These are letters written in response to the article, "Why Focus on the Family is of the Devil." They are unedited; however, the names have been removed since these messages were sent in private mail.

Quote of the Month

Elroy, I went to college in California and had many friends who worked at Focus while we were in college. My wife even interviewed to be Dobson's personal secretary. I was glad she did not get the job because of the ability Dobson has of taking people and making them his. Just a side note. A friend of ours went to school with his daughter at Azusa Pacific. His daughter had three roommates in one semester because she could not get along with any of them. Eventually our friend was the fourth and told us she was a complete pain in the rear. That makes me realize that as I preach each Sunday at my church that I cannot declare myself to be the authority but that God and His Word are the authority on life. I have taught our church that if we are to reach the people in our community we need to accept them where they are and help them find a better way of life through Christ. I also agree that becoming a Christian is not a quick fix to all that ails you. I have found my Christian life to be tougher. Though it is tougher it is also more rewarding than the life I once lived before Christ. In an age of intolerance I have given my life to teach my children and our church the greatest way to show the love of God is to act like Jesus did. Which means being a friend to sinners not their judge. Keep going and getting the truth out there.

- Letters -

Elroy, I was deeply saddened by your page about "Focus on the Family." I have enjoyed and supported Dr. Dobson's ministries for a number of years. And there are two fundamental truths that I have observed. 1."Focus on the Family" does not set itself up as a replacement for the church. In fact, it actively encourages involvement in the local church. 2. I was a believer long before I ever heard of James Dobson. By and large, what "Focus on the Family" supports is consistent with and affirms scripture. I'm not blindly accepting what their ministry says, I'm evaluating in light of the scriptures and find it to be consistent. Also, I find that the Focus on the Family ministry is very aware of the fact that we are frail and subject to shortcomings and sin. I have often reflected upon how compassionate they are in their understanding of sin. Not only do they openly state that sin is a part of the believers life but they affirm the victory that we have in Christ, not of ourselves, over sin. That while we have sinned and will continue to sin, we may rest confident that His abundant Grace has been given freely to forgive sin. Finally, I want to openly contradict your assertion that the sin of abortion is not addressed in the Bible. In the 10 Commandments, the law was given, "Thou shalt not kill." In order to accommodate abortion as anything other than a sin, one has to decide that the unborn child is not human. I would call upon you to find justification in scripture for killing. You must be able to assert that God did not really mean what he said when he said, "Thou shalt not kill." Secondly, on a more practical level, you have to justify intellectually that the right of the unborn is subordinate to the rights of others. In other words, you are making a distinction based upon condition. An unborn child does not have rights while one a day old does. Other than location, what's the difference. The fundamental question is, "Is the unborn child human?" If not, what is it? With modern testing we can determine sex, compare DNA, count chromosomes and determine humanity. We know that the life in the womb is human, undeveloped but human, nonetheless. If we enter into a discussion about the value of that human being then we can openly question the value of other human beings in relation to others. We can begin to justify euthenasia and other "merciful" acts on the basis of the condition of the life affected. You see, whether you recognize it or not, your civil liberties are based upon the value of human life. If that value can be subjective rather than objective, your liberties can be just as subjective. No, to be intellectually honest and to preserve civil liberties for everyone, the rights of the unborn have to be the same as those of others. Finally, many who support the right to chose, ignore the right to chose to use birth control or to chose to abstain from sexual relations. They also ignore the right of the unborn who has no choice to make. If the right to "chose" had been available some years ago, it is very likely that neither my grandmother nor my father would have been carried to full term. And, I can assure you that both are pleased that their rights were not abridged. Because, like all humans, they have had the opportunity to make of their lives what they have "chosen" in spite of lousy childhoods in lousy circumstances with lousy parents. No, you cannot convince me that an act directly contradictory to scripture is compassionate or consistent with the Christian lifestyle. Neither can you intellectually justify abridging one person's rights to assert anothers. We are each valuable and that value is absolute or our common belief in the rights of the individual has no basis. Please read this objectively. You make a passionate plea based upon a genuine love and concern for women who feel they are in a hopeless situation. If you could only see the hope that is there and realize the great lives that have been lived as a result of "unwanted" pregnancies, you would see why the compassion most deserved is for those who are unborn and who do not yet have a voice to speak for themselves. I would ask you to reconsider your stance and at the very least withdraw from attacking those with opposite but equally passionate beliefs. You'll note that I have attacked the basis of your assertion but not you. There is room for reason, in love, among Christians. While I question your fundamental assertion, I do not question your motives. And, neither do I question your fundamental belief in Christ. I also have not resorted to saying that you are of the Devil or anything like that. At the same time, I encourage you to post this response on your page. I understand that it is contradictory to your message but I believe it would go along way toward demonstrating your willingness to be open to other ideas on these subjects. Yours in Christ,

Hello, First of all I want to say that I don't usually go looking at Christian sites. I'm an Atheist (as in I don't worship any gods, whether or not I believe they exist is a different thing entirely). I found your site in a post in rec.arts.bodyart. I want to say that I am very impressed by your site. One of the reasons that I generally avoid Christians is the fact that most of them refuse to research or question their own religion. Your lucid expose of the inherent flaws in the political aspect of Christianity (being against it's own best interest) is refreshing- no wonder you get so much hate mail from the average Christian. I have to ask though (I've always wanted to ask this of an intelligent Christian, I just haven't been able to find one), you are obviously very intelligent and reasonable, how can you continue to espouse a religion that claims that you are born "sinful" and allows the most sadistic murders salvation (lack of personal responsibility) just for the asking? It seems so unjust and self-loathing. I mean this as a friendly discussion, I don't mean to sound prejudice. I am very impressed by what you have written, the concept of a "lucid Christian" has intrigued me for some time.

Hi again -- boy there's a lot of stuff to respond to, but the most disturbing stuff is the letters to the editor page! What kind of loving understanding are you trying to convey, you people? Here is a man who seems to be legitimately searching for answers and you just blow him off like or scream insults like some immature child having a temper tantrum. Do you do the same to your kids? Ask them if they feel their thoughts are heard and valued. Probably not. Remember that discipline [enforcing the rules] are only one small facet in showing love to a child, yet a lot of us rely solely on that! [Oh, and money. Can't forget that.] And if you don't do it to a child you are not going to do it to an adult who disagrees with you.

You friend are obviously ANTI-CHRISTIAN which means you are against CHRIST and nothing more than this devil you speak of or you are deceived and completely ignorant of the teachings of the HOLY BIBLE. I would Love speak to about the scriptures because this is where only the truth can be found not your's or my opinion. John 14:6 Jesus states he is the way and the truth. COME LET US REASON TOGETHER!

Gidday Brian, My name is *********. I am a teacher here in New Zealand and a devoted(as I can be) Christian. I have a few comments to make about your article about focus on the family being of the devil. First, I would like to say- Don't be so down putting and harsh, speading evil rumours and views while you yourself don't even come close to spreading the Gospel on the scale that James Dobson has. Second, Maybe you have been hurt by something relating to Focus on the Family, but show me where in the Bible that this gives you the right to rub your Brothers face in the mud. When I read your article it had hurt, pain and bitterness written all over it. Next, I can name heaps of people who have positivly had their lives changed through listening to Focus on the Family. This is something you cannot put a negative on. Well I could go on but I'm sure you got other things to do...Have a read of these verses from the bible when you have time- James 3:5- 12 1 Peter:1- 3 Think how long it took you to write all those articles and how many people you could have shared Jesus to in that time....Be wise as to how you spend your time mate, You can EM me if you want, I would love to know how your relationship with the Lord is going. Your Friend from the Land of the America's Cup,

Dear Brian, You seem like an O.K person, even if we don't agree on things(and believe me we don't). Still I think maybe you should try looking at the positive side of things abit more(I mean this in a nice way). I do not think the internet is the place for you to slam another christian because it is really a bad witness in front of the www. Now for some good news!!!! I agree with you about the false sense of crhistianity that a new believer can get. I was one of these. I became a christian for all the wrong reasons eg my brother was one and I was baptized in a church where the pastors had to impress the leaders of the Baptist Church here in New Zealand so they talked me into being baptised, I was only 15. Yet, God still had his hand on my life, I backslid now and then but I also did alot for God in the times I was following him. I am now a christian who is living only by the grace of God and gaining an understanding of what Jesus did on the cross for me. Still I don't blame anybody for my bumpy walk with the Lord because even at a young age we all have a brain and make a choice as to what we do. Especially the choice of wanting to follow through with our walk with God and not giving up. And I also believe that the knowledge of Christ will remain somewhere in a persons mind when they have heard or recieved the truth. Thus, the thought of blaming another(James Dobson) for somebodies fall from Christianity can be summed up as an escape goat for that persons unwillingness to strive to do good in God and I also see it as victim blaming. My final request is that you remove your articles about Focus of the Family from the net. Why? you ask. Well, because I don't think Christ would like us putting down others in such a negative way. I know Christ put down the Pharasis but that was totally the Word of God. Your articles are one individuals views. Oneday you might not agree with yourself!!! then think of the damage you have done. Come on, be far you can tell people your views, free speech and all that stuff, but the bible says we should shine like lights on a hill, not like cranky old men on a hill!!! I see you as a bright person and one that God can use, but please don't put down others publicly. What do you think about my idea of sharing the gospel instead of writting long winded articles? Still, I look foward to hearing from you soon, Your brother in Christ

You seem to know the Bible as a book, but do you know the author PERSONALLY? Is Christ in your heart or in your mind?

While this is not the correct forum to discuss items related to the defense of this GODLY institution, it looks like your opinion is bias and was done with an emotional and impulsive hand. Your acusations and example are unbiblical, and not knowing you, I could even say "from the Devil himself".

Everyone who visits your web site is now dumber because of the ridiculous babble you have placed there.

"they have pushed out of the Kingdom of God that day." Comment: If any person or organization can push you out of the Kingdom of God you were never in it. "He is accepted into the culture that surrounds American Christians. But this acceptance comes with a price; our new believer won't want to appear weak in his faith for fear he might be rejected. He begins to hide his sinful struggles from his Christian brothers and sisters." Comment: There is no culture in Christianity to accept, there is a RELATIONSHIP that TRANSCENDS ANY AND ALL CULTURES. Fear of human rejection denotes absence of DIVINE acceptance (this person is not IN-Christ, he's "playing" Christian, just like yourself). Where is God in the last sentence? "Sadly, he cannot go to his fellow Christians about his sins." Comment: My best and faithful friend is Christ that's where I go with my sins. If He can't help me with them what's to make me think my sinful friends can? "In To confess or not Confess: ". . . or having homosexual urges (I would argue that this is not universally considered a sin),..." Comment: Who care's (not rhetorical) what the universe consider's sin when God's Word has spelled it out in black and white? This makes me wonder if your' intention is to justify homosexuality or other sinful activity and I haven't even read your other articles. "Focus on the Family set themselves up as authorities by broadcasting themselves asa source of spiritual guidance to millions of people, " Comment: Focus is far from a "spiritual" guide compared to the Word of God. James is a psychologist (and a very good one at that) not a pope. Even if he was a Pope, I wouldn't take my spiritual reins from Christ's hands and give them to him. Ever heard of the Bereans? They new who was the final "Authority" (the Word of God) and God called them NOBLE minded. Do you think they were eager to came back to the "same time, same station" Paul was airing on? No way Jose, they went to the SOURCE. I did not spend anymore time with your stuff. Maybe if I get real bored or suicidal (just kidding) I'll come back to it. But it is clear to me that you have unconfessed sin and no savior to confess it to. I will pray for your salvation. Please write back but there's really no need to argue where God's Word is clear, just believe it or NOT. Addendum: I did glimpse at "the 11th commandment" and I apologize to myself for spending such time on you. I was taking you seriously! You have your own god and it is not Christ. You have only the image of God to play with, worship and mentally masturbate. You're not serious about God and His Word, you're scheming against Him and His people. From one no less of a sinner than you but saved by His Grace, to another sinner working overtime to justify his sin: Turn around and join His family! I love you, Mo

Sir, I feel I must at least write a quick note expressing my disappointment at the article you wrote about Focus on the Family. One of the purposes of scripture is to give us godly examples for us to follow-- precisely what Focus does in its programming. Even Paul encouraged his readers to pattern their lives after his. As a long time listener of Dr. Dobson and other christian radio programs, I have heard both confession of personal sin, strong encouragement to follow Christ's example, and an emphasis on becoming a part of a local church body where accountability and personal confession is possible and appropriate. My experience with Focus shows that most of the charges you are leveling against them are not true. I can hardly imagine that an article such as the one you have written is doing anything profitable for the Kingdom of God. I'm assuming you know Christ and it grieves me that you so carelessly and publicly malign His bride. Undoubtedly you have differences of opinion with Focus on the Family. However, in the same way that Paul was appalled that the believers were taking each other to court, I am grieved that you would air your differences in such an international and public forum. Please, for the sake of Christ, find a more mature way to go about this.

May Satan be with you!

I just read why Focus on the Family is of the devil. Your too funny! Why didn't you just say what you meant and instead of saying "The new Christian", just say "I". It's obvious your talking about your *own* struggles, why attribute them to some vague "New Christian". BTW, I'm not a Christian, and still think your a joke.

Sir, you are a very sorry person. I do hope you will find Christ as your personal saviour. God bless you, and I mean that.

Dear Mr. McKinley: I must say how impressed I am at your writing ability. You certainly have conveyed your point in a very direct manner. I am sure that the responses you have received from your commentary have verged on nearly violent. It is rather amazing how a sweet pit bull will sit quietly and then rip your head off after you've hit it with a rolled up newspaper. I would be willing to guess that many of the Christian readers of this piece reacted just like that sweet pit bull. You have graciously opened a forum of debate over this issue. I feel compelled to express my opposition. First, you have made very broad statements and accusations of Focus on the Family and its ability to minister to the radio listening community. Where are your references or the details you use to make these observations. You have eliquently mastered the art of hypothetical rhetoric. However, if I didn't know better I would say that the hypothetical young man in this situation might have been the first-person narrator for this story. I could be wrong. I believe I would be ignorant and rather bombastic to state that Focus on the Family, or any other single organization, can meet the needs of every person capable receiving a radio frequency from a box with a speaker. I believe that I would also be a hypocrite if I believed that every organization that claimed to be Christian based was without the potential for having imperfect sinners as employees. These organizations do have an inherent responsibility to help humanity and not hurt it. However, their first responsibility to obedience to God and the Word of God. Any organization that does not adhere to that cannot call themselves a Christian organization. In my opinion Focus on the Family is trying to keep the family unit together. Not all families stay together and many people are bitter towards those that try and dictate how a family should be run. The problem I have with your statement is that you entirely condemn this organization as a whole without citing radio broadcasts, tapes, books or other publications. Give us details. Do you actually think that I would be bold enough to agree with you based on your opinion? It would not be feasible for me to do so without details. Secondly, my message to that young man who realizes his sin but feels that he cannot "come out of the closet" because of the holier-than-thou people at his church is... find another church, listen to another radio station and learn to realize that God made us all different and with different needs. I, myself, will not go to a Methodist church because I want to worship in a church that is vibrant and dynamic. The few Methodist churches I have attended have not been that way. However, I would be a fool to call that church useless when hundreds of thousands of people fill their aisles each Sunday morning. Even so, the thousands of families who have been ministered too by Focus on the Family (notice I didn't say healed) will tell that young man what a great instrument God has made by using people at Focus on the Family to help them through family problems. They would never say it was of the devil. Thirdly, I suggest to that young man that he seriously analyze what he considers the basis for his faith. If he can be so damaged by an organization that claims that it wants to help people, including young people, then he was relying on that organization too much. Anything that man can do is imperfect. Only God can perform something perfect through an imperfect instrument. Lastly, this young man must be willing to accept two things. One is that he must be completely honest with himself and God. If he feels uncomfortable at church is it because the spirit of God is trying to convict him of areas in his life that God wants removed and cleaned out?? The second is that a Christian, out of concern for fellow believers and non-believers would contact Focus on the Family and confront them with these issues, in the love of Christ, and allow them the opportunity to respond to these concerns instead of blasting them in a degrading manner such as this. Show me the love of Christ in this commentary. I find NONE. Give me a list of names of families that have been destroyed by FOF and I can find enough people in my church alone to counter that list 10 fold. Could it be possible that this young man is lashing out at a God that is trying to perfect him. (sarcastically) So why not lash out at the deliverer instead of the source of the message. Yes, that seems very logical to me. Just like this young man, ALL have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. There is noone but God who has the right to judge. Neither the young man nor FOF. But, if both agree that the final arbitration comes from the Bible then the outcome of this conflict can only be an event of unity not confusion. God is NOT a God of confusion.

I read with interest your 'christian perspective' which is on the web. I don't quite understand where you are coming from, but I felt the need to clarify a few points. I listen to Focus almost dai I am sorry - Have you read an of Dobson's books, indepth. He recognizes that we are a people of grace. And grace doesn't make us totally perfect now. It prvides for the present and the future. Grace places a one way mirror between God and man. God knows we are sinful, yet Jesus is that mirror. From God's perspective he only sees Jesus, not our sin. Focus On The Family believes this. WHere did you get your infor- mation? I would like to talk more with you on this. You also question a "typical family unit". What did you mean? I am a good listener. I will not judge you. Let's dialogue! Brian you are truely a sick person. Your view of "Why Focus On The Family is of the Devil" is distorted if not outright blasphemous. A true christian does not speak as you are. While it is true that trying "act" as a christian without having Christ as Lord will cause some very real problems what you have written is, in my opinion, OF THE DEVIL. I will pray that you see truth and stop this slander, which you should be very cautious of. i find it interesting that most of the letters to the editor that agree with you are coming from non-believers. It is a simple decision Jesus Christ asks everyone one of us to make: Choose Life or not to choose Life. It would seem to me that you have chosen not to choose Christ as those who agree with you are pointing out. But, there is Hope. Elroy, repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ into your life. Then, go back and listen to Dobson. Dear Elroy, What is it that you believe? I've just read two of your articles. I can't figure out where you are coming from. You are either so bright or you talk in a language I can't understand. Life is precious to God. Don't kid yourself into believing that Solomon was advocating abortion. Remember Solomon was a wise man--the wisest earthly man by far--but still a man and he was sinful. I can't understand why people can't get it--you would not be here if you had not started out as a fetus. Everything you are today started the moment of conception--that was you. Who has the right to take that life away from you--only God. This is probably a stupid thing to even send you. You are obviously so much brighter than I am--God has made you that way. But, I feel sorry for you. You were so hard on Focus on the Family and James Dobson. I hate to tell you that God loves James and his crew and he and the other Christians of that organization are working to help people not hurt them. I will try to remember to pray for you Elroy. I hope that you truly know how much God loves you and He sent His Son for you, as well as for me. Lighten up and love the way God wants us to love each other. If you are a believer, than work on building one another up and leading more souls unto our Lord. From a Child of the King and thankful to be one!!! Mr. McKinley.... When I first read your articles relating to Focus on the Family and Abortion, I was stunned. I could not believe that one who implies that he is a Christian would hold such contrary views with what is clearly written in the Bible...despite your attempts to rationalize that your views are supported be the Bible. In hindsight, I conclude that you-and not Focus on the Family, or other Christian organizations-are Satanic in your perspectives. Your prejudices lead you to create a god that suits your purposes, rather than to discover the True God who rules the universe. May God bless you by allowing you to see through the prejudices that blind you, and that you discover and worship the True God who created you. How arrogant of you. The only response to you that was agreeable with you was from someone who so very proudly reminded us of his IQ and degree. He is not the only intelligent person. Pride is something we are suppose to overcome through Christ. Pride in Christ not ourselves. As a person who has read many of Dobson's books since 1975 and listen to his program daily for a year, You are so far off base, I can't believe you know what or who you are talking about. Do your research, please. Mr. McKinley, your article "Why Focus on the Family is of the Devil" is simply garbage! First of all, you speak in generalities. Mr. Dobson makes it clear that he is not a minister. Furthermore, instead of being critical of Focus, you should be out helping to promote the well being of families. Furthermore, you have some out right lies in your article. Namely, your third paragraph from the bottom states that one will never hear about the problems that the people at Focus have in their daily lives. This is a lie. On many occasions, Dr. Dobson has stated "...Mike I struggle with that same exact problem..." etc. If you are bitter about something with them, or problems in your own life, your energy would be better spent rectifying them instead of being the devil's right hand man in tearing down ministries that are truly making a difference for Christ. Adding or subtracting from the word of God as given in the 66 books, is subject to Damnation. Read the last chapter of Revelation. Also read about the false teachers who will come to claim they know more than God knows. That's logical eh? God's i nfinite wisdom, and a mere human saying they know better? Illogical beyond reason. Sorry, but God makes no exceptions when it comes to Christ. You either know him as the God of the universe and accept that He paid all your sins past present future, or you decide when you stand before God Almighty and the Great White Throne Judgement "Oh, I decided that I knew more than you do." Sorry but that will not work. I believe you are exaggerating a bit when you say this new believers problems with sin are all caused by Focus on the Family. James Dobson and the many of the guests on the program do not claim to be the perfect Christian and they don't claim to lead sinless lives. They show how Jesus has worked in their lives and in trustin in the Holy Spirit one can strive and make steps to live a life holy worthy of God's calling. I don't believe by any means that James Dobson claims to be sinless on his show or in his books. What good is a book that tells how this life on earth is hopeless. God has promised us abundant life hear on earth when we accept him as our Savior and James Dobson and many of his guests are just showing some steps that they've taken in thier lives that have helped them to overcome some sin and bondages in thier life. I don't believe they are taking away from Christ's example, but showing that through Jesus we can overcome sin. When we accept Christ we are dead to sin and we are a new creation. James Dobson has never taken credit for the spiritual life he lives and he does not claim to be sinless. I think it is ignorant to say that "Focus on the Family" is of the Devil and that it leads more people away from Christ than to Him. James Dobson is being obedient the the Word and he is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Dear Brian: I read your perspective on Focus on the Family and do not agree with your views. Each of us looks at situations from a different perspective and many times, we need to ask God to remove the scales from our eyes and ears so we can see and hear Him speaking to us. Your perspective implies that you looked at Focus on the Family and other religious sources as "God." They are vehicles to carry forth God's word. However, it is our individual responsibility to hold them accountable by validating what they say against what is in the Bible. Is what they are saying and how they are living in conformance with the Word of God or is it in contradiction. None of us can be perfect as God's Word says, however, we are to strive toward perfection to run the race that has been set before us unto the high calling of the Lord. We all struggle to do things perfectly, and honestly I don't always. But, I get on my knees and pray and seek God's strength to help me from erring again. I listen to Focus on the Family and I have heard them talk about how difficult it is for all of us to live as we should and do not get the idea or perception that they place themselves as a standard by which we are to measure ourselves. When I talk with other Christians I am not sharing openly with them my failures --- that's between me and God. The word "failure" appeared throughout your essay numerous times. Your focus on the negative versus positive probably has tainted your outlook on your entire religious experience. Look to God as your example on how to live your life and take your eyes off Focus on the Family. We are all sinners and come short of the Glory of God. We are to strive to do good and not continuously repeat our sins. Then, there are those of us that cannot seem to free ourselves from a specific "sinful" thing. I don't know whether you developed any close relationships with other Christians in your church that you could talk to about your problems who would agree to pray with you about them. That is also why we have Pastors and the Church to help us during those tough times. You are not alone --there is a whole world of people struggling with situations that consider themselves Christians. God does deliver us from our demons but we must develop that relationship with him and seek His help and those from our Christian friends. Read His word constantly and talk to Him. And, I mean really talk to Him. God never said the road would be easy...He said it would be worth it! A sojourner on the way to that mansion in the sky! "I lift up my eyes unto the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. PSA 12:1-2 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 1John 3:20 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1John1:7 Brian, The task I set for myself, to try to understand your concept of the "Culture of Christianity" was too much for me to accomplish on my lunch hour. (I am reaching you from my office. I will send this before I go home today.) I will have to keep working on it and respond when I return home. Sorry I was not able to keep to my own schedule. May the Spirit of God bless and teach us both. Dear Brian I think your commentary is not worth responding to. I think you need to do some serious soul searching and realize that Christ accepts you as you are. I too have serious concerns about Christianity in this country, but your dialogue is not worthy of academic discussion. We all need to serve Christ better. I praise Focus on the Family for their efforts to help keep us on the course. A believer Brian, I can not believe what a warpped sense of being a Christian you have. = Anyone rooted in the word would have to laugh a your ideas even though = they are well written. I would be very interested in knowing what,if = any, denomination you worship with. =20 consider yourself on our prayer chain. =20 p.s. I have been known to listen to focus on the family. I think the = devil may be working closer to your home that through the radio. Jesus = would never agree to the killing of millions of babies. I, like everyone this side of paradise, am subject to cultural influences. I'm also subject to developing my own self-reasoned opinions. I'm always in danger of being influenced by other men, who are teaching and preaching things that may be in error. "There is a way that seems right to men, but which leads to death." We all stand in danger of following false doctrines, the doctrines of demons who are infinitely wiser (as serpents) than are we human babies. After all, demons have had eons to develop their schemes and to gather useful knowlege to gain the advantage over us. I have engaged in debate with many young people who are trying desperately to prove there is a not a true Hell. Who do not want to accept that there are clear rights and wrongs (they are not negotiable, God does not negotiate with mere man). Who don't want to believe that God will condemn most men to eternal death. Most of these people are trying to justify their sins (to have their sins and still reap nirvana). One cannot ignore the Bible in those areas where it is clearly speaking without allegory. Sodomy is a sin. An entire city was destroyed because of this sin. You can easily prove from scripture that God has a special hatred for sexual perversion. Sexual perversion is listed in almost every book of the Bible as being an example of behavior that will lead to eternal death. Were I a practicing homosexual, I would live in terror of the Bible and of God's judgement. I too would go to great extremes to rationalize away my peril. I might go so far as to adopt truths from other religions and philosophies, so that I am not left having to depend entirely on what the Bible says. We must remember that simply knowing Jesus is the Christ, and acknowledging that he is the Son of Man and the Son of God is not by itself sufficient to salvation. The demons always acknowledged both of these facts. We must submit to him, through the omnipresent Holy Spirit, and allow him to rule our lives. Such lives are without sin, as a result. If your young man still lives in sin, and can't come up to a Holy standard, then he is trying to be sinless as an exercise in the flesh. This is impossible. He must be totally yielded to the Lord. Then the Lord will save him, and will not lose him. If I practiced abortion as a means of birth control, I would similarly fear for my eternal soul. To have an abortion, and to then repent of that abortion does not keep me out of the Kingdom. But, the keycommends the politicians when they do something right-no matter what party they are in. One the issue of abortion-I believe there really is one only real choice. Do you think that if you have the love of our Jesus in your heart that you would be able to kill a helpless child? I've been involved on the abortion issue on both sides and almost every women that I have talked to has regretted having a abortion. Just because the baby is not born yet doesn't not mean it is not alive. Focus on the Family is a strong anti-abortion supporter and I think thats great. The only way I see a abortion as ok is if the mother will die from giving birth. Thats still kind of iffy in my head still. Homosexuality. It says right there in any bible thats is absolutely wrong ! There's no two sides to that issue. There are plenty of examples of God striking back at people who carried out that lifestyle(floods). Homosexuality is the Devil's way of messing up something that is the most beutilful thing God every made. To tell you the truth before I got married I was very sexually active even thought I knew it was wrong. The night of my honeymoon when me and my new bride made love it was completely different -we were joined together in spirit. That is such a strong bond that can never be broken. God made sex and I say Yee Haa!!!! to that. But you have to rember that whatever God creates that is holy the devil will try to corrupt that. He has corrupted the sexual act very much!! Just look whats on the Internet!!!!! I could hardly believe it. When I saw all that trash I decide to make my home page and dedicate it to Christ. The only question I have for you is this-if you know that focus on the family does bring people to Jesus why do you trash it so much? To be honest I really thought you were going to be christian hating jerk. You seem rather nice and really smart. Thanks for reading this long letter . Please keep iponding to , but I will anyway. The problem with Christainity today is the fact that some preaching from our pulpits are becoming apologetic ---"Having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof"......Sorry if someone is finally saying something that will cause a stirring in our spirits. Our young believer should subject his thoughts to God for cleansing and change his focus from what God thinks of him and not what man thinks. Thanks. Enjoyed reading your writings, very thought provoking. I liked your revision of the "Good Samaritan" The institutionalization of the Church has many sad side effects. The area that troubles me the most is the condemnation of sinful living to the point of making people believe that they are not worthy of the grace of Jesus. The church tells people to try hard to live righteous lives and if they don't then they aren't "good" Christians. If we could live righteous lives we wouldn't need Jesus. In Christ, Dear Brian I think your commentary is not worth responding to. I think you need to do some serious soul searching and realize that Christ accepts you as you are. I too have serious concerns about Christianity in this country, but your dialogue is not worthy of academic discussion. We all need to serve Christ better. I praise Focus on the Family for their efforts to help keep us on the course. A believer Mr. McKinley, your website saddens me greatly. As you know from the Bible, God is characterized by infinite love. Jesus said all the commandments can be summarized as in the command to love God and one's neighbors. We are further informed that our testimony to the world is to be one of love: "See how they love one another." By this we can know (identify) one another. Your site displays little of love, and much of anger and hatred. By this, I know you are a false teacher. I take no pleasure in making this charge. But you are clearly among those who call darkness "light", and evil "good." I pray that God will open your eyes, for he loves you far beyond my or your ability to love. As a disciple of Christ, I am instructed to contend for the faith, and to be a zealous advocate for Christ. This is why I write you, though I fear my words will be as sounding brass, because your ears are stopped by your hatred of Christians. Brian, I read your editorial (?) concerning Focus on the Family being of the Devil. Simply put, you are as off base and misguided as you can be. Nothing is 100% of God (except the Bible), any thing that a Christian does, says, or is involved with can have negative results. By taking one possible scenario and playing it out to a negative possible conclusion does not prove anything. In fact, it could be stated that your own editorial is "of the Devil". Perhaps someone will stumble across your web page and read it. Perhaps they are new to the faith, and perhaps after reading it they decide that Christianity is a farce. After all, here is an one Christian accusing another of being of the Devil. You see Satan can take, and has been given the OK to do so by God, anything and use it to further his cause. Your "young man" as a new Christian should have become a member of a local Church. A church whose members consist of men, women, and children that form a Christian family. Together they share their struggles, their triumphs, and even their fears. But it is together they strengthen each other, disciple each other, and as the Bible says, sharpen each other as iron does iron. I pray that you find a church family like that, it is what Christ intended the Church to be. With all its warts and shortcomings (after all it consists of fallible humans) the Church is still the best institution on Earth. God Bless, It's seems you're lacking in some common sense on your scornful criticism on Dr. Dobson. Every time I listen to there show I hear stories of how people have had severe hardships and through Christ intervention have gotten through it. Many of them have not gotten through it but have a testimony in how they still rely on Christ. Through out the Bible God uses people. Normal every day people who when led by God have become great pillars of our faith. There are people like that today who because of there experiences can help others get through hard times. NEVER have I heard them put anyone before Jesus Christ. I also find that while Focus on the Family spends there time seeking information to inform, educate, and further the cause of Christ you, on the other hand spend your time creating nonsense criticisms you obviously know nothing about. You seem very bitter towards them which leads me to believe you need some healing in your heart. Only Christ can supply this for you. I'll pray for you as I would for any brother in Christ. Hi Brian, I just wanted to tell you that I think you are wrong about Focus on the Family. If you perceive them to be of that loser below, then you must also percieve all of their guest speakers in that light--that is a pretty arrogant accusation especially for the apparent lack of supporting evidence. Remember, your opinion does not change who God is. As for the rest of your article, I see absolutely no truth or validity in it. Sure everyone makes mistakes and falls short of the perfection of Jesus, but I believe that the people at Focus are doing their best to spread the Gospel, and that they are truly seeking His wisdom. I hope that this letter does not offend you, that was not its intent--I simply wanted to point these things out to you. Sincerely, I saw your site on link star and I don't agree with you. I've been a christian all my life and I wondered away from our Lord Jesus and Focus on the Family helped me get on the right path. Please rember that we are humans and we all make mistakes. Focus on the Family mught have made one or two, but on the who they are very truthful and helpful. Your website might led people away from Jesus, do you want that? Please reconsder your posting, some people are going to go by on what you say, and not give Jesus a chance. I'll pray for you, you are a mis-guided soul...if only you put your energies into something more worthwhile than critisizing 'Focus on the Family'. Take the blinders off !!! Brian, I can't believe that you could hold such a warped view of an organization which God uses so mightily each day. What, if anything, do you propose to be the solution to people who need to be educated to the values of the traditional family live? How would you propose that we could "reprogram" the countless individuals who never had proper role models for their family life. I cannot believe, even for a moment, that F/F purports to hold some of the views which you spelled out. Your web site is a blatant turnoff to the thousands of unbelievers who might happen to stumble accross it. I wish you would temper your views in a not so public place. I read with great distress your articles about abortion and Focus On the Family. What turned you into such a cynic? What did Focus On the Family ever do to you except speak the Truth about God and Christ and Biblical principals? Instead of supporting your claim that FotF is "of the devil" with facts, you spout bitterness and resentment indicative of some personal battle you have with them and their philosophy. It seems that there must be some painful wounding in your life that has caused you to turn to cynicism and spout hatred. As for the abortion article, again you do not support you thesis with facts. You are guilty of the same error you accuse Pro-lifers of, namely, taking a few verses out of context to support your opinion. Life is precious. Who is to say when life begins? You either believe life begins at conception and that each and every life is precious in the sight of our heavenly Father or you don't. But are you to be the judge? Is it not better to err on the side of conservatism, in believing that since there must be a beginning to life, that that life begins at conception rather than at some point decided arbitrarily by some judge? There are moral absolutes, and there will be a day of reckoning. I prefer to stand on the side of life, whether in the womb or out, whether old or young. I hope that you will allow the Lord to heal whatever pain has caused you to be so full of bitterness and close-minded. God bless you with His grace and mercy. I love you, you are GREAT! finally, someone who has written what I with my 140 plus iq and ba in religion and perpective could not. god bless you It is evident from the handful of essays I have read that you have no idea what it means to be a born again child of God. Every living human is fallen - that means sinful. We are doomed to eternity without God. But, the death and resurrection of Jesus gives us a source of power to become the sons of God. Christianity is not in the Sermon on the Mount. It is in the person of Jusus Christ, and putting our faith in Him and His completed defeat of sin. When Christ rose from the grave, the Devil lost it all. Sure, Christians still screw up sometimes. They do at times and in some cases do things that most believers would condemn. But, no Christian ever can be perfect until the day we see our Lord facd to face. God loves even you. He does not want any of us to be separated from Him. But He has given us the free choice. Jesus Christ or the outer darkness. I don't need to read any more of your hate centered writing to know that I don't need it. I know where you are coming from, now. Dear Brian, I read your post on Focus on the family and feel like I should respond. I will not take much of your time. Throughout you post it was obvious that you have not followed your arguement with logical premises and conclusions. If you are going to spend time on the net "serving God" please spend some time being Biblically acurate. God is not illogical. I find that your post is full of fallicies. I hope you spend time cleaning up yourself before you go to clean up others.....check out God's view of the beam in you own eye before.... Willing to correspond, Hi Brian, I believe it is always important to be open to the truth. You and I have beliefs we hold and we will either do what we can to defend our positions or we will be open to new input and "update" our beliefs. I read your article in order to see whether you had some new insights which could enlighten me about Focus on the Family. Your characterization of Dr. Dobson (he never admits his imperfection) is inconsistant with what I hear on Focus on the Family on a regular basis. He clearly is not perfect and he acknowledges this often. Further, the example he projects is for the most part consistant with my understanding of the Gospel message. The core of this message being, "We are to love God with our whole heart and mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves". I suspect there is something else "going on" with you which would explain the inconsistancy of your observations with what actually is going on. I challenge you to reflect on the messages of Christ's love which "set you off". The truth will set you free. Watering it down or distorting it will hurt only ourselves. God Bless, Thank you for having such a great page exposing the true sinister nature of Focus on the Family. I agree with you wholeheartedly. Godspeed. I'M SITTING HERE TRYING TO SORT THROUGH ALL OF YOUR WRITINGS. ALTHOUGH I'M NOT SURE I AGREE WITH YOU ON EVERYTHING, I DO DEFINATELY SEE WHERE YOU'RE COMING FROM. YOU DEFINATELY SEEM BITTER ABOUT SOMETHING, OR MAYBE, YOUR JUST SICK TO DEATH OF HYPOCRITICAL CHURCH PEOPLE. PART OF ME WONDERS WHY YOUR VENTING SO MUCH ANGER IN YOUR MESSAGE, BUT PART OF ME UNDERSTANDS COMPLETELY. I GUESS THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT AS CHRISTIANS WE ALL STRUGGLE. NOT ONE OF US IS PERFECT, ONLY CHRIST IS. SO, FOR ANYONE; CHURCH'S, PASTOR'S, JAMES DOBSON, FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, YOU, ME, ANYONE TO ACT AS IF THEY ARE IS A LIE. THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH ALL OF YOUR POINTS IS THAT, THIS IS NOT THE ANSWER. THERE ISN'T ONE. THE ONLY THING WE SHOULD DO, AS A CHRISTIAN IS TRY OUR BEST TO BE AS MUCH LIKE CHRIST AS WE CAN. COMING ON THE INTERNET AND VENTING ABOUT THE ILLS OF CHRISTIANITY IS ONLY HURTING THE VERY GOD YOU'RE THAT I THINK YOU'RE TRYING TO SERVE. MAYBE I'M WRONG, BUT I THOUGHT WE WERE PUT HER TO WIN OTHERS TO CHRIST. ALLTHAT YOU'RE DOING IS SPLITTING CHRISTIANITY IN TWO. YES, PEOPLE DO NEED TO FIND OUT WHY THEY BELIEVE FOR THEMSELVES, BUT PASTOR'S AND TEACHERS ARE THERE FOR A REASON. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY TEACHERS? YOU WOULD HAVE A BUNCH OF PEOPLE THAT KNEW ABSOLUTLY NOTHING ABOUT CHRIST, AND A SELECT FEW THAT DID. THAT'S NOT HOW YOU SPREAD THE GOSPEL. ALL I'M SAYING IS, YOU CAN'T CONDEMN EVERY CHURCH, PASTOR OR PERSON OUT THERE THAT DOESN'T WILLFULLY SHARE WITH YOU ALL OF THERE DEEPEST DARKEST STRUGGLES. THE SHAME AND FAILURE THAT YOU FEEL BECAUSE OF SIN IS THE SAME AS ANYONE ELSE'S. I HOPE THAT I AM TALKING TO A FRUSTRATED CHRISTIAN AND NOT SOME ATHIEST OR OTHER PERSON THAT WOULD LOVE T TO SEE CHRISTIANITY FALL. IF YOU ARE THE FRUSTRATED CHRISTIAN I HOPE YOU SEE THAT YOUR FORUM IS NOT HELPING, BUT HURTING. I ALSO HOPE THAT YOU WILL NOT TAKE MY WORDS AS JUDGEMENTAL, BUT OUT OF LOVE FOR ANOTHER CHRISTIAN BROTHER. DOING MY BEST, TO DO ALL HIS WAYS, ALL MY DAYS Have you ever read or listened to Dobson??? You definitly created a "straw-man". I have listened to him several times. I have read one of his books. In both he acknowledges his sinfulness - his struggles. I do not understand why you attack him??? What did he ever do to you??? I think you are making some huge assumptions. You are assuming that A. Your young Christian has missed from the pulpit, the Bible, and christian books that ultimately our example is Christ and the Bible, not any one persons interpretation of the Bible. B. Secondly, he as missed that we are never to make idols for ourselves. Not our pastors, our favorite authors, money or any other thing of this world. If your senario played out, you could accuse any church, pastor, Christian leader, etc... of being of the devil. And by the way. The whole point of needing a Savior is that we don't measure up. I am writing because I DO NOT agree with what you are saying about Focus on the Family.I listen to Adventures in Odyssey, it is produced by Focus on the Family, and Adventures in Odyssey gives moral values and it makes us want to read the Bible alot more. I have become a whole lot better Christian because of FOCUS ON THE FAMILY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for reading this you are out to lunch!!!!!!!!!! the lord rebuke you!!!!!! YOU are a son of the devil himself bu the way.......... the rest of your stuff is mindless drivvel I just finished reading two of your articles on the Internet. The first was regarding Focus on the Family, the second was about fascism in the Church. After reading these articles I felt I should take you up on your invitation to respond. I found your article regarding Focus on the Family to be rooted in a false perception. It isn't my intetion to be insulting in any way, but as a semi-regular listener to Dobson I found your accusations to be untrue. I have found that he presents himself NOT as some idol to be followed instead of Christ, but as a fellow pilgrim who is very honest about his failures as well as his successes. Your article about fascism in the Church I thought had some good points. But I would remind you that although no church is perfect, there are many out there that are preaching the Gospel with no discrimination involved. I would also encourage you not to be so negative lest you fall into the trap of bitterness. Not only will you become bitter but you will bring others down as well. Christ didn't just tear people down, He offered them a positive, wonderful alternative. Look for the good and cultivate a thankful heart while at the same time aproaching life with your eyes wide open. If you have the time (I expect you're getting a lot of mail lately) please respond. I find exception with your rhetoric. What makes you any different than what you are portraying others? Two things you are overlooking in your self proclaimed ministry (small m on ministry), is 1. Love Don't see it in ANYthing you are saying....that makes what you say invalid as seen by spiritual people. They automatically recognize it, even if they don't know how to verbalize it. How would they be able to express their ideas to you, obviously your having fun with them, trying to mess with their minds. They should just recognize what you are and ignore you. But, I have to admit I am guilty also. I want to bark back at a barking dog. 2. You obviously don't know about Spiritual Warfare! I would be willing to bet you are a sports nut??? You seem to have a desire to do Spiritual Warfare, but are missguided. I hope you can channel your energies into the direction that God wants. You need to stop trying to operate in the Flesh and start moving in the Spirit. Are you Born Again? If yes, then great....check out your focus...we wrestle not against flesh and blood (focus on family) but against principalities, and powers....etc. (you know the drill). Your fight should be focused on reclaiming the land for God. Pull down the High Places. Spiritual wickedness in High Places! Pull them down, and these groups you dissagree with, if you are right in your thinking, will be brought down with the Spiritual Wickedness! It would only be a matter of time, then everyone would recognize "The Devil" in bad groups. Fight the good fight, not against men, (you are wasting your time and energies), but War in the Spirit! You don't me or anyone else to tell you more. If you ask God for Truth in what I've touched on, then HE will show you what you need to know. Spiritual battle is a lot more fullfilling that what you are doing. By the way, you will be less interested in sports then, you will be too involved in the real meaning for man in God's Kingdom. Good luck and God Bless Dear Elroy: I read your "document" and found it to be indicative of someone who is paranoid and vindictive. Clearly, you must be a disgruntled former employee of "Focus" or were somehow "wronged" by this group, and in some strange logic this is your justification for revenge. (How much money have you spent on this Internet sight?) Your document is, frankly, bullshit. This is akin to someone whose life was saved in a drowning accident suing the rescuers for rope burns on his/her arms. In a world where there is so much negative, so much hatred, so much degredation and disrespect for God, moral values, etc., people like you try and throw water on what little flame of hope exists for the Light. Christ nows Dobson's heart. The Bible also says to judge a tree by it's fruit. Dobson's ministry is producing truckloads of awesome fruit. Your heart is bitter. And the fruit you are producing is...........??????? You need to take the steps to freedom. Read Bondage Breakers. You are the one deceived. I will pray for you. I don't know where you are coming from but, I have personally heard all of the regulars and guests on Focus on The Family express just what you are denying they say. They do extol Jesus Christ as the only answer, and often state that it is not easy to be a Christian. I have never once heard Doctor Dobson, or anyone else on the program use themselves as examples to be followed, except in the sense that we all need to follow one another in our devotion to Christ. The grace of God in Juesus Christ is the only authority I have ever heard from the Focus on The Family broadcasts. Do you have any evidence to back up these assertions or are you just venting your hatred. My the Spirit of God reveal you to yourself and your readers. My name is not private when I speak to praise Jesus Christ. This is to be considered a public comment. One last time. Sorry for clogging your e-mail but I just read your last article here and I am fasinated by some of your views. I really liked the one on breaking the church windows and agree with a lot of what you say. If I may I would like to share that one with some friends. The article I am referring to now is The Fascism of Modern Churches. You are right that we do judge people who are lower in society than us but you know it works the other way too. I am not a wealthy person by far, but am comfortable (whatever that is supposed to mean) I don't live on the streets and I never go hungry. I have encountered people in our church who look down with disdain on people who have money and they won't let anyone minister to them unless you are at their "monitary" level. To me this is very frustrating and I often downplay the fact that I have money to go out to an occaisional lunch with a friend or am able to put Twenty dollars in the Sunday School collection sometimes. I don't want to feel this way, I want to be able to be a source of help to all people at all levels in life. That may be why God sent Jesus, not as a king but as a poor person with no posessions. But how does that help me to keep people from misjudging me just because I am able to give money to the church and to anonymously help support the needy families in our community. I am no less a Christian than you or any poor or needy person and yet I am at times made to feel evil for posessing enough money to live a comfortable life by the very people I am able to help. I don't think I suffer from the sin of Christian Piety. I believe God made us all and gives us all opportunities we can either take or deny. I try to grab each opportunity to share Christ with others and I do have many friends (some Christian and some not) who I feel comfortable loving and caring for. I also work with the youth in our church and it breaks my heart to see how much they have seen and been hurt already by our society's judgement on people. They wonder why we can't just accept people where they are. If someone feels that their talents serve God by having money and broadcasting on a radio can show the power of God's love, who are we to say they are not sincere or that it is from God. It takes a world of Christians to get a message of love and salvation to these kids sometimes. They see it at youth group and then go out into the community only to hear someone denying or talking hatefully about someone who teaches about Christ. What a message. I think we serve them best by explaining daily that Jesus died for us and continues to love us even though we are the ones who put him on the cross with our messages of hate, distrust, and conceit or peity as you put it. I have lived as a very poor person, having to scrounge for pennies to buy our baby milk and I have lived through difficult times and seen more sadness and hopelessness than I would have dreamed imaginable in my own youth. But the good news is that Jesus is still with us and no matter who the messenger is, be he poor or be he rich or be she a radio announcer or youth pastor, the message must and does reach beyond our own existances. Praise God for that!! Ok - I have read a couple more of your articles and can pretty much tell where you are coming from. You know you are just as hypocritical as you say Dobson and the Christian Coalition is. It seems to me you have a few skeletons in your closet or maybe not in the closet but you seem to be desperately trying to justify them. Why belittle someone for the good they may be doing for some one else. Some of the things you say about abortion and gays is great and just what those people want or need to hear at this point in their life. Fine. People who listen to focus on the family, listen because that is what they believe and what they need to hear in their life. If they didn't want to hear and were so offended they should turn it off the way I do with so much of the garbage on TV that is pushed on us!! Let me tell you that the smut on TV has a far greater audience than Dobson does so the little bit of Christ that he can spread goes a long way. All the quotes you made from the Bible are from the Old Testament. I wonder why you disreguard the New Testament since that is where true Christianity comes from. Jesus came to teach about love and acceptance of all people. That doesn't mean that we accept all that they do and sin is not what we want to say it is but what God says it is. He is the only one we need to be accountable to in the end. If you truely feel comfortable with the life you lead and the actions you take in Christ's name, knowing he is your savior and walking right beside you, then why make attacks on someone else's views. You know I believe Jesus walks with James Dobson too. He loves him the same as you and all the unborn children in the world. Why spend so much of your time trying desperately to tear down others ministry when you have such potential of your own to get a message of Christ's real love out to the world? I guess my view is, if you live by what you truely believe and Christ is in your heart in all you do, God will take care of the rest in his own time. We don't need to take a chance of entering in to evil ourselves by saying or doing unjust things to others. I hope you would keep me in your prayers as will keep you in mine. I just read your little dissertation on why Focus on the Family is evil. It doesn't make much sense to me unless you are that poor misguided "Christian". If one is really a Christian they know that by God's Grace we have Jesus Christ who has forgiven us before we have sinned and before we were ever born. I also listen to James Dobson and Focus on the Family and I have a much different view than you obviously do. I have heard Mr. Dobson speak of mistakes he has made and of times when he should have followed Christ more closely. Of course we all have times when we don't do the "right" thing! If we didn't we would have no need of the salvation that is ours to claim. No one knows that better than James Dobson. He also many times has guests on that speak to our every day lives and struggles. People who have been down in the gutters of life and show how the promises God has made us helped lift them out. If this Christian Friend has misinterpreted that it is not the fault of the program, but what about his fellow Christians helping him and holding him up? Christianity is NOT a radio show, it is life which includes all the people around us! We certainly don't hear that message from the liberal press or those goofy TV shows you mentioned! We can at least take a good message from Focus on the Family and only a very weak, shallow, sheltered,Christian could be so negative to take a message from the program as you did. The program has helped me in my faith journey which has not been where it should be until just recently, and I believe that many more people can say that about Focus on the Family, than can say it has hurt them. That is not to say I follow or agree with everything that is said on the program, but then God did give us a mind of our own and a free will to follow him or not depending on our beliefs. Thanks for the food for thought though, and for helping me to make my views and convictions even stronger. We all need that sometimes. Brian, you look normal enough, but obviously you have many problems. I was looking for Focus on the Family's homepage and my web search brought your article against them up. I was appalled. I could write pages to rebut you but I don't think it is worth my time. I don't think you would be open to hear. I suspect you have been a very deceived person and the enemy is using you to attack the christian community, and especially FOTF. I'll say a quick prayer for you that the Lord would illuminate your darkened heart and bring you into HIS marvelous light to be transformed . God help you. Hi! I am fascinated with your work. What Church do you belong to? Tim Broderick Dear Brian, I read your article about "Focus on the Family" and could not believe that you felt a fine organization such as "Focus" hands out so many lies. I read the article thinking that you might have some degree of merit to your argument; however, I found no trace of evidence supporting your views. If you plan to continue such criticism, you should use examples of specific ways the organization is "of the Devil". As far as your comments on role models is concerned, you seem to have really misunderstood the program's intent. "Focus" has helped me apply their advice to my life by showing how God has worked through others and how He can work through me, as well. As I have listened to the radio show for the past few years, I have heard many, many guests discuss how they had failed in life until Christ's perfect love and grace picked them up and helped them through their trials, even if those trials were not over yet. Please re-evaluate your argument, and try praying to God for guidance as you do so. I think you might see a different side of "Focus on the Family" if you do so. Brian: I read your Web essays on religion, and I liked them a lot. I felt that I could identify with a lot of stuff you were saying. I am currently undergoing a withdrawal from US-style Evangelical Christianity. I am a former atheist that tried to believe for almost 5 years. It didn't quite take. I am taken to believe that you are a non-fundamentalist Christian. If you have any desire and a little bit of time, please acknowledge this message. I would like to send you a few questions, if you don't mind, of course. Again, thanks for your insights. Read your story about how the Focus on the Family causes the young man to lose his faith. You never say what falsities are broadcast by Focus, or why they are false. I have been following Focus (I live in Colorado Springs) for several years, and I can't imagine what false information you are talking about. Unless the organization is telling lies about something, your story has no merit. If your article, "Why Focus on the Family is of the devil" is a Christian perspective, what is it that you base your Christianity on? "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20,KJV I was, to say the least, appalled by what I read in your pages. If you have a problem with Dr. Dobson, you have an obligation to take the matter up with him, not air it like this in a public forum. See Matthew chapter 18. If you wish to interpret Scripture, I suggest you start by asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. I found your exegesis of the verses you used to support your views on abortion to be totally outrageous. I wouldn't attempt to try to back up my views on abortion with Scripture. I'm afraid any attempt to do so will only lead one to interpret verses in a way which supports pre-conceived ideas. I would be interested to learn about your salvation experience and your views on Jesus. When I have time, I'll return and read the rest of your pages. For now, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you to be a brother in Christ and will therefore pray for you and ask God to guide you and bless you. Brian, Thanks for getting back to me. I feel that I have a better understanding of your positions and am satisfied that you are a brother in the Lord. I am not a defender of Focus on the Family or James Dobson. I don't listen to Dr. Dobson on a regular basis but I have heard some of his shows and have enjoyed some of the guests he has had on. I definitely do not agree with everything I hear and see there but I'll leave my criticism for them. As far as conservative Christianity is concerned, I agree that there is a spiritual arrogance that is pervasive among the more conservative brethren and definitely a lack of love and even a pharisaical legalism. I prefer to confront this directly with people I know rather than in public forum. I don't see a benefit in airing Christianity's dirty laundry in public. It seems to me that this is confusing to new Christians and does harm to the spreading of the Gospel. I am not disagreeing with your views. I really haven't taken the time to study your writings that closely yet. I am just concerned about the methods you are using and wondering if you're going about this in a way that would be honoring to Christ. That's between you and Him but I feel that I have an obligation as a brother to share my concern with you. Regarding the abortion issue, if I misunderstood your presentation, I apologize. I gave the piece a cursory reading. I'll take another look at it as time allows. I question your statement regarding homosexuality and your assertion that Scripture is unclear on this subject. I think scripture is very clear. Of course, I can't excuse the treatment that homosexuals get from the Christian community but that again is another issue. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me. I think you and I probably disagree on many things but I trust that we can find unity in the bond of Christ and enjoy a thoughtful discussion. In His Love, There are many things I could say regarding this little diddy but one I will say is that I disagree with your view. I have heard James Dobson many times tell about his shortcomings and life problems in letters and on the air. I do believe that anyone looking to a person to model themselves after in Christianity is just buying trouble because we ALL have our problems and imperfections. I think God wants us to fellowship together to help each of us work on our problems together, not try to hide them from each other, thats a pride thing. Focus on the Family has helped me tremendously through the last 4 years but I also realize that everyone sees things differently. I've been listening to Focus On The Family for many years and believe they are doing a great service for all Christians. Dear Brian, Jesus Christ is the only sinless human in the history of the human race. That is why it is only through Him that any other human may have eternal life. Jesus is the perfect role model. He fully understands how difficult life on Earth is. God's laws and commandments are only a mirror to show us that we have no hope except through Him. Jim Dobson and Focus On The Family are fully aware of this and state it repeatedly. Make no mistake about it, there is a spiritual war raging. Please take it upon yourself to read God's word and filter your every thought through it. You may soon discover that forces of darkness are very active in your life as they are in every believer's life. Becoming a Christian is an invitation for Satan to attack and there is a 100% chance that he will. A new Christian, weak in faith and understanding, is by far Satan's favorite target. Not only is that person seeking spiritual answers, they soon discover how difficult the Christian life is. Jesus could have had anything he desired while he was on Earth. That is exactly what Satan tempted Him with. But Jesus, our perfect role model, knew that this world is only temporary and there is no life except by the hand of God. Jesus chose His Father's perfect plan for His life despite His certain, painful death. Jesus' life defined the Christian life. It is far easier to be of the world than of Heaven, but much more costly in the long run of eternity. Satan is the defeated master lier, don't be part of his world. Choose life, choose Jesus Christ and His perfect way. One In Christ, My dear brother, I want to commit to pray for you and your critical spirit. It is a spirit of love that we need to see, No I am not an old timer, I am only 32 years old, a father of three boys and husband of but one wife. I am not a radical, but believe more good is done in the short time God has given us here, by loving people. A critical spirit only divides, please brother pray about division and allow us to be a people of unity instead. God Bless you my brother. Till He returns. Your page was not worth my time. A lot of ranting and raving but no substance. Sorry you are so uptight. I was a Christian long before I stared listening to Focus on the Family. Where did you get your ideas? FOF has been wonderful for my spiritual developement. As for them trying to keep people listening, not true. They always state that theirs isn't the only ministry to listen to: there are others and to listen whereever God leads. Please, sir, have your"facts" staight before yop publish them. Thanks. Talk to you later. Surely you jest! This is not a Christian perspective on anything. God's word is the authority for Christian living. Try to base your arguments against "Focus.." on how they stray from Christ's teachings. By the way, "Christian" means follower of Christ. Please don't try to express opinions about something that you obviously have no clue about! Nice attempt. The logic, however, is somewhat strained and suggests some deeper, more personal issue you take with Dr. Dobson. Either that, or you are just trying to generate mail and interest. If the latter, congratulations! If the former, I wonder. . . What do you think ot the Church of the Nazarene? Brian, I think you raise an interesting point. I have listened to focus on the family since they first started. I beleive Dr Dobson is sincere. However I believe they are caught up in legistrating morality. If a born again Christian struggles with sin. How do you expect an unbeliever to overcome sin. If we as believers spent as much time talking about Jesus and the saving power of His blood as we do abortion and political issues, the world would be turned upside down for Christ. It is as if we are ashamed to openingly say that Jesus can set you free from your sin. Also because many Christians are still bound by their own sin and they find a place where they can forget about their sin and concentrate on others. Such as the Pharisees did. Let me sight an example. I was raised in the guetto of north Jersey. My family was poor and I was very neglected growing up. I married a beautiful girl from a family that Dobson would call ideal. My mother in law listens to Focus On the Family. And she has a buzz word for me. She says that I am "disfunctional". I hate that term. All I ever was was a guy who loved the Lord and is trying to get through life the best I can. Well after 24 years of marriage my "stable" wife wants to call it quits. She is giving up on following the Lord and obeying Him and keeping her covenant. She has said "I know what God wants me to do but I don't want to do it". While I am forced to learn to love her in the face of rejection. I have been clinging to God and searching for encouragement to do the right thing and remain faithful as the enemy swarms around my head like bees, with temptations to give up, curse God and die or run away. "I am disfunctional" when I stand as a soldier against the armies of hell who have stripped me of any opportunity to earn a living and is trying to take my dignity from me also. Like Job I sit here having done no evil and yet I am looked upon from the Christian Community as "disfunctional" and to be cast aside like refuse. I called Focus On the Family and they sent me a book. 'Love Must Be Tough' and in it James says that I must stop clinging. What does a drowning man do? If you were slipping off a cliff and I came up to you and said, "Stop clinging to me and let go and trust God". If you did let go wouldn't you fall and punge into the bolders below? I think you would be better served if I reached down and let you cling to me and pulled you up. Another thing that James said in that book was "Pretend like you don't care about her and she will be attracted to you again" He used the term "Cat and Mouse" Marriage is not a cat and mouse game. It is a covenant between two people of which the very existance of a vow demands that there will eventually be a test. I have been a Christian for 26 years and yet I have never felt like I fit in. I am not an attractive person anymore. The dispair I have felt for 4 years over the rejection of my wife has made not take very good care of myself. I have gained 30 or so pounds. Because I cannot find a job I can't buy clothes that will fit me. My heart has been broken and the Christians around me call me a basket case. My wife on the other hand is very beautiful. Insodently she is still with me. She has a job and is being blessed. Everyone loves her. I have cried from memorial day to labor day and not one of those functional Christians came to me and put their arm on my shoulder and said "I'll stand with you" The best any of them could say is "I don't know what to say" Which proves that they are not as spiritual as they think they are because if they were they would know what to say. In all the years that I listened to focus on the family I never got anything to prepare me for the trials in life. Like you said they only made me feel like I never measured up. All those years they simply entertained me. They bought in rich and famous people to showcase the shows. Always the sensational. Never the common guy who was struggling. Always someone with a new book. A famous coach who started promise keepers. A famous football player whose wife wanted to leave him. How about the guy whose wife wants to leave him, whose kids hate him and he can't find a job and they are shutting off his electricity and they shut off his phone and he has no self respect yet he says "Though You slay me Lord yet will I trust You"? How many Christians are there out there like me? I know that I am in good company. Moses, Joseph, Job, Hosea. Do you think God would have said to Hosea when his wife was out whoring around "Now Hosea, just pretend that you don't care and she come running after you" or how about the tough version. God tells Hosea to say to Gomer "Now Gomer you have got to make up your mind. If your not gonna stop whoring around I'm gonna throw you out. You know I'm showing you tough love" Do you think that advise would have helped. I don't think that that was the point that God wanted to make. Well I do go on. All and all I do agree with you as far as the damage that that influence can cause. It breed Pharisees. Just from seeing many of the letters to the editor proves that. I don't think that Jesus would inspire the hate mail that you have gotten. Thank You Satan is misleading you and I pray that your eyes will be open to the truth. Why dont you take time to listen to the program more often. Sounds like your a very bitter person. Hope you find what you are looking for and need. God! Hello, Elroy. I enjoyed your articles on Focus on the Family and other topics. Your good reasoning betrays, I think, a bit of insincerity in much of what you have to say. I suspect some of your statements are a bit tongue-in-cheek, since you're obviously too smart to believe things like "religious broadcasters who encourage listeners to continue tuning in are setting themselves up as the ultimate moral authority" (paraphrase, of course). Your motive? Maybe, like me, you're just tired of lazy Christian minds. If so, thanks for a little encouragement to think about tough issues--like whether the evangelical Christian community has idolized some of its leaders. Or, maybe you're just tired of the road traffic in Colorado Springs in the morning as the mass of Focus staff heads to work. Best wishes, in any event. Dear Elroy, Your treatment of Focus on the Family was one of the weakest arguments of anything that I have read recently. There are only two conclusions that I can come to: 1) The "Christian" you portrayed was either a thinly and biasedly sketched fictional character or 2) yourself. If the first is true, then I suggest you come up with hard facts to support your position and not editorial huey just to raise a few eyebrows. If the second is true, then I am truely sorry for your unintentional disenchantment. Either way, taking public pock-shots at a ministry (whether you consider them that or not) is no more Christian than the very un-Christian acts that you accuse them of. We are commanded to pray. That's it pray. And if your motives were truely that of Christ that's exactly what you'd be doing, not waging your personal little war. But I don't think that your motives are that of Christ. Instead, I think that you thrive on controversy (I read your 'editorial' headlines). It is you, my friend who are doing damage to God's Kingdom. And that's something I say only to you. For your information, however, it is Christ, not Focus on the Family, that has called us to "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."(Matt. 5:48) And Paul said, "And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." Rom.8:3,4. Do we as Christians sin? Of course. We will as long as we are in this world. Are we controled by sin? No. And if we are then we are not living according to the Spirit and that is your 'Christian's' personal responsibility . . . and yours and mine. Each for our own lives before God, who has graciously given us Christ, our only hope. This responsibility does not rest on Focus on the Family. I've already responded more than your trite article warrented. But hear this . . . be very careful what you attribute to the Devil. For he loves nothing more than to divide us. And you may very well be unwittingly acting as his instrument. Forever in Christ, Dear Brian, You have a BIG problem and unfortunately you are trying to spread it around. Your opinions on Focus on the Family and abortion are totally wrong. You say Focus is from the devil? I think you are looking in the mirror and fooling yourself into thinking it is someone else. Satan has blinded YOU. May God have mercy on your soul. Please get yourself off the internet and into some Christian counseling. B.E.M. You probably get a lot of hate mail regarding your web page about "Focus" and other church related things. Hopefully this will be a refreshing change, though I do have a few criticisms to make. I do agree with some of your points and can see how you could draw some of your conclusions, even some of the ones that I don't agree with. I hope that your articles were written with the intent of stimulating poeple to actually think about their relationship with Christ and not just to bash "Focus" and the modern church in the west. Though you tended to stretch your definitions (terrorism, fascism, abortion) you showed some insight on most of your topics. Equating abortion with miscarriage was a bit of a stretch, especially since abortion is of man and miscarriage tends to be a bit more on the natural side. And if God does permit abortion then why does he assert a penalty for those who cause a woman to miscarry? Sorry I don't recall the verse for this but I think you can find it since you seem quite good at quoting the Bible. I thought that you showed good insight about human truth in bladerunner. Just look at the treatment of first nations people in north america, spain and the new world... Nor can we be the saviours of the world as you so aptly pointed out. For what do we have to offer but physical wealth and comfort? Only Christ can be the saviour for who else can offer eternal life? A bit harsh on "Focus" don't you think? They do have people struggling with sin on the show and sometimes even people that are losing the battle. I haven't noticed them holding themselves out as paragons of virtue, but I have noticed them saying that we can overcome our sin through Christ who has overcome all sin. Didn't mean to ramble. Hope you get a chance to read it all. I did enjoy your confrontational writing style, and I hope to read more of your work in the future, though hopefully not so venemous. Thanks for your time. After reading your essay on FOF, and some letters to the editor on the subject, I must agree with one writer, that you truly are warped! My wife and I are firm believers first of all, in Jesus Christ. He and only He is our role model. FOF does not put themselves above Christ as our role model; moreover, FOF encourages us to strive toward Christ as the example we should be every day. I am the first to admit that I'm not a perfect Christian; I don't think there is one as long as we live on this earth. But, to attack an organization that is trying to encourage us towards that goal, is wrong, and if I may use the word again, warped! I'm praying that God's love will envelope you, and you'll take your eyes off of men, and aim them towards the One we are to emulate--Jesus Christ. May God bless you. He still loves you! Could it be that the "new believer" you reference on this home page was once yourself? Me thinks he doth protest too much! May God bless you in spite of yourself and find a way to soften you very hardened heart. I suggest you think about your opinions more carefully before you publish them to the world on the internet. In your little diatribe, you make lots of assertions about Focus on the Family without offering a shred of evidence. I have been a Christian for about 16 years and have benefitted immensely from this organization's radio programs, videos, and printed materials. Never once have I heard Dobson or anyone else in Focus on the Family say that all of their opinions regarding Christian living should be applied to everyone. Often, the opinions Dobson expresses on the radio are just that: opinions. He makes this perfectly clear, as anyone listening critically would realize. At times, Dobson does make statements about how he thinks Christians in general ought to live. When he does this, he makes arguements based on the Bible, which he is entitled to do. Anyone listening can accept or reject his biblical arguments as they see fit. Furthermore, Dobson does NOT publically hold himself out to be a perfect Christian without sin or stuggles. He does NOT hold himself out as a "idle." He has never even remotely suggested this, and (of course) you offer NOT ONE IOTA of evidence that he has. Have you bothered to read any of his books? Have you ever seen him interviewed? Have you ever seen any of his videos? I have. In none of them does he come across as someone who knows all the answers and never sins. I have met James Dobson. He is a humble, gentle, godly man who deserves our respect. He does not demand that we agree with all of his opinions. We need not do so. He would be the first to say that Christians are accountable to God and not to him. Sir, I would suggest that Satan loves it when Christians attack each other for no good reason. Please think before you do so again. Mr. McKinley, I have one question for you. Have you ever listened to a FOF program, read one of Dr. Dobson's books, etc? I listen on & off, depending on if I feel a program is about something I should hear or not, and Dr. Dobson & his guests are constantly talking about their own failures & how they've overcome them THROUGH Christ, not on their own. AND I've never once, subliminally or otherwise, heard them say they were perfect. However, there are some radio progs as well as TV progs out there that are a little "over the edge". I'm not sure why you've taken up a vendetta (sp?) against FOF, but I think you need to check your facts. P.S. Jesus told us time & time again in the New Testament to encourage one another, I believe that's what Focus tries to do. I write this, not in defense of FOF, but in the interest of not wanting a GOOD tool of God's to be cut down on the basis of someone's hurt feelings or misinformation. There are enough people, non-Christians, who do that already. Think about it. You are of the Devil for putting out this garbage!!!! Focus on the family has helped more people than what you want to accept!! Focus is a Christian built organization whether you like it or not!!! Focus has helped many see how to help our nation turn around from their sins (for example: abortion, homosexual living, etc. I don't know where you stand about all this but the Bible clearly speaks out against these type of things. Focus is built upon the Bible and if youreally want to be helped it is there to be a help. No I don't always agree with everything, but just because we aren't from the same church belief does not mean we have to drag each other down and try to destroy the good they are doing. May God forgive you and your feelings and the hard things you have brought against them because they AREN'T true. Mr. McKinley -- So Focus on the Family is evil because they encourage moral standards? Are we NOT to imitate Christ? Jesus doesn't ask us to BE Christ, but to imitate Him in all we do. It's plainly obvious we will never succeed; humans will always fall short. But why should we give up the fight entirely? The whole walk of life is a series of trips, stumbles, and get-back-ups. Not to stay prostrate and sulk in our inabilities and faults. I must say, you are one severely warped person. And please don't take that positively. May you, one day, see the TRUTH. I visited your Web page for the first time today. I was a very disappointed that you wrote an article bashing Focus on the Family. Though I do not consider myself to be a very conservative Christian I have profitted much from their radio broadcasts, magazine, etc. I know of many others, who like myself struggle to live a Christian life, that have much respect for this organization. I have found this organization to be a good, refreshing voice of sound Christian and family values in a society that strains family life today. My sense from reading your articles is that you are filled with much anger and most likely a good deal of underlying hurt. It is very typical that people with such "baggage" project/transfer these issues onto people, organizations, churches, etc. I would ask you to examine if this is the case in your life. Sounds to me like your experience in the fundamentalist church you belonged to as a kid was not the best, upbuilding experience. I, like many Christians, know the cycle of sin/shame/self-hatred well. But I will say that I have found many Christians in my church (Roman Catholic) who have helped me out of that cycle and to be a sacramental witness of God's love and forgiveness. This is the answer for the Christian -- receiving the forgiveness of Jesus. The answer is not to bash other groups who uphold virtues and values that have stood the test of time. I will pray for you. Hi Brian, I believe your FOTF article is accurate, and it is great to see someone steadfastly defending God among us as our example. To the degree that other models conflict and fail to challenge us in every area of life to a more radical discipleship and faithfulness to God among us, they are idolatrous. And for a Christian struggling between following Jesus and FOTF, your article accurately portrays their struggle. But I believe your article only addressed half the issue, because it didn't address the reality of self-righteousness. Many people can be perfectly happy in FOTF, because the standard shrinks to some form of self-justifying morality. The follower DOES measure up to being a good Christian. That's the whole point of it. The traditions of men are substituted for the absolute demand of God in Jesus Christ. The only time when what you are discussing occurs is when a Christian continues the struggle between the demand of God he reads about in his NT, and the self-justifying morality of these types of organizations. Thanks again for the article, Ran across your FOTF article today, and read it with interest. I am not a Focus 'fan', so this is not a defense of them. Rather, my interest was piqued by your description of a 'new Christian'. One does not 'say the right words' to become a Christian. Salvation is by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ - plus nothing, minus nothing. When I received Christ as my Saviour in 1978, I didn't say the 'sinner's prayer'. I simply acknowledged my sinful nature and my inability to gain heaven on my own merits. Then I asked Jesus Christ to come in to my heart and change my life. And He did. You don't have to say the same words I do to get saved. But you do have to genuinely repent of your sin and turn to Christ as your only hope of salvation. That's what the Bible says. I agree that Focus can be dangerous. However, the danger is not in idolizing fallen humans as role models (I won't argue that it never happens), rather it is in 'psychologizing' the Faith. Dobson appears to be sliding down the slippery slope of sin as disease, even taking up the Alchoholics Anonymous philosophy - you know, the 'It's not my fault' syndrome. Christians fight real forces of evil. You certainly will lose focus by focusing on Focus on the Family (sorry). The answer, however, is found in the New Testament local church. There, a God-lead pastor preaches and teaches from God's word to children of God who receive the word and let it change their lives. The church is not a museum for saints - it is a hospital for sinners. Herein lies the danger of FOTF. It detracts from Christ's great commission, which includes the local church. Thanks for reading all this. Talk to you again, perhaps. IT SEEMS THAT YOU HAVE SOME REAL HEARTBURN WITH ' FOCUS' , BUT YOU DIDN'T SUPPORT ANY OF YOUR ACCUSATIONS. YOU MUST HAVE A SECRET REASON FOR ATTEMPTING TO DEFACE SUCH A FINE ORGANIZATION AS 'FOCUS ON THE FAMILY. IF YOU'VE EVER READ THE SCRIPTURES YOU WILL FIND THAT THOSE AT 'FOCUS' FOLLOW IT WORD FOR WORD. MAYBE YOU SHOULD FOLLOW THEIR EXAMPLE. Dear Brian, I read your article "Why Focus on the Family is of the Devil" and have found numerous doctrine errors. First; the devil can not destroy faith. Faith is a gift from God which the devil has no authority. Faith is not something we achieve ourselves, faith is given. Once faith is given from God, it is here to stay. Faith is not relative, its absolute. Eph ch. 1. Rom ch's 1-6. Concerning sinful thoughts: "Where once he didn't care about his own evils." In Romans Paul talks about when we become regenerated (justification by faith alone) we become aware of the sins we were committing and that we should say to ourselves, "what good was that of our old self." Christians must realize that sin still haunts us because of fallen state but, being born again removes sin from reigning as master. "Hide his sinful struggles." I would say if a person is hanging out with a group of Christians that are not hholding each other accountable, there is something wrong. Changing our behavior is part of being regenerated. We realize what pond scum we are, in other words road pizza, incapable of coming to God without his due calling. I'll Finish critiquing your article later I'm on a tight time schedule. "Two subtle evils." This is dualism. Brian, At first I was distressed by your writings found on the net. Then concerned. They are so insightful as to your view and state of mind. Then I read the fascism of modern churches. Are you o.k.? Do you feel close to God? or are you wondering where he is? That is the only thing I don't understand in all this? Do you have a daily relationship with Jesus? Not a ritualistic lifestyle, do you know Him? One on one? or do you just know to damn much for your own good? Anyway, I wrote a really long letter to you before I got to your other articles. I cannot E-Mail the long one, something about my modem. Anyway, I'm not sure why I'm so compelled to continue this dialogue but I do care about you. Your writings reflect struggles I know. I too am tired of the conformity of christianity. The rituals of it all. But your letters are so down. So dramatic. Who is your audience? What is your goal? You accuse Focus of setting themselves up as the moral authority for Christian Living. And I suppose demonizing them with baseless claims such as this is not moral posturing? Why don't you spend your time more productively by attacking the humanistic culture we already have that seeks to erradicate any hint of God from American culture instead of tearing down an organization that wages war with this humanism everyday in defense of the very morals you claim it corrupts? You write well. Focus your angst on the enemy not your brothers and sisters in Christ. Dear Sir: I do not agree with any of your views on Focus On The Family. I am a weak Christian. I get a lot out of their programs, tapes, books, etc. My life has improved. I do not believe they are placeing themselves on a pedistle. I have never felt that they were perfect Christians. However, they are role modles. You are a role model for some one. My Dad is my role model. Jesus is the ultimate role model. I don't understand why you have taken this position against Focus on the Family. I pray you are right in the center of God's will. If you aren't and you have produced this matierial against an ordained organization you will answer to God for your deception. I find your letter very sad. Why destroy something that does good?? Brian, Sadly I think you completely misunderstand the facts concerning not just Focus on the Family but any Radio Ministry. They cannot substitute for your local church congregation. As far as I can tell they don't even attempt to do so where Focus on the Family is concerned. I sense that you are in the grip of some type of spiritual bondage. Please seek help from a Pastor who knows the scriptures and that you think you can trust. Take care that you , not Dr. Dobson and Company don't create a stumbling stone for young believers. I find it odd that you would persecute Focus on the Family in the name of Christ. Your letter is full of anger and embitterment, totally of the world. You have attacked them in an underhanded way, without love or regard for what they are attempting. The funny thing is, it almost seems that the struggle you so adequately describe in your article is real, it's as if it is your own struggle. I wouldn't say I am a new believer, but I recently gave my life over to Christ and am pressing on toward making him Lord of all of my life, and in becoming completely obedient to Him. I think you are wrong. DEAD wrong. Anyone who knows Jesus Christ, knows that we must confess our sin to him. Knows that he knows our heart regardless of what we profess, regardless of what we put on. Anyone who loves Him, obeys his commands. So if you love Jesus, you'll stop blaming everyone else for your struggle. You'll take responsibility for your actions. Confess your sins to Him. Don't hold on to your attitude. Don't sin in your anger. If you are truly a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ, in who He is, in what He says, in His commands, then you'll confess your bitterness and turn from it before it kills you. Just like Judas. Why do you care what they do, you follow Jesus. Are you following Jesus? Are your words His words. Are you demonstrating the love He demonstrated for you. Are you seeking the highest good of others or revenge. Satan sure has sold you a bill of goods -- and did you bite! Big time. Based upon your deduction, every organized Christian fellowship, congregation, etc. is "of the Devil." Luckily, most Christians will see right through your scenerio and therefore it will gain little recognition -- except, of course, by non-Christians regrettably... Sorry bro... ...but you are out to lunch on this one brother. Too bad your God is so small and mean. I am a product of God's mercy, as ministered through programs like FOF. I wish you His light on your journey towards truth. I think you're wrong about how Focus on the Family has lost more souls than saved them. I myself am an incredible example. I am only a teenager and I have been through alot of stupid things, but at the end the Lord was there for me and a Focus On the Family magazine Brio, helped me realize that. And now I have never been so happy. I pray every night and some miraculous prayers have been answered. The Lord does work wonders and So does Focus on the Famil y. Just so you know I will be praying that your attitude will change. Because even though you said all those things the Lord loves you more than you can imagine. Focus on teh Famliy is a wonderful organization that has helped me and many of my friends stay on track with God. It has also encouraged us to read the Bible and pray. I will also encourage you to look through some Focus on the Famlily organizations so you can see they are really not inolved with Satan. I just don't understand how someone that loves God so much be involved in that sort of thing. And they are not. love ya in Christ! Dear Elroy, Greetings in the powerful name of Jesus, the only one who can truly sustain us. Really enjoyed your expose of Focus on the Family. Couldn't have put it better ourselves, although we probably would have used a few stronger adjectives. Remember, beware when all men speak well of you. There is not one way for Jesus, and another way for us. Dobson and crew are a perfect example of crossless Christianity. Have you noticed how much they sell "Christian" rock and other superficial babylon garbage. I guess you have to have something to give people in place of true Holy Ghost Power. Visit our web site and check out our small library of on line publications. We also send out lots of material through the post office and would be glad to send you a sample pack if you send us back you address. Our site is http://www2.cibola.net/~prophet. Keep up the good work. Hoping to hear from you soon. Go Back to Why Focus on the Family is of the Devil Brian Elroy McKinley el@elroy.com