OK, I enter this post with very strange feelings. I have long been hesitant to talk about the Focus on the Family group for one simple reason: My sister is a member, or fan, or whatever they call themselves. She read's their books, she listens to their radio show, she gets their newsletters. For those who didn't know this - I swear its true and it is not a comfortable thing for me. My sister and I have had only one big conversation about politics and religion (and to her they are one in the same) and it was not good for our otherwise fine relationship.
Still, the more I read about Dobson, the more it disturbs me that my sister is caught up in this group. The more I learn, the more I think it is turning into a cult if it wasn't one already. My sister will get a scowl on her face when she sees or hears anything about other cults. She also thinks Mormonism is a cult. Yet here she in a group that looks and smells like one to me.
Recently Talking Points Memo has had a few stories about the man behind Focus on the Family, James Dobson. He has also used a reader's suggestion about how Muslim leader's titles being used as derogatory terms. So now it is Mullah Dobson and Radical Cleric Robertson. I like it.
I feel like starting a clambake-like website for Focus on the Family. That would probably hurt my relationship with my sister wouldn't it? At least I can think back to my time living in Colorado when I used to see the "Focus on Your Own Damn Family" bumperstickers.
Posted by dmason at November 10, 2004 08:45 PM