James Dobson's Confused Theology

James Dobson thinks that Barack Obama has a “confused theology.” Why?

Senator Obama, a committed Christian, believes that the Bible teaches peace and concern for those living in poverty wherever they might be. The positions taken by Senator Obama are similar to ones on many issues that have been advanced by Roman Catholic authorities and Protestant churches (most mainline Protestant churches even share his view that women should be in charge of their own health care decisions). It should be noted that many evangelical leaders even generally share Senator Obama’s concerns about globe climate change.  Read more of Senator Obama's own words about faith.

On the other hand, James Dobson believes that Christianity isn’t about taking care of those who are poor or the Earth, God’s own creation. For Dobson and his Focus on the Family the top issues are limiting civil rights protections for the gay and lesbian community and stopping abortion. Dobson has been a proponent of economic policies that benefit the wealthiest at the expense of the “least of these” in society.

Neither political party has a monopoly on God. And I believe that good and faithful people can come to different conclusions about who to vote for. But Barack Obama’s views are more in line with the world’s Christian churches than James Dobson’s extremist interpretations. For most Christian clergy and theologians, it is Dobson who articulates a “confused theology.” For example, God is concerned about the poor (there is no single issue talked about more in the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament). Square that with Dobson’s view that fighting gay rights – an issue never mentioned once by Jesus – is more important than providing health care for kids who go without doctors.