Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family is a US Evangelical Christian group founded by Dr. James Dobson and based in Colorado Springs. It broadcasts a national radio show of the same name hosted by Dobson or aides. The program has a smorgasboard of themes, such as personal help for victims of rape or childhood abuse, parenting difficulties, child adoption, husband/wife roles, family history and traditions, struggles with addictions to gambling/pornography/alcohol/drugs, and many other themes. When programs deal with civic issues, listeners often respond to these programs by contacting political leaders.

Focus on the Family is one of a number of Evangelical para-church organizations that have arisen in the last generation. Their stated aim is to not start a new church or denomination, but to work interdenominationally to support and strengthen local churches. For example, one of Focus' themes each fall is "Pastor Appreciation Sunday."

The group supports the teaching of traditional family values. It advocates school prayer and opposes banning corporal punishment of children. It strongly opposes abortion, homosexuality, pornography and juvenile sexual behavior.

Liberal critics fear Dobson's political clout and label him and the organization as Fundamentalist and/or extreme right wingers, but Fundamentalists are among the severest critics mainly because Dobson works cooperatively with Protestant and Roman Catholic Christians and Jews, and because the organization is politically active. Many Fundamentalists also decry the admixture of psychology and faith.

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Focus on the Family is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability