James Dobson Quotes

Powerful James Dobson for Daily Growth

About James Dobson

James Dobson (born April 21, 1936) is an influential American evangelical Christian author, psychologist, and radio host. Raised in Tennessee, Dobson's spiritual journey began at a revival meeting at the age of seven, where he dedicated his life to Christ. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College, followed by a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Southern California. Dobson's professional career started with a stint as a staff member at Focus on the Family (FotF), an evangelical Christian organization founded by Dr. Billy Graham. In 1970, Dobson became the executive director and president of FotF, positions he held for nearly four decades. During this time, Dobson launched the radio program "Focus on the Family" which reached millions globally, offering advice on family issues from a Christian perspective. Throughout his career, Dobson authored numerous best-selling books, including "Dare to Discipline," "The Strong-Willed Child," and "Love for a Lifetime." His works often addressed childrearing, marriage, and other topics related to the family. In 1983, he established the Family Research Council, an organization dedicated to advocating for traditional Christian values in public policy. Influenced by Christian theology, psychology, and his personal beliefs about family structure, Dobson's work has been both celebrated and criticized. He is often regarded as a prominent figure in the evangelical movement, with many considering him a conservative voice on social issues. Regardless of perspective, James Dobson's impact on contemporary Christianity, particularly through his books and radio program, remains significant.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest threat to any family is a father's absence."

This quote emphasizes the crucial role fathers play in families, suggesting that their physical or emotional absence can pose a significant risk to the stability and well-being of a family unit. It highlights the importance of active and involved fatherhood in fostering strong, healthy relationships within a family.


"Children crave love as much as they crave air."

The quote emphasizes the profound importance of love in a child's life, suggesting that it is as essential to their existence as the air they breathe. It underscores the deep emotional needs children have for love, affection, and connection with their caregivers, which are crucial for their overall development and well-being.


"Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers."

The quote emphasizes that parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's development, attitudes, values, and behaviors due to the intimate and prolonged interactions they have with them. Parents are often the primary sources of information, guidance, and role models for their children, making their influence significant in forming the child's character, beliefs, and worldview. This quote underscores the importance of parents being mindful about the lessons, attitudes, and behaviors they transmit to their children, as these early influences can have profound effects on a child's life.


"Character is the ability to follow through on a resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed."

This quote by James Dobson emphasizes the importance of consistency in building character. It suggests that true character is demonstrated not just during moments of excitement or passion, but also when the initial enthusiasm has faded away. Maintaining resolutions requires perseverance, self-discipline, and a strong moral compass - qualities that define a person's character. In essence, Dobson highlights that enduring commitment to one's values and goals, even in challenging times, is what truly shapes and strengthens character.


"The family that prays together stays together."

This quote by James Dobson emphasizes the importance of prayer within a family as a key factor in maintaining unity and cohesion. The act of praying together fosters strong emotional bonds, shared values, and mutual respect among family members. It provides an opportunity for open communication about beliefs, feelings, and concerns, thereby strengthening relationships. Regular family prayers serve as a reminder that despite individual differences, everyone is connected through a shared spirituality and commitment to each other and their faith.


God has called us to be His representatives in our nation and in our world. Select candidates who represent your views and work for their election.

- James Dobson

Election, Nation, Select, Our World

Clearly, the Scripture tells us that we lack the capacity to grasp God's infinite mind or the way He intervenes in our lives. How arrogant of us to think otherwise! Trying to analyze His omnipotence is like an amoeba attempting to comprehend the behavior of man.

- James Dobson

Infinite, Comprehend, Omnipotence

Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.

- James Dobson

Parenting, Been, Which, Casual

I do believe that Israel is covenant land. That's very controversial, but I read the Bible literally, and I believe that God gave them that land, all the way back to Deuteronomy.

- James Dobson

Bible, Very, Read, Covenant

One of the most important responsibilities in the Christian life is to care about others, smile at them, and be a friend to the friendless.

- James Dobson

About, Friendless, Christian Life

A disturbing prospect looms before us as Americans consider the possibility of a second term for President Barack Obama. Millions of conservatives who revere the Constitution, with its guarantees of freedom and limited government, have watched with alarm as the campaign season has unfolded.

- James Dobson

Constitution, Before, Obama, Limited Government

Here's why I cannot vote for Rudy Giuliani. He's pro-abortion. He's never repudiated gay marriage in New York City or at least the civil unions in New York City. He's called a champion of gay rights. Rudy is opposed to school choice. He's in favor of open borders.

- James Dobson

City, Here, Borders, Champion

I would like to thank those who spoke boldly against the 'gay marriage float' in the 2014 Rose Parade. Apparently, that vigorous opposition came from perhaps millions of people, and it had a significant influence on how the matter was handled on network and cable television.

- James Dobson

Against, Spoke, Had, Vigorous

Clearly, unless the Lord chooses to explain Himself to us, which often He does not, His motivation and purposes are beyond the reach of mortal man. What this means in practical terms is that many of our questions - especially those that begin with the word 'why' - will have to remain unanswered for the time being.

- James Dobson

Reach, Explain, Lord, Chooses

My greatest concern is that Mitt Romney seldom addresses the social issues publicly... I'm referring to the sanctity of human life, the traditional definition of marriage, and religious liberty.

- James Dobson

Religious, Mitt Romney, Social Issues

I'm not Catholic, but I have a great deal of respect for Pope John Paul. I think that he has stood firm on the moral issues, and I admire him greatly.

- James Dobson

Think, Deal, Pope, Moral Issues

Politics is dirty. Politics is exciting. Politics is often very, very difficult and disappointing. And I really would rather the world would be a little more like it was when my dad was young, where you knew pretty much where people stood on the great moral issues.

- James Dobson

Politics, Rather, Very, Moral Issues

Although individual temperaments vary, boys are designed to be more assertive, audacious, and excitable than girls are.

- James Dobson

More, Vary, Individual, Audacious

When I was about ten, I was very impressed by the way Tarzan could swing through the trees from vine to vine. No one ever told me, 'Don't try this at home.'

- James Dobson

Through, Could, Very, Tarzan

'Dare to Discipline' was published in 1970 in the midst of the Vietnam War and a culture of rebellion. The book was written in that context, but the principles of child rearing have not changed.

- James Dobson

Book, Rebellion, Vietnam, Vietnam War

Prayer and dependence on God has been our history. How unfortunate it is now that an unaccountable and unelected and misguided judge from Wisconsin, Judge Barbara Crabb, has declared National Days of Prayer - established by the Congress - to be unconstitutional.

- James Dobson

Wisconsin, Been, Established, Dependence

Males and females are unique and different, because their brains are different. There's not a limitation on girls. My grandmother was very strong, and so was my mother. She also knew what it meant to be a woman and wife and was very successful at it.

- James Dobson

Strong, Limitation, Very, Meant To Be

There is no greater privilege in living than bringing a tiny new human being into the world and then trying to raise him or her properly during the next eighteen years. Doing that job right requires all the intelligence, wisdom, and determination you will be able to muster from day to day.

- James Dobson

Determination, Doing, Next, Muster

The United States has been from the beginning greatly influenced and primarily influenced by the Judeo-Christian system of values.

- James Dobson

System, Been, United States, Greatly

Should Sen. McCain capture the nomination as many assume, I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for President in my lifetime. I certainly can't vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama based on their virulently anti-family policy positions.

- James Dobson

Lifetime, Clinton, Obama, Assume

My observation is that women are merely waiting for their husbands to assume leadership.

- James Dobson

Waiting, Observation, Assume

The institution of the family has very few friends in Washington. There are lobbyists in Washington for every possible entity, from the possum-growers of America to every kind of crazy thing. There's somebody in Washington paid to advance the cause of that particular business, but there's not a lot of support for the family.

- James Dobson

Very, Cause, Lobbyists, Entity

I don't blame homosexuals for being angry when people say they've made a choice to be gay, because they don't.

- James Dobson

Say, Made, Being, Gay

Dick Armey is an economic conservative. He is not a social conservative. He doesn't like to talk about marriage and about the unborn child, the sanctity of life and things like that. He wants to talk about smaller government.

- James Dobson

Conservative, Social, Unborn, Unborn Child

If traditional marriage is not the law of the land, the institution of the family will cease to exist.

- James Dobson

Exist, Institution, Cease To Exist

I don't believe that homosexuals really want to marry, most of them. They're all different, and some have different views.

- James Dobson

Want, Some, Marry, Views

I believe in the death penalty.

- James Dobson

Death, Death Penalty, I Believe In

I don't want to make a mistake that would hurt the cause of Christ late in my life, so I'm going to do everything I can to bring many people to Christ. If he can use me in that regard through 'Family Talk,' that will be my greatest legacy.

- James Dobson

Legacy, My Life, Through, Hurt

If two men or two women can marry, then there is no way a court could deny three men and two women or any combination thereof.

- James Dobson

Marry, Could, Deny, Combination

Since 1775, when the first Continental Congress called for a national day of prayer, there have been such events called for by almost every President. I saw the figures - 34 out of 44 Presidents have called for a national day of prayer. Some of those who didn't have died in office.

- James Dobson

Some, Been, Continental, Events

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