon after, he founded Focus on the Family, reaching millions with practical applications of Christian values for parenting and family life.
His best-selling books and broadcasts promoted Biblical discipline and reaffirmed the value of the traditional Judeo-Christian family. His voice became a beacon for Christian parents seeking to raise children in godliness, often reminding families to stand firm in their convictions.
As the founder of the Family Research Council, he courageously influenced policy for the defense of life, marriage, and religious liberty. Dr. Dobson’s boldness inspired Christians nationwide to participate actively in shaping American culture according to God’s design.
His humility, kindness, and devotion to his wife Shirley were evident to all who knew him. Whether in private or public, Dr. Dobson was consistent in character, modeling Christlike integrity and love.
“Jimmy, you are listening to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.”
He is now home with the Savior he loved and served faithfully. Dr. Dobson’s life calls us to stand strong in faith, defend life and family, and let Biblical values guide our every action.
Let us honor Dr. Dobson’s legacy by living out the principles he championed—cherishing faith, family, and freedom with courage and conviction.
Faith Facts
- The World Watch List ranks the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians each year.
- Definitions of persecution are complex, with broad and legal meanings.
- The Watch List identifies multiple ‘persecution engines,’ not just religious bias.
The World Watch List, published by Open Doors, reveals where Christian believers face the harshest threats to their faith. This tool is heavily referenced in discussions on global religious freedom, spotlighting the severe trials Christians experience worldwide.
Some criticize the World Watch List’s definitions, yet most experts agree that persecution includes various forms of mistreatment, discrimination, or violence for one’s faith. The term is used both generally and legally, reflecting the serious challenges many Christians encounter.
As believers, we understand that standing firm for Christ has always invited persecution. The Watch List identifies sources such as religious nationalism, clan oppression, and organized corruption — highlighting that opposition comes from many directions, not just a single worldview.
Including ‘Islamic oppression’ in the list does not label all Muslims as oppressors, just as ‘Christian denominational protectionism’ does not reflect every Christian group. The Bible calls us to truth while praying for those who face hostility for righteousness’ sake.
It is important to recognize that the difficulties Christians experience are real and well-documented, even though Christianity is the largest global faith. Our response should be marked by prayer, advocacy, and a commitment to uphold religious liberty for all, guided by God’s Word.
Let us stand together for brothers and sisters in Christ facing persecution, drawing strength from our faith and the freedoms we cherish. Stay vigilant, informed, and bold in defending Christian values around the world.
Faith Facts
- The Surakarta Blessed Family Foundation (YKAS), a Christian affiliate of Bethel Indonesia Church, has appealed the revocation of its building permits in Central Java.
- YKAS claims the permit removals were done without proper dialogue or legal basis despite complying with all documentation requirements.
- Mass opposition and protests arose as construction neared completion, with local Islamic groups voicing strong objections.
Upholding the right to worship in Indonesia remains a challenge for Christian communities as they navigate ongoing opposition and bureaucratic obstacles. The faithful are called to stand firm in truth while seeking justice through peaceful and prayerful means.
Dendy Zuhairil Finsa, chairman of the Ansor Youth Movement Legal Aids Institute, said,
“The revocation of the five BCAs, which were issued, then corrected, postponed and finally revoked within just three days, constitutes an arbitrary act because there was no room for dialogue with the Surakarta Blessed Family Foundation, the administrator.”
Pressure from various groups has led to governmental indecision and temporary halts in the Christian project, putting religious liberty at risk. Community voices remind us of the importance of fairness and the need for faith-based initiatives to have equal protection under the law.
Setiawan Budi, coordinator of the Interfaith Brotherhood, called the government’s handling,
“A form of alleged arbitrariness… Something like this should never have happened.”
Now more than ever, believers must unite in prayer, advocate for religious freedom, and support our Christian brothers and sisters worldwide. Stand for faith, family, and freedom as we defend the right to worship and uphold Biblical values in every nation.
Faith Facts
- Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, called Putin’s statements about Russia’s war ‘heresy.’
- Putin described the invasion of Ukraine as a ‘holy mission’ during Orthodox Christmas.
- The message has faced criticism for blending faith with national ideology and violence.
Rowan Williams strongly denounced comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin equating military action to a divine mission, warning such views undermine Christian teaching. Putin’s message linking military service to spiritual salvation during Orthodox Christmas has stirred international concern.
Williams cited John 18:36 to emphasize that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, rejecting the use of violence in God’s name.
“There is something really, really disturbing about the systematic, comprehensive rebranding of Christianity as Russian national ideology,” Williams said.
Christian faith emphasizes peace and self-sacrifice, not using God to justify war. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to raise questions about the proper relationship between faith, patriotism, and power.
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