Roland,
I agree! I don't see why we listen to any of them at all! I mean really there is no one group that we all belong to and pick any of these so called evangelical leaders to speak for us. They may have their own groups that do listen and allow them to speak for them but they don't speak for us all. I for one have no idea what most of these men stand for so why would I want them talking for me?

Most of the time they come out and say stuff that really embarrasses the Christian name! So who would want to be associated with that?

Cindy...Ga.

Roland..................you hit it right on the money. people may listen to his babble on the radio, but he sure isn't a religious leader of any significance. He is about as good at religion as Bush is at the economy. Neither one knows what they are talking about.

Roland, I have never heard of this man before yesterday. His opinion didn't hold any weight with me. After seeing a bit of Obama's speech I drew my own conclusion and it had nothing to do with distorting the Bible.

Pointing out he is not even a minister or church official just proves my theory. Everybody wants their piece in this historic campaign. Whether it is to support Obama or not support him. It seems all these nuts come out of the wood works to get there 15minutes of fame. He’s got his so I hope he goes back wherever he has been all these years.

Hi Roland:
Tail is wagging the dog again. Anyone who has a personal or professional agenda can make a statement about Obama and the media is immediately on it. That's how they promote THEIR AGENDA. In the meantime, two wars, economic disaster, etc. loom large and canditates with positions and often solutions are not heard above of these preachers, men of God and self-righteous individuals.

Excellant points. I remember reading his books on childrearing. I too thought he was a Psychologist not a minister.

the problem with Dobson and others, whether they are religious leaders or not, is that they speak about God and religion as if they are all THE authority... as if the god-experience isn't a personal journey unique to each traveller resounding with his own individual truths...

To each and every one of these self appointed religious leaders, what say you to God's asking, "upon the backs of men I have built my church, then tell me why are my children still sleeping?"

the time has come to emancipate ourselves from mental and religious slavery

Roland,
Guess it is true that if you say it enough times, it will be become the truth. I thought Dr. Dobson was an evanglical minister, never knew he was only a psychologist. The media has always portrayed him as a minister and I imagine most people think he is. Thank you for clearing that up. Now the media should correct its mistake and when referring to Dr. Dobson in the furture call him a Doctor of psychology and note that he is not a Doctor of religion, a big, big difference.

It bogles the mind sometimes why the media constantly projects all the ugliness that they can muster when it comes to Senator Obama, i.e. whether he's wearing the flag pin to identifying and repeatedly projecting a pseudo mover and shaker like Dobson. Prior to such a projection of the latter, who actually knew Dobson other than his small, insignificant community.

What's worse, is that the same media (CNN included) does not have the wherewithal to identify some of the same issues and people about Senator McCain. Why hasn't the media talked about John McCain NOT wearing a flag pin. Does that mean he's more American because he's white, wherein all of you questions Senator Obama's character on baseless insignificant projections because he's African-American.

The streets of racism, irrespective of who gets the seat at the table, flows more than one-way. Just ask the people in the mid-West whose levies, save one, have all burst. Move-on CNN. Of Dobson, I merely say, 'NeXt!' Get to the real substance and you might be able to find more people involved in the process beyond those great folks from all walks of life that Senator Obama has been able to motivate. Either do the job correctly, or leave the cable world.

I do not believe in organized religion. I was born and raised Catholic. I follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and all others who espouse true love, towards all man and womankind on an equal basis in the simplest of terms. None of the categories of theologians or evangelists discribed in this article mean anything to me. A theologian or evangelical as described above is certainly no better or morally superior than a psychologist. Everyone simply has their view rightly or wrongly. Roland, you always seem to bestow upon evangelicals some sort of power that they obtained directly from God, some sort of being hit by lightning. I have left the Church because of such dogma. In my opinion most of the views espoused by Senator Obama and his church are radical and most of the views espoused by James Dobson are radical and your article has no legs. Try being objective.

Since Dobson does have a 'real' PhD, then he should be called Dr. Dobson. Unlike Roland, who gt a masters from an 'unaccreited' university, Dobson got his PhD from an accredited university.

Jesse Jackson's educational career is just as fuzzy. Folk should read the book Shakedown for the real story on Jackson. Then, of course, there's the plagirism history on MLK or Michael King (his real name, it was never legally changed) which in itself is fascinating reading.

Dr. Dobson is an evangelical Christian with conservative views on theology and politics. In addition to the non-profit organization he founded, Focus on Family, and also the Family Research Council, Dr. Dobson received the "Layman of the Year" Award by the National Association of Evangelicals. The magazine "Christianity Today" also named Dr. Dobson "The Most Influential Evangelical Leader in America".

Dr. Dobson may not have the "title", but it appears he has the credentials. BTW, I noticed you used the title of CNN Political Analyst on this post. I know you are a journalist, author and radio talk show host, but have you ever been an advisor or director of anyone's political campaign?

Thank you Roland!!!!

Roland

I am so sick of these hypocrites who declare themselves the voice of morality – I am far from a religious scholar but I doubt that any "god" would approve of this type of preaching based on hatred

I think that many in this country are simply afraid of Barack Obama becoming President because they will be irrelevant. Under George Bush these zealots were given a platform – here's hoping that will end when we swear in President Obama

EXCELLENT! very good to know.

I think Roland, you asked a great question. Why are you in the media holding Dobson up to be a spokeperson? Why are you guys discussing and dissecting every word, sentence and paragragh of he said, he said, each and every night. The American people can decide for themselves, what place Religion, or any other issue, has in their lives or their vote. I want those town hall meetings to start. Facts and solutions put forward. That's what I'd like from the candidates and media. Soap opera politics every night on the news, does nothing but create soap opera mini dramas,nonstop, night after night.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

If Dobson is a major figure in the religious movement is not the point! What is-is the fact that Obama can not be a Christian as he professes considering the statements made by him in 2006. It was profane, insulting and sacrilegious! God help us all should he be elected!!

James Dobson is a very influential evangelical . His radio show Focus on the Family reaches more than 200 million people every day. That would make him a leader in my opinion.

Why do we publicize the pronouncements of these multi- millionaire
media moguls? This man is in business. He is selling bigotry to a
public which has been so polerized by the right wing dogmatists they
don't even remember what it means to be a good American. The Constitution pretty much says " Leave others alone, pursue your own happiness." Let's refuse to be influenced by people selling invisible
real estate or God certified life style and get on with perfecting our
Union.

Mr. Martin,
I listened to the complete speech by Dobson yesterday and I was astonished at the claims he was making. To me, he was trying to claim that his view of Christian theology should be the only accepted view of the Bible. This, I think , is completely unacceptable when you take into account that there are many different versions of the Bible with many different interpretations. Not to mention that the Bible was translated from many different languages. In Judaism, Rabbi's and scholars spend great deals of time arguing meanings of the Torah because the meaning is sometimes unclear. His view seems very narrow minded and irrational. These are the people that "dumb down" society and further divide us as a nation. I think if people were more tolerant and actually listened to what other people had to say we might found a lot more middle ground. Unfortunately, people like Dobson stick to their narrow minded point of view and they disallow any type of discourse and respectful debate on subjects.

Don't think a true Christian would say Jesus' sermon on the Mount is a radical speech. Shame shame shame!!!

Agree with Dobson on this one!!

What Dobson is a political flip flopper. He denounces support for McCain for 'sticking his thumb' in Hagee's and that other guy's eyes. Now he supports McCain by attacking Obama.
And since when is attacking, throwing stones, the Christian thing to do.
I, for one, can't imagine Jesus using the vocabulary Dobson uses, or sticking his nose into politics!?

celticmist:

He did not say it was radical, he said that others would consider it radical

Roland,

Not only is James Dobson NOT a preacher, he is a false prophet. Jesus said that many would come in His name, claiming to be of His flock. They will say "Lord, Lord," as if they know Jesus personally, but Jesus said that He will tell them, "Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I know ye not." Strong words, but no greater authority on telling it like it is.
Why doesn't Jesus know them? Because they are not true representatives of the teachings of Jesus. Is there compassion in their works? Is there tolerance in their lives? Is there a love for their neighbors as they love themselves? In each of these cases, the answer for these militants is no. They are arrogant, they are intolerant, and they are willing to steamroll over anyone who gets in their way. James Dobson raked in $142 million in 2006, and Tony Perkins raked in nearly $11 million the same year. Why? Because pandering to fear and hatred are big money makers. Jesus would have whipped them out of the temple.
These men are no more than the money changers who have disgraced a sacred place. They have taken the teachings of Jesus, made them into a private club administered by these false prophets and for their dues-paying friends only. Unless you pay THEIR price, you will not get to the heaven that they control – membership in the right to attend all of their speaking engagements where all that comes out of the mouth is ego.
Jesus said that these men are white-washed sepulchres filled with dead mens' bones. It is time we called them what they are, false prophets, and it is even more time that we interviewed REAL Christians for their opinions. I am tired of the press enabling these hatemongers in the misguided perception that it is showing democratic principles and giving Christians the right to be heard. We have yet to hear from real Christians.

Brian Gray

There is no lack of legitimate religious leaders to consult. my personal favorite is Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.

To celticmist, I think maybe the Sermon on the Mount IS indeed radical, because so few of us Christians try to do as we've been told in it. So let's be radical! Let's do as we've been told and love and serve those around us, wage peace on our neighbors, see what kind of world we can create.

Roland, it seems really important to you personally to discredit this man who never claimed to be anything other than he says. His views are those of many evangelicals. Can a person not have more than one calling in their life; take a look at Al Sharpton's educational background and you'll find quite the maze.

I agree that Dobson is a pychologist, and not the leader of any evangelical church. Focus on the Family, which he started, is to help guide parents and families in raising children from a Bible-centered perspective. He isn't a media mogul or the "voice" of morality.

I don't always agree with what he says or decides, but it's up to me to decide that. Bashing someone for thinking they have the right answer is narrow-minded.

Personally I couldn't give a Fig what Dobson is or claims to be as it won't change my perception of him one iota!

Why are the majority of the masses waiting on the Media, the Roland Martins, the Al Shaptons, the Jerry Fallwells, the Pat Robertsons, to tell them what is right and wrong, how to interpret their Bibles and how not to?

I will never give the Al Sharptons, Jerry Fallwells, Pat Robertsons, one minute of my valuable time. I have the wisdom to discern right from wrong without their fanatical, one-sided, lop-sided, political lean on the matter!

And I will also take what I hear from Obama, Roland Martin, and every other self professed accredited expert on the subject as just another opinion to be weighed, scrutinized, and evaluated.

If your in doubt, consider the sources given, that should clarify the issues for everyone! Who are we if no longer know what we value, what is right and what is wrong and have to bend and depend on the heretics, fanatics and zealots to tell us?

I have to agree with the writer. Dobson was a pretty good child psychologist but he's a lousy political commentator. Just because someone is good in one area, doesn't make him good at everything.
As a Christian, I resent his unChristian comments and commentary on things he seems to know little about.
Please, journalists...don't give the man the time of day when it comes to politics, or evangelism, for that matter. He does not speak for Jesus Christ or the general public.

First of all, James Dobson does not speak for all Christians. He definitely does not speak for me. His comments about Obama's theology is hypocritical. Many Christian theologists consider Dobson a heretic because of his belief that you can blend the total sufficiency of Christ with psychology and use it to counsel members of the church. He has a metaphysical approach to the gospel and has tried to pass it off as biblical counseling. Christ healed and delivered people of their sicknesses and diseases without using any psycho-babble. Those that received their healing didn't understand one psychological term and yet they were healed. If anything, Dr. James Dobson is guilty of legitimizing psychology in the church as a biblical means of healing. I know he's aware that Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, (Dobson's gospel) was an atheist, hated the Judeo-Christian religion and viewed religious behavior as at best a "neurosis". So, he doesn't have the right to preach to anyone about their doctrine or theology with his truncated "Christian" philosophies.

I am amazed at the ignorance of some of these comments. I highly respect Dr. James Dobson, he speaks truth according to God's word. -the Holy Bible. We live in a world now that calls good evil and evil good. The bible is the word of God – but to a dying and perverse generation it falls on deaf ears and blind eyes. Lord Jesus help open their eyes and help them to see how you love them so.

LARRY – Pretty cute, but it clearly shows your ignorance. Louisiana Baptist University IS an accredited university. But since you couldn't even spell a word properly that you put in quotations, I forgive you. And pray for you.

JAN from WOOD DALE, Ill. – NO, NO, NO. I've never worked on a campaign other than volunteer with some elections my parents worked on when I was a child. I have been approached by folks on both sides of the aisle to work on their campaigns years ago, but I've always laughed at that. I've also been approached about running for office on both sides of the aisle, and I've laughed at that as well. My gifts are designed for media, not politics.

GLENDA – You are dead wrong to assert who is and who isn't a Christian. First, if a person professes with their mouth that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior, that is considered salvation, and that makes someone a Christian. You may not like their views after the fact, but you can't determine who is or isn't a Christian.

CELTIC – Are you nuts? Many people have said such comments about the Sermon on the Mount. Have you read Dietrich Bonhoeffer's wonderful book, "The Cost of Discipleship?" He essentially says the same thing. Why is radical a bad word? Some even call Jesus a revolutionary. What's wrong with that? You only think of Fidel Castro, Che Guevera and the Black Panthers when that word is used?

Thanks Roland for keeping it real! What you said was exactly my thoughts when I read Dr. Dobsons comments. He and Tony Perkins are the worst kind of hypocrites. They get on tv with their fake little smiles "preaching" as if they have been ordained.

What is it about Americans that make us willing victims for the self-righteous holier than thou hypocrits that rifle through our pockets?

everyone is equally entitled to voice there opinion no matter what there status is!! doctor dobson has been chosen as a leader buy christian familys because of his expertise in the fields of children and christianity even though he says he is not a "leader" that doesnt mean he isnt, the people choose him to lead them and help them. it sounds to me like you are just takeing that stance because you are opposed to christianity.stop letting your personal beliefs get in the way of reporting the news

Neither is Obama but you don't seem to have a problem with HIM citing from scripture..!

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You guys are sooo funny...

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Amen!

I am not a big fan of Mr. Obama, but Dr. Dobson should stick to psychology. I find it interesting that those who follow Dr. Dobson feel the need to have any leader other than Christ. If they truly believed in and followed the teachings of Jesus, they would "do unto Mr. Obama as they would have done unto them."

These folks need to use the sense God gave them and make up their own minds about who to vote for in this and every other election.

Hello Roland,

I'm so glad you responded! We all know that people with no intention of supporting Obama will spew out venom. I am proud to watch you on television and read your articles as one of the most insightful political analysts. Stay strong, and keep telling the truth!

Lyn from NJ

Roland

I have ignored Dobson for the most part as well as Robertson and Falwell. They are entitled to their opinion about religion just as I am entitled to mine. I'm certainly not going to take their advice as to how to vote. Thank you for the post – you pointed out a lot of things I hadn't known before especially on what Dobson is and what he isn't.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Whatever Dr. Dobson's degree, he is an Evangelical, and he is an influential voice for many in this country. For many, particularly in the Evangelical camp, faith and family values are closely linked in the way they see their everyday lives. That's why we talk about what he says.

So why are you guys even picking up his releases off the ticker? Just ignore him. Every time you give his views air time, even to debunk them, some yahoos somewhere embrace them. He is not newsworthy unless you make him so.

If the Sermon on the Mount was lived by, it would be the most radical (in the good sense) change in ourselves and our nation. The religious right, more a product of the west, had no problem proclaiming the "prosperity gospel", yet cannot even listen to any credence in liberation theology. I used to listen to Focus on the Family years ago and found it interesting at times, however, because it was so in step with republican politics and aligning the gospel to it, stopped listening.

Give me Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, MLK, James Wallis, Richard Rohr any day to speak truth to the system and our own broken hearts.

THANK YOU, ROLAND!!! for putting Dr. Dobson where he belongs. He can have options, but he should not speak for other Christians. He certainly does not speak for me. I thought Sen. Obama's speech was, as usual, well-thuoght and Christ-centered. It amazes me that most conservatives cannot admit that liberals can be Christians too. Hopefully, with Obama as POTUS that will change. Thank you again for "keeping it real."

Roland, I enjoy your commentary on the air and on line, though of course I do not agree with you all the time. I am certain you would not want anyone to agree with you all the time. Here, I would express my qualified agreement with you. In fact, many conservative Christians do look to Dr Dobson as a Christian leader, and we all know that. Dr Dobson knows it as well, which is why his dissembling language is disturbing. One need not have any kind of formal schooling to be a leader in a particular area. Bill Gates is a software leader even though he famously did not finish college with a degree in computer science. I do not think he would deny his recognized leadership in this area. So if your point is that James Dobson cannot have it both ways (I am a leader when I choose to be and I am not a leader when I choose not to be), I agree. As a person who grew up in the conservative Christian side of things in America, I share your disappointment that Dr Dobson and other erstwhile Christians use the name of Jesus in dubious ways. I recommend to any of the commentators on your blog here that they read the "Joshua" series of books to open their minds on how Jesus and his words might be taken by modern American Christians. We might all be in for a shock at how radical his words are.

I agree, Roland – but don't the media's talking heads (you know who you are) have to take some portion of the blame because they bestow such authority on those definitely undeserving of it?

All of those you mention, Dobson, Falwell (RIP), Robertson, have expressed words of hatred, blame, and condemnation. If this man is really a child psychologist, then his qualifications need to be reviewed. I would not want my child exposed to such a vitriolic individual. There is nothing Christian about him, as far as I can tell. So-called "family values" from these individuals are nothing I wish for my children to learn or emulate. All cherry pick from ancient cultural teachings and then brainwash people who wish to lead a Christian life.

We are confusing religion and politics.... Dr. Dobson was wrong with his comments to Mr. Obama. but the truth is obama cannot fully embrace the bible and all its teaching and be a politician.

In case ppl dont know.. Jesus was a radical..... ask the pharisees

Roland, I guess you found my link to the reference to your academic qualifications to be succinct and acceptable.

ROLAND! You were right on the money with your article, Dr.Dobsons opinions are his and his only. We need not pay too much attention to what he has to say

It has been said "that if you want to know if you are a leader or not, look behind you and see if anyone is following." Dr. Dobson is a leader of some Evangelicals. However, his theology is not on a level where he might be able to instruct or criticize others on their views on the scriptures. Family values is not a prominent theme in the Bible when compared with love of God and love of neighbor, redemption, salvation, and the spreading (witnessing) of the Gospel. Also any first year Bible student knows how RADICAL the Sermon on the Mount is, if you don't think so try living it. (Matthew 5-7)

What's the difference between theology and mythology? The living are called theologists and the dead mythologists? In my eyes it is only the spelling of the same thing. A synonym. So I hear all this talk about religious morality and can't help but think the crusades have yet to end; only became more subtle. Now let me whisper; there is no God. Should you not be able to wrap your minds around that then let me say he is dead. Should that be struggle, I say , he created once, but now everyday we experience is God's seventh day. No I will not teach my children religion as anything more than mythology, rather responsibility. A glance at the world today and the dark ages; only differs in modes of transportation and communication. All religious leaders should learn the modesty of Buddhist monks. Let the Americas experience a Renaissance, an age of enlightenment. Of course the Priests do not wish to risk there authoritative power for the sake of worthy, beneficial knowledge (science, psychology, art philosophy). No one knows what radical, liberal, conservative truly is today. I embody them all and am far to "politically incorrect" and lacking in fear to be heard today. That is the State Of Our Union.

Roland,
Have you ever noticed that many people in our country are so desperate for someone to lead them (in whatever area they feel is important in their lives) that they settle for just about anybody who talks the talk? I mean I'm not into this "Evangelistic Movement" thing who apparently accept just about any fast talking fool and put him on a pedestal as if he were sent down from Heaven to lead us back into righteousness. Most of those clowns want your money and usually get it just so you can put your mind to ease and give hope of salvation. Look at the example that some of the big names have left us with. As for Dr Dobson, many apparently ASSUMED he was a religious leader but his background, as you point out, suggests otherwise. But he sure enjoys stepping up to the plate and talking the talk and apparently those trying to get the vote of "Evangelicals" sure play up to him....case in point George W. Bush. Even Barrack Obama seems to take note when Dobson speaks. Why else would he respond to anything Dobson had to say? Simple....he was given a microphone and juice years ago and Dobson loves the limelight (and the money).