Focus on the Family, Family Research Council and Dr. James Dobson (videos)

Focus on the Family is sometimes referred to as “FOTF” or “FotF” and was founded by Dr. James Dobson in 1977. It is a nonprofit group based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and grew to great heights in the 80s for its conservative Christian values. James Dobson is a psychologist and Christian author who has penned several books based upon Christian parenting, Christian family values, child discipline, marriage, and family in general. He has authored more than two dozen books solely and has contributed to numerous others. One of Dr. Dobson’s most well known books is “The Strong Willed Child.” Dr. Dobson uses Biblical references and Scripture as the foundation for his parenting books. In 2003, Dr. Dobson left "Focus on the Family" and now serves as CEO of “Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson,” a non-profit radio show. Dr. James Dobson is founded the “Family Research Council” in 1981.

After Dr. James Dobson left "Focus on the Family’s" helm in 2003, the reigns were passed to Donald P. Hodel. Hodel became the organization’s president and CEO. Dr. James Dobson remained as chairman of the Board of Directors until 2009. By 2010, he completely left the organization and focused on “Family Talk.” In 2005, Jim Daly became the president and CEO of "Focus on the Family;" he continues to serve as president to this day.

According to "Focus on the Family’s" mission statement, vision, and guiding principles, the organization’s aims are, “To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible by nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide.” The organization is built upon six foundations or pillars that include the following:

The Preeminence of Evangelism
The Permanence Marriage
The Value of Children
The Sanctity of Human Life
The Importance of Social Responsibility
The Value of Male and Female

Loosely translated, these values find themselves as pro-marriage between a man and a woman, pro-life, against gay marriage, and strongly geared towards the freedom of religion under the First Amendment. They also take a strong role in encouraging Christians to exercise their right to vote in political matters that affect Christians in society. Opponents of "Focus on the Family" have argued against their pro-life stance and claim that because the group believes in the value of Christian marriage between a man and woman, that they are “anti-gay.”

The "Family Research Council," which Dr. James Dobson founded, broke away from "Focus on the Family" in 1992. It is currently under the leadership of Tony Perkins. Due to its public stance against homosexuality, gay marriage, and being against the right for homosexual couples to adopt children, the "Southern Poverty Law Center" deemed the "Family Research Council" a “hate group." It is important to recognize that though the Southern Poverty Law Center has designated "Family Research Council" a hate group (a move that Conservative Christians widely protest); "Focus on the Family" as a ministry has not been deemed a hate group.

"Focus on the Family" runs a number of different ministries that deal with strengthening marriages and the family unit. "Focus on the Family Radio Theater" is known for creating dramatic adaptations of literary classics. "Adventures in Odyssey" is a weekly airing radio series that "Focus on the Family" began producing in 1987. The radio program has developed into an animated video series as well as computer games.

Another ministry associated with "Focus on the Family" is the "National Day of Prayer Task Force." Dr. James Dobson’s wife, Shirley Dobson serves as the organization’s chairwoman.

The "Day of Dialogue," another ministry run by "Focus on the Family" takes place annually on April 16, as a student led event that is designed to promote open conversation regarding God’s design for sexuality. The "Day of Dialogue" was founded by the "Alliance Defense Fund" in 2005 as an alternative to the "Day of Silence," organized by the "Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network" (GLSEN). The "Day of Silence" is a protest of gay and lesbian harassment. The "Alliance Defense Fund" created the "Day of Truth" as a way to combat the homosexual agenda. In 2009, "Exodus International" took over the "Day of Truth," before it transferred to "Focus on the Family" and underwent a name change. "Focus on the Family" promotes the “Day of Dialogue” as a way for Christians to discuss Biblical principles and viewpoints regarding homosexuality.

"Focus on the Family" has continually been the subject of debates regarding the separation of church and state, as well as their interpretation of data studying the impact of children raised in households led by homosexuals.

Moreover, it is important to remember that at this point in time, "Focus on the Family," "Family Talk," and the "Family Research Council" are three separate entities, though "Focus on the Family" continues to operate the "Family Research Council." Those interested in Dr. James Dobson’s material will find them at "Family Talk." Dr. James Dobson is on Facebook and shares "Family Talk" videos, audio from the radio broadcast, and daily inspirations. You may access Dr. James Dobson’s official website and broadcasts here. Dr. Dobson’s "Family Talk"radio broadcasts are also available on the ministry website “Family Talk One Place.”you may find Dr. James Dobson’s “Family Talk” One Place archives here.

"Adventures in Odyssey," the popular children’s radio broadcast is available online at the official website as well as on Adventures in Odyssey One Place ministries. You may access "Adventures in Odyssey broadcast archives at One Place here." You may also connect with Adventures in Odyssey on Facebook, and Twitter with the Adventures in Odyssey Update Twitter and the Adventures in Odyssey Twitter accounts.

You may listen to Focus on the Family broadcasts at the official website here. Click for the "Focus on the Family"Facebook and "Focus on the Family" Twitter accounts.

Focus on the Family has a full line of Twitter accounts for various ministries. Check out the following:

Here is a list of Focus on the Family related Facebook pages

The Family Research Council is also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Research-Council/105710506129926 Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/FRCdc and YouTube. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Family-Research-Council/105710506129926

Focus on the Family drew attention on January 14, 2012 when they aired a “John 3:16” commercial during the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots football game. You may see that commercial in the video player to the left.