CNN reported: “James Dobson” has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind many controversies and large cracks in the Christian community in the US.
For many years, the mainstream media often called him a “Christian writer” or “family values activist,” but looking back at Dobson’s legacy, it is difficult to call him a shining example of faith or morality.
He once built his reputation on words praising “traditional values” and “Christian families,” but his actions and views showed the opposite. James Dobson was famous for his politically charged speeches, often using religion as a tool to sow division, especially during times of political tension in the US.
He was a heavy critic of former President Barack Obama, a man who was always highly regarded for his devotion to his family, as an exemplary husband and father. Although he disagreed with Obama’s policies, Dobson’s attacks on his personal life and his moral values because of his political views disappointed many Christians. They thought he was using religion to degrade a decent man. In contrast to his harsh attitude towards Obama, Dobson was enthusiastic in praising Donald Trump — a figure with a series of scandals, especially his chaotic sex life, multiple extramarital affairs, and disregard for marriage. Instead of standing up for moral standards as he had preached, Dobson used his prestige to justify Trump, even calling on the Christian community to support Trump as “God’s chosen one.” This blatant bias created an image of a hypocritical religious leader who put politics above faith. Until the end of his life, Dobson did not abandon his extreme views. He openly supported right-wing movements, rejected racial equality, and sided with conservative forces willing to distort the Bible to maintain power. Many of his statements were even criticized for containing racist elements, seeking to degrade minority communities and opposing social reforms for equality. Therefore, Dobson’s death at the age of 89 is not simply the passing of a famous figure, but also rekindles the debate about his true role in American religious and political life. For some conservatives, Dobson remains an influential voice. But for others, he is simply a symbol of betrayal of the Christian values he once claimed to represent. When thinking about Dobson, one cannot help but ask: did he really live up to what he preached? He condemned the moral decay in society, but tolerated and honored a scandalous person like Trump. He called on people to be kind and just, but sowed hatred and division with his words. Dobson’s legacy is not one of pure faith or noble values, but a bitter lesson in hypocrisy and the confusion between religion and politics. His death may be mourned by some, but it also reminds society that not everyone who wears the cloak of “Christian values” truly represents the spirit of kindness and justice of Christianity.
