Last week, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson announced on his Facebook page that after he retires from Focus in late February, he will start a new Christian family ministry with his son, Ryan.
The nonprofit organization in Colorado Springs will be called James Dobson on the Family and include a radio show hosted by father and son.
You can read more about James Dobson on the Family in a Gazette article by clicking here.
Ryan Dobson
But who is Dobson’s son? Even in Colorado Springs, Ryan Dobson is not well known.
Ryan Dobson is on vacation and plans to sit down with The Gazette for an interview when he returns to town later in January. In the meantime, his books and videos provide a lot of information on his background.
Ryan was born in 1970. His mother was a 16-year-old single mom, Ryan said in a youth talk he gave in November. He was adopted as a newborn by James and Shirley Dobson, and he has a sister named Danae.
In his teens and early adulthood, Ryan was in a rebellious state, according to interviews he’s given. His rebellion was reflected in his appearance. His body has several tattoos, and he has periodically dyed his hair bright colors and worn ear rings. He also regularly shaves his head and wears a bushy beard.
“I was rebellious sometimes,” Ryan told the Denver Post in early 2009. “I always knew the difference between right and wrong. Sometimes I chose wrong.”
As for his education, Ryan dropped out of Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, according to the Denver Post. But in 1995 he earned a degree in communications from Biola University in Southern California.
Beginning in the late 1990s, Ryan served for three years as a youth minister at a church in Orange County, Calif., according to the 2005 book “Family Man: The Biography of Dr. James Dobson,” by Dale Buss.
At the time, a mentor suggested to Ryan that he become a professional Christian speaker, Buss writes, and that’s when Ryan’s disjointed life found some focus. In 2002, he became a client of the Ambassador Agency of Nashville, a talent agency for Christian authors and lecturers.
“Ryan began to fully grasp the opportunity before him, as if finally assuming a birthright,” Buss writes. “By the end of 2003, Ryan Dobson had become one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers to Christian youth.”
In 2003, Ryan published his first book, “Be Intolerant.” The book revealed his black-and-white conservative views on religion and his no-nonsense communication style — qualities similar to his father’s. Ryan didn’t actually write the book; rather, it was sewn together from some of Ryan’s lectures by a ghost writer, Buss writes.
Publisher’s Weekly said ”Be Intolerant” had the “subtlety of a two by four to the side of the head.”
Ryan is known for looking untidy in his lectures — scraggly beard, wrinkled and untucked shirt, rolled-up jeans. For Ryan, his appearance reflects how he views himself — a wild-eyed preacher in the wilderness. “God has called me to a sort of John the Baptist-type role,” Ryan told Buss.
Though Ryan worked in the 1990s for the Family Research Council, which is affiliated with Focus, he’s never been employed at Focus. Ryan has said often that he never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps at Focus.
Buss writes that Dobson agreed with his son that he wasn’t going to be a future Focus leader. “Many Focus insiders also don’t believe that such a thing would ever occur, citing the simple fact that just as no one else has proven to be another James Dobson, neither has his son,” Buss writes.
Ryan’s untidy appearance has caused some observers to speculate that Ryan didn’t fit the clean-cut image that Focus prefers for its executives. Also, Ryan’s marriage in 1999 to a woman named Cezanne ended in divorce in 2001. Focus has rules against hiring people who divorce for reasons not sanctioned by the Bible.
It is rumored that Ryan’s divorce was due to Cezanne’s abandoning the marriage, which would allow Ryan to re-marry, according to biblical teachings.
Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger said Ryan’s divorce was not a factor regarding any employment opportunities he might pursue at Focus. “That would not have stood in the way,” he said.
“He never wanted to succeed his dad,” Schneeberger continued. “Ryan had no desire to work for Focus.”
In 2005, Ryan Dobson remarried, to Laura, and has a young child named Lincoln.
Ryan recently founded KOR Ministries, an online faith-based site where Ryan’s podcasts on religion and social issues air. On the site, Ryan’s bio notes that he was ordained in 2007, but doesn’t specify who ordained him.
Videos posted on his personal Web site, www.ryandobson.com, show him speaking at a youth event held at New Life Church a few years ago. His delivery is fun and down-to-earth, and his message is hardcore conservative.
Below are some quotes from Ryan in the video lectures:
On gay marriage: “I don’t believe gay marriage is good for our country. Why? Because the countries that have adopted civil unions and same-sex marriage … have had a giant decrease in heterosexual marriage. The cause and effect of that is that more and more are born out of wedlock in single-parent families.”
“I don’t think gay marriage is good for America.”
On family values: “A scientific fact: Kids raised in single-parent families often don’t do as well as kids raised in two-parent families.”
On science: “All science backs up the Bible … (because) my God is the creator of science.”
On abortion: (In a Nov. 11, 2009 youth lecture, Ryan relates how he was talking to a passenger on a plane who was pro-choice.) “So I asked him, ‘How do you feel about Hitler?’ (Ryan’s point was that abortion, like the Third Reich, has taken millions of lives.)
On tolerance: “You know that whole thing about we can always agree, compromise, and we can all get along along? That doesn’t work.”
On his tendency to say what he thinks: ”I tend to cannonball. I’m much more splashy.”
“I have little self-control over this part of my body (points to his mouth).”
A chip off the ol’ block? Homophobia, prejudice, fundamentalism, Theocratic Tribalism? Gawd I hope not…
I’m looking forward to hearing more from this young man. I’ve enjoyed the few times I’ve listened to him thusfar, and agree with his positions listed in this brief.
“All science backs up the Bible because my God created science”.
Isn’t that nice.
Ignorance all wrapped up in a pretty package with a bow.
These people are scary. As in psychopathic scary.
“I don’t believe gay marriage is good for our country. Why? Because the countries that have adopted civil unions and same-sex marriage … have had a giant decrease in heterosexual marriage. The cause and effect of that is that more and more are born out of wedlock in single-parent families.”
He is assuming cause and effect, which is a logical fallacy.
I have seen absolutely NO evidence of any causal relationship between same-sex marriage and decrease in heterosexual marriage.
And it’s counter-intuitive. He’s claiming that straight people considering straight marriage would immediately go gay and get a same-sex marriage the minute it was made legal. Preposterous.
Straight people are going to get straight married. People don’t choose to be gay, it is a sex drive and is INNATE.
Straight marriage may be declining but there is no causal relationship whatsoever with gay marriage and I defy anyone to prove otherwise.
If he dissappoints the radical gays (like the ones who have posted their sickness here) then he MUST be a great guy! Just look at their posts! Who is showing more HATE????
Ryan’s welcome to believe what he wants. But that doesn’t make it true. Pharisees tend to overlook that point.
Eyes are a little too close together. Hide the children.
I will be praying for them
“Chip off the old block?” Only inasmuch “Shrub” Bush was an offshoot of the much smarter and compassionate Bush, Sr.
I actually feel SORRY for Ryan Dobson. There is NO WAY he can live up to Daddy’s requirements for a sinless existence. (Remember, James Dobson believes he has transcended sin and lives in a “state of grace.”) Audacious, to say the least, don’t you think?
I wonder if Boy Dobson was the recipient of his father’s recommendation to “shower with your sons” to “show” them what a “man” is all about? I don’t know…in my book that verges on child sexual abuse. If so, Boy Dobson is probably more screwed up than your average Christian. How he can even TRY to walk in Daddy’s shoes must be scaring the bejeezus about of him.
MM
Haha… “All science backs up the Bible … (because) my God is the creator of science.”
That’s code for I majored in Communication and never passed Bio.
What is wrong with people?!? His own father judges and bars him.
Another thing, why are all these religious and conservative figures “born-again?” I have never been rebellious, I’m not perfect but I am “conservative” yet I do not give a crap about what others do. It is simple statement, I don’t care what he does either – stop the hate Dobson family!
Religion (and I am religious) allows less than intelligent people to be heard and followed, freaks me out.
Lissa, I am glad to see you at least ADMIT you are “Less than intelligent”, but it is not because you are religious. And people are “Born Again” because the Bible tells us that “Unless we are born again, we will NOT enter into the Kingdom of Heaven!”
And what is UP with this manitouMOM? Lies lies lies. Is THAT all you got? You sound even LESS intelligent than Lissa!
Would this guy be offered any kind of pulpit had he not been connected with James Dobson? I don’t think so.
His hateful and poorly thought out views don’t reflect those of most young people in America. As most who work at or in association with Focus on the Family, he has no scientific background. His views are based on opinions and scattered verses picked from the Bible to support his hateful and biggoted agenda.
I get tired of this tradition in America of elevating children of celebrities to the pulpit as if they have something important to say just because daddy happens to be a well known gas bag like James Dobson.
Why doesn’t the kid go out and kid a real job and prove what he can do on his own with out help from pops.
Well, speak of the devil! “Dave” turns out to be ManitoumoN, aka Truthforce, aka WonbyOne, aka The moNster! I love it! All these months MON has claimed to be a woman and yet choses the name Dave…probably his REAL name! I love it!
Glad to see you learned nothing from the incident over on the “gay church” story, moN. You know, when you write EXACTLY like you did as TF, 1×1, and ManitoumoN (stealing 99% of my login and 100% of my avatar), it is like a digital fingerprint, linguistically speaking.
I am totally impressed! (not.)
MM
OK. So he’s James Dobson’s adopted son with lots of opinions.
Nothing special – certainly nothing worth a whole newspaper article about….what has HE done with his life – besides (finally) grow up and still think he’s better than everyone else – just like his (adopted) father.
What has be “suffered” through that the rest of us haven’t ….in fact, the REST of us have made it through a LOT more and are much better (and more NEWS-worthy) than this “spoiled, adopted” brat.
Nothing special to be sure….
Another ego searching for an audience and attention.
Why can’t James Dobson just retire quietly?
What I don’t get about conservative Christianity is that it commonly speaks from a fear base (gay marriage!?!). It seems to me that one’s faith should be personal, for we will all have to answer for ourselves one day w/o a spouse, lawyer, pastor,etc. by our side. I read the Bible to say that there are two commandments given by Jesus: Love God above all else, and then love each other. This requires humility, something conservatives largely seem to lack. One cannot push others away forcefully by judging them and representing only the law aspect of the Bible, and simultaneously invite them into a LOVE RELATIONSHIP with our Father. I’ve also never read where Jesus judged others with the exception of the church leaders (GULP!) who refused to grasp the words and example of Jesus. No, we cannot always agree, but we should always allow choice, for even Satan was given choice. Personally, I believe that choice is a spirtual law of Holy love, for in our ignorance even lowly, fallen mankind is extended choice. BTW- how many lives and souls could be saved if those who revile and protest the abortion centers simply offered themselves, their homes, and their money to help support these mothers and children? I know what I think Jesus would choose to do.
I too will be praying for Ryan and his dad.
May it be according to these ancient words of Micah,,,that they act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God…
Oh, one other thing Ryan that you might want to remember.
Over 50% of heterosexual marriages end in divorce, just like yours. How Christian is that????
Before spouting off about how evil gay marriage is wny don’t you take a look at reality.
People who live in glass houses…….
Gay my you know what…
Great that is all we need another Dobson trying to control Colorado Springs with their prejudice idiotic ideas. Just what we need
Dave R. says:
January 5, 2010 at 3:18 amLissa, I am glad to see you at least ADMIT you are “Less than intelligent”, but it is not because you are religious. And people are “Born Again” because the Bible tells us that “Unless we are born again, we will NOT enter into the Kingdom of Heaven!”
And what is UP with this manitouMOM? Lies lies lies. Is THAT all you got? You sound even LESS intelligent than Lissa!
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she just loves to cause fights, pay no attention to her
Thank you, Pastor, for proving that “Dave R” is indeed ManitoumoN! I have it on good authority that he IS the moNster! With your response to him, we need no other proof than what is at hand on Mr. Barna’s blog. I don’t know how the moNster is going to feel now that you’ve outed him. But thank you for your help, Pastor. We can now push forward! (The “coven” that is.) LOL!
MM
Hey Dave, sweetheart I am very intelligent and if you read my post correctly I was talking about the complete, insane religious people. Of course it wasn’t my best writing, learning FACTS and staying up all night working full time and on my PhD. I love how people can only criticize others on the site rather than offering sound, succinct and substantive comments. Actually Pastor I have never been on this site so how would you know I cause fights; I was just stating how ironic it is that most people do drugs, have sex with random people and violate others are somehow reborn and “better than me.” I have remained true to my religious background by being a good person and not violating others, even if I no longer practice. I guess that is the difference between growing up in a real religion rather than a cult cooked up by a hateful man. “Real” loosely defined as older. I guess that last comment is picking a fight! Sorry Pastor, go ahead a talk to the invisible man upstairs and I will live my life with love, compassion and for the HERE AND NOW before my physical self is no longer on earth.
Oh and Dave..
“Unless we are born again, we will NOT enter into the Kingdom of Heaven!”
Does the bible mention anything about being a piece of crap to be born again? To violate, cheat, steal and abuse your body?
The basic premise of being “born-again” is to grow as a human being… learn right from wrong and being able to live your life without impure thoughts. It doesn’t mean to do whatever you want and go “oops.. my bad, didn’t mean to do heroin and beat up that guy” cleanse me. Everyone desires a second chance but when that person preaches to others so forcefully and with so much hate as the Dobsons are known to do that is where I have a problem.
James Dobson doesn’t hate gays. Ryan Dobson doesn’t hate gays. They have a different view on homosexuality and gay marriage than that sancioned as the official government-approved view, sure…but that doesn’t mean they’re hateful.
It’s kinda hateful to call the Dobsons hateful just because they don’t agree with you.
Here’s a guy who’s struggling with the fact that his birth mother was 16 and couldn’t take care of him, so he was adopted by a religious zealot. Which probably was as bad as growing up with a 16 year old mother considering that he’s obviously been brainwashed into this nutty NLC line of thinking.
Is it any wonder his wife left?
He has no where else to go. Who’s going to give someone a job from … what college? where? so he sells his soul to NLC in order to feed himself. Good luck with that. Been there, done that. I give him 1-2 years before it ends in disaster.
He can only lie to himself for so long and obviously he has some sensibilities as he was/is smart enough to rebel against his fathers teachings. The real question is whether or not he can continue his growth by ridding himself of the religious brainwashing he been subjected to. Someone needs to tell this guy it’s ok to believe in God without pushing his beliefs on other people.
Dude, how’s he pushing his beliefs on other people? Is it because he started his own non-profit organization and radio show? He’s not forcing you to listen to him and neither is Air America, for that matter. What’s the problem, doesitmatter? I think you need to quit blowing smoke.
Mark I was around when Dobson was in CA back in the 1980s and let me tell you friend, he is not the same guy. In fact he burned most of those bridges and relationships long ago as he replaced “saved by grace” with “saved by works”, and turned to the dark divisive ideological side. So why should we care? Because Dobson causes great damage to the faith he claims to champion. He is a pharisee.
Zen, with all due respect, James Dobson is no Pharisee. There is no question in his mind about the fact that God’s grace alone saves. The reason good works are important is not to earn salvation but to demonstrate the reality and vitality of our faith to the world. One of the things I respect about James Dobson’s organization is how they are reaching out in ways that really make a difference. The Orphan Care Initiative, Drug Proof Your Kids, Operation Ultrasound, etc., all started under the leadership of James Dobson.
What frustrates me is how often people who know nothing of Focus and James Dobson (except what they hear from the media), prejudge him without ever really listening to him first hand.
Lissa says:
January 6, 2010 at 2:57 amHey Dave, sweetheart I am very intelligent and if you read my post correctly I was talking about the complete, insane religious people. Of course it wasn’t my best writing, learning FACTS and staying up all night working full time and on my PhD. I love how people can only criticize others on the site rather than offering sound, succinct and substantive comments. Actually Pastor I have never been on this site so how would you know I cause fights; I was just stating how ironic it is that most people do drugs, have sex with random people and violate others are somehow reborn and “better than me.” I have remained true to my religious background by being a good person and not violating others, even if I no longer practice. I guess that is the difference between growing up in a real religion rather than a cult cooked up by a hateful man. “Real” loosely defined as older. I guess that last comment is picking a fight! Sorry Pastor, go ahead a talk to the invisible man upstairs and I will live my life with love, compassion and for the HERE AND NOW before my physical self is no longer on earth.
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sorry I was speak about some one else
Oh, and just WHO were you “speak” about, Pastor? Go ahead…have Barna remove you from the blogs as they did on the news comment site. Gosh, what a hateful pair you are! Please stay over on your Forum!
Back to the story: I would assume if Ryan were indeed a “chip” off the old block, it’s a chip far removed being an adoptee. I’ve heard that since James Dobson became sin-free 30+ years ago, he has refrained from “intimate relations” with his wife to maintain his “purity.” Apparently this was one of the reasons they adopted.
But I still ask: did Ryan have to be “educated” by his dad in the shower? Ick.
MM
Please, everybody, try to be respectful on one another in your comments.
Mark Barna……come on, you been here long enough to know that there are some of us who totally dislike each other. I will be the first to admit guilt.
As for this son, I think too that he is only jumping on the band wagon because it is profitable. People who flaunt themselves and yell, “look at me, I am a Christian now” are the ones further from their real selves. Good luck dude. Enjoy your vacations bought and paid for by the sheeples.
Easy for you to say, Barna. You post these inflammatory blogs and TWO of the most hateful so-called born-agains show up just to inflame. Given that both of them have been banned in their time, and one of them actually stole 99% of my login and 100% of my avatar, they’re not here for anything but divisiveness. Moonie knows all about it…this is NOT something I made up, Mark.
But, in the spirit you posted, I shall try my best.
MM
Mark Barna says:
January 7, 2010 at 10:09 amPlease, everybody, try to be respectful on one another in your comments.
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sorry but some people here are just looking for a reason to get people kicked off the borads.
Mark Barna – I have never been banned from the boards, sorry for the problem here
moonshine says:
January 7, 2010 at 12:13 pmMark Barna……come on, you been here long enough to know that there are some of us who totally dislike each other. I will be the first to admit guilt.
As for this son, I think too that he is only jumping on the band wagon because it is profitable. People who flaunt themselves and yell, “look at me, I am a Christian now” are the ones further from their real selves. Good luck dude. Enjoy your vacations bought and paid for by the sheeples
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It is great to see you here moonshine I will admitted I have mixed emotion with this .
moonshine – I quess why Dobson step down from Focus and turn around and doing this with his son.
FYI – Yesterday and today, Focus aired a recording of a speech Ryan Dobson gave at recent event. Listen to it at Focus’ website and decide for yourself whether he is spewing hate speech or not. But do remember, there is a difference between a strong opinion and hate speech.
Is there no end to the AntiChristian hate-mongering preachers in Colorado Springs?
well only time will tell if they make it or not
Mark wrote – “There is no question in [James Dobson's] mind about the fact that God’s grace alone saves.”
Well he sure doesn’t act like it. And actions speak louder than words my friend.
That’s no hearsay. As I mentioned I knew of Dobson’s work long before most on this board ever heard of him. And like I said he is not the same guy. I grew up in the Evangelical church. I went on to serve in ministry. I am intimately aware of the good things Focus has done.
Allowing the old curmudgeon to speak out as an politically divisive ideological thug in Focus’s name is not one of them. If only they’d had the courage to cut off this cult of personality long ago.
Fact is Dobson’s worldview is but one. And he’s welcome as we all are to share our worldview with those who would listen. But to become so judgemental in his condemnation of all who dare not think like him is masterfully destructive to the faith.
In a Gazette article, Dobson just recently said that the state of the American family continues to be in”deplorable condition” (his words). Must be tough for a guy to realize he maybe hasn’t made much of a dent. So do you think it has ever occured to Dobson if but even for the most fleeting of moments that maybe the state of the American family is just fine and doing the best it can, and that maybe the problem is with Dobson’s head?
For a man who claims to follow Christ, who taught us “do not worry”, Dobson sure seems to worry an awful lot. And he sure doesn’t seem to trust that God’s got the whole world in his hands. It’s too bad really. Hey like you said, Focus does some great things. No argument from me. But Dobson’s last years have not been great things. In the last few years he has likely driven more from the church than he as attracted. If they will know we are Christians by our love then one wonders if Dobson is Christian at all. Or just another lost soul who mistakenly thinks he has it all figured out. Hey I’ll be the first to admit I’m full of sh*t. But for the grace of God go I. It would be nice to see that sort of humility from him. Been a lot of years since I have.
I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Believe it or not the Bible is the most historically accurate text through out all of human history!
I find it amazing how stupid non christians truly are.
Don’t compare socials issues with Dr Dobson’s opinion, compare it with the Bible.
Many societies have failed because of the same issues that are happening in America Today.
America is the greatest nation on earth and it is because of the similar faith of our founding fathers that this country enjoy’s the blessings we have. We do not want to see it fail like many of the civilizations written about in the Bible.
Ryan Dobson; chip off the old block head.
This country has a plethora of preachers simply because it is popular to be a preacher and people like to be lied to: Isa. 30:10 ” Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”
People like to hear and say: We support the troops; If it weren’t for these damned liberals; Those homosexuals want to recruit our children into a homosexual lifestyle; The Republican Party is the “values party”; etc.
All of these “one liners” are an easy sell in America and if taken at face value are a good idea. But, none of these sayings are the reason for, nor can they correct, all that is “wrong” with America. America’s problems are much deeper than what you hear and see on the TV nightly news shows. The forces that control America are much “darker” than most people can deal with. and, Christianity isn’t going to “fix” them.
The people and forces at work behind the scenes are at best atheist and at their worst demonic. And, they operate with God’s approval!!!
Remember Job’s ordeal.
We are not on this planet to purely enjoy life here. This life is more like a “boot camp” for the next life and not everyone is going to be there to celebrate the victory. Mat. 7:13-15 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”.
This country is full of false prophets, saying the “right things” and then, doing the “wrong things” behind your back – all the while fattening their bankroll. Preachers have it too easy hear. If they really were “the voice crying in the wilderness”, they would be preaching in countries like Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or even Saudi Arabia. That is what Jesus had to deal with and if they want to be followers of Jesus – as they claim to be – then go to these countries and preach the word with boldness. Acts 4:31 “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness”. When the Apostles spoke, the ground shook. When was the last time you felt the ground shake as the Gospel was being spoken? You don’t have to answer right a way…I’ll wait.
Ok so sorry for my barging in but Im only 13 and don’t understand why u ADULTS always fight over religion, calling eachother names and talking about “avatar” really? I mean I dissagree with some of my non-christian friends on things like gay marrage and stuff and sure i have been made fun of for it but the truth is that when u grow up that stuff should NOT be happening any more. KK thanks for listening
do u guys not get it oh my word the media asked him his opinion and he simply answerd the questions!!!!!! and its his opinion for petes sake i dont call u mean name for thinking that gay marrige should be aloud so dont call him names and hes right in the bible it says,” if a man lays with another man as one lies with a woman both have done what is detestable. They both must be put to death, and blood on their own heads,” Leviticus. 20:13
Decent article on Ryan, from what I can discern. Who is the moderator of this site? Why does he/she allow such vulgarities in the form of deliberate and blatant, personal attacks against those with whom the offenders disagree?
To simply ask both the antagonists and protagonists to play nice, after the former has repeatedly violated the rules here — and without being removed, makes this a sad place to visit.
[...] fundamentalist parents, James Dobson included, should know by now that children cannot be spanked into submission, not unless the goal is to [...]