Dear Friends,
Today, our hearts are heavy as we bid farewell to a man who fundamentally changed the landscape of Christian family, leadership, and advocacy in America. Dr. James C. Dobson, who passed into eternity at age 89, was not simply a leader—he was a visionary whose influence will echo through generations of families who learned to love God, honor marriage, and raise children according to biblical principles.
The Man Who Started It All
When we think about the Center for Arizona Policy’s mission to promote and defend life, marriage and family, and religious freedom, we must remember that none of this work would exist without Dr. Dobson’s pioneering vision. In the 1980s, when few understood the critical importance of engaging culture through public policy, Dr. Dobson saw what others missed: laws shape lives, and protecting families required fighting for them in government halls.
His concept of establishing “Family Policy Councils” in every state became the blueprint that birthed organizations like CAP nationwide. Today, that vision has grown into a network that has passed thousands of pro-family laws and protected countless children from harm.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Dr. Dobson’s greatest gift was his ability to speak truth with both conviction and compassion. For over four decades, his daily radio broadcast became a lifeline for struggling parents, hope for troubled marriages, and a rallying cry for overwhelmed Christians. He offered practical, biblical wisdom for real-world challenges.
His books became treasured resources in Christian homes. “Dare to Discipline” revolutionized Christian parenting by showing that loving discipline was essential for raising godly children. “The Strong-Willed Child” gave hope to parents defeated by spirited sons and daughters. These weren’t ivory tower theories—they were battle-tested principles from a man who had walked the journey himself.
Defending the Defenseless
Perhaps nowhere was Dr. Dobson’s courage more evident than in his unwavering defense of life. Long before it was popular, he stood firm on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. He understood that cultures devaluing the vulnerable—the unborn, elderly, disabled—had lost their moral compass. His advocacy helped fuel the pro-life movement and inspired countless others to speak for the voiceless.
His defense of marriage was equally prophetic. Years before cultural redefinition of this sacred institution, Dr. Dobson warned that marriage between one man and one woman was under assault. He spoke not from hatred but from deep understanding that strong marriages create strong families, and strong families create strong societies. When others remained silent to avoid controversy, Dr. Dobson stood firm, knowing some truths are worth any price.
A Mentor’s Heart
What many didn’t see was Dr. Dobson’s heart for developing the next generation of Christian leaders. He didn’t hoard influence but poured himself into young people who shared his passion for families. Many of today’s most effective pro-family advocates can trace their calling back to Dr. Dobson’s mentorship.
He taught us that effective advocacy requires both courage and wisdom—courage to stand for truth when culture opposes you, and wisdom to present truth persuasively rather than provocatively. He showed us how to be both boldly Christian and thoughtfully strategic, never compromising principles while seeking the most effective ways to advance them.
The Arizona Connection
Arizona families have special reason to be grateful for Dr. Dobson’s legacy. Without his vision for state-based family policy organizations, there would be no Center for Arizona Policy. CAP has spent nearly three decades fighting for Arizona families because Dr. Dobson first saw this need. Every pro-life law we’ve passed, every victory for parental rights, every defense of religious freedom—all trace back to the foundation he laid.
A Legacy That Lives On
As we mourn Dr. Dobson’s passing, we must celebrate his incredible legacy. Millions of marriages are stronger because of his counsel. Countless children have grown up in homes transformed by his wisdom. Hundreds of laws protecting families exist because of his vision.
But perhaps his greatest legacy is the example he set. He showed us what it means to live completely surrendered to Christ, where every talent, platform, and opportunity advances God’s kingdom. He demonstrated that it’s possible to stand for truth with both conviction and grace, to engage culture with boldness and love.
Dr. Dobson used to end his speeches by reading Matthew 25:21: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He would then say wistfully, “Oh, how I long to hear those words.” Today, we rejoice that he has indeed heard them.
As we continue the work he started, let us remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants. Dr. James Dobson has passed the torch to us. Now it’s our turn to defend families, protect children, and advance God’s kingdom with the same faithfulness, courage, and love that marked his extraordinary life.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Standing Firm for Life and Women’s Rights
Watch Now: Isaacson v. Arizona Update: Protecting Women, Defending Life, Upholding Arizona Laws
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen discusses the Isaacson v. Arizona case, defending women’s right to informed consent and Arizona’s Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act. The case focuses on protecting vulnerable lives and ensuring women receive complete information before making life-altering decisions.
Save the Date
Digital Discernment: Creating a Tech-Ready Home in the AI Age
Join us on September 23rd, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for a townhall/webinar featuring Chris McKenna, CEO of Protect Young Eyes. This townhall aims to equip parents and families with strategies for navigating today’s digital landscape and protecting children in an AI-driven world. Register for the webinar here!