James Dobson is a prominent figure. He gains recognition through “Focus on the Family,” which he founded in 1977. James Dobson’s background in child psychology significantly shaped his perspectives on family and parenting. Currently, James Dobson age is a subject of public and media interest, since he was born on April 21, 1936.
Ever wondered about the man behind Focus on the Family? We’re talking about James Dobson, of course! He’s been a major voice in American social conservatism for decades, and whether you agree with him or not, you gotta admit, he’s had a pretty big impact.
But why would anyone care about his age? Well, think of it like this: knowing someone’s age is like having a secret decoder ring to their life story. It gives you context! It helps you understand where they’re coming from, what experiences have shaped their views, and even how their legacy might be viewed. It helps paint a more complete picture of the person behind the public persona.
Now, before you go off searching the internet, hold up! In today’s world of instant information, it’s super easy to stumble upon misinformation. Not everything you read online is the gospel truth! That’s why it’s crucial to use reliable sources – we’re talking reputable online resources and even good old public records – to get the real scoop. Consider this like a treasure hunt.
So, join me on this little quest as we explore the relevance of knowing James Dobson’s age and why getting the facts right is absolutely essential. It’s all about understanding the man, the myth, and the impact he’s had. And trust me, a little careful fact-checking goes a long way!
James Dobson: A Brief Biographical Sketch
Ever heard the name James Dobson and wondered, “Who is this guy, anyway?” Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a quick trip down memory lane to learn a bit about the man behind the microphone – and the organization that became a household name for many families.
Early Life and Education: From the Start
James Dobson’s story begins with a foundation rooted in faith and family values. Think classic, All-American upbringing, but with a keen focus on understanding child psychology. That’s right, Dobson didn’t just stumble into his career; he prepped for it! He dived deep into academics, earning degrees that would later become the bedrock of his work. Imagine him, young and ambitious, poring over textbooks, eager to unlock the secrets of healthy family dynamics. It’s like the origin story of a superhero, but instead of superpowers, he got a PhD!
Career Highlights: Climbing the Ranks
Dobson’s career is a testament to his dedication. Before planting the seed of Focus on the Family, he made waves as a respected voice in the fields of child development and family counseling. His knack for connecting with people, combined with his academic background, propelled him into influential positions. He wasn’t just another talking head; he was a passionate advocate, using his platform to champion the causes he believed in. You could say he was a thought leader before “thought leader” was even a buzzword!
Founding of Focus on the Family: A Legacy is Born
Now, for the main event: Focus on the Family. Dobson envisioned an organization that would serve as a beacon for families, providing guidance and support in a rapidly changing world. His mission was simple: to help families thrive. From its humble beginnings, the organization grew into a powerhouse, impacting millions of lives through its radio broadcasts, publications, and resources. Dobson’s role in this meteoric rise was pivotal; he was the heart and soul of the organization, his vision shaping its direction and influence. Whether you agree with its politics or not, it’s undeniable the impact Focus on the Family has had.
Unveiling the Date: Online Resources as a Starting Point
Alright, let’s turn into digital detectives! When trying to pin down someone’s date of birth, especially someone as well-known as James Dobson, the internet is usually the first place most of us go. It’s like the world’s biggest library, but instead of dusty books, we have websites, news articles, and online databases. But hold on, before you dive headfirst into the digital abyss, remember not everything you read online is gospel.
Navigating Online Resources
Think of search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo as your trusty sidekicks. Start with a simple search like “James Dobson date of birth”. You’ll likely see a flurry of results. Don’t just click on the first link you see! Look for reputable sources.
What are those? Well, Wikipedia can be a good starting point, but remember it’s editable. Treat it as a gateway to more reliable sources. Look for links to credible news articles, official biographies, or established biographical databases like Biography.com or Britannica.com. These sites usually have editorial teams and fact-checking processes in place, making them a bit more trustworthy. Other reliable websites to investigate could include Focus on the Family’s official website or archives of reputable news outlets like The New York Times or The Washington Post.
Evaluating Source Reliability
Now, let’s put on our “trustworthiness” glasses. How do we know if a website is giving us the real deal? Ask yourself these questions:
- Who runs the website? Is it a well-known organization with a reputation to protect?
- Does the website have an editorial policy? Look for a statement about their fact-checking process or how they ensure accuracy.
- Are the articles or entries well-cited? Do they link to other credible sources?
- Does the website look professional? A poorly designed website riddled with ads and typos is usually a red flag.
Don’t blindly trust information from random blogs or obscure websites. Even if they seem confident, they might be spreading misinformation. It’s better to be a cautious detective!
Cross-Referencing Information
Okay, you’ve found a few potential dates of birth. Excellent! Now it’s time to play “spot the difference.” Do all your sources agree? If you see conflicting information, don’t panic. This is where the real detective work begins.
Let’s say Wikipedia says one date, but a news article from 1995 mentions a slightly different year. What do you do? Dig deeper! Try to find more sources that corroborate one date over the other. Maybe the news article had a typo, or perhaps Wikipedia is missing some crucial information.
The goal is to find a consensus. When multiple reliable sources point to the same date, you’re likely on the right track. If discrepancies persist, note them, and keep searching for more evidence. The truth is out there!
Delving Deeper: Exploring Public Records
Okay, sleuths, so you’ve scoured the internet and you think you’ve found James Dobson’s birthday. That’s great! But are you absolutely sure? This is where we pull out the magnifying glass and dive into the world of public records. Think of them as the official paper trail of a person’s life.
Understanding Public Records
So, what are these mysterious “public records” we speak of? Simply put, they’re documents that are maintained by government agencies and, guess what?, available for the public to view! We’re talking birth certificates, marriage licenses, sometimes even property records. These records can hold vital information that is useful for confirming crucial details of one’s life. It’s like having a treasure map to someone’s history, but instead of gold, you find dates and names. Sounds exciting, right?
Now, before you get visions of waltzing into a government office and demanding to see everything, there’s a catch. Access to public records is governed by laws, and these laws can vary wildly depending on where the record is located. Some states might be super open, while others are more tight-lipped than a librarian with a secret recipe.
Accessing Public Records
Ready to put on your detective hat? Accessing public records can involve a few different approaches. The easiest way might be to check online databases, many government agencies are moving their records online. If not you may need to contact the relevant government agencies, which could mean a trip to the courthouse (cue dramatic music!).
But hold on to your hats, because there are potential obstacles. Some records might require a fee to access, and certain information might be redacted (blacked out) to protect privacy. Plus, some records might simply be unavailable due to their age or other restrictions. It’s like trying to find a parking spot downtown – sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you circle the block for an hour.
Verifying Authenticity
Okay, you’ve finally got your hands on a supposed birth certificate. But how do you know it’s not a cleverly crafted fake? This is where your inner skeptic comes in handy. Look for official seals, watermarks, and signatures. Compare the document to known examples of official records from that jurisdiction. If something seems fishy, trust your gut! You can also consider consulting with a professional genealogist or researcher who has experience in verifying public records.
Think of it like buying a vintage watch – you wouldn’t just take the seller’s word for it, would you? You’d check the brand, the serial number, and maybe even have it appraised by a professional. Same deal with public records. Due diligence is key to ensure you’re working with legitimate information. After all, we want the real deal, not some historical hoax!
The Math of Age: Cracking the Code to Calculate James Dobson’s Age
Alright, so we’ve unearthed James Dobson’s birth date – high five! Now, for the fun part: figuring out exactly how old he is today. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a math whiz for this; we’ll break it down. We’re going to explore two main ways to tackle this age-old question (pun intended!).
Manual Calculation: Old School Cool
Ready to get your hands dirty with some good ol’ fashioned subtraction? Here’s the step-by-step guide to calculating age the manual way:
- Write it Down: Jot down today’s date, then write James Dobson’s birthdate below it. Make sure you’re in a Year-Month-Day format.
- Subtract: Start with the days. Subtract the birth day from the current day. If the number of days in the birth date is larger than today’s day, you’ll need to “borrow” from the months, more on that in the next step.
- Month Matters: Next, subtract the birth month from the current month. If, uh-oh, the birth month is larger than the current month, borrow 1 from the year and add 12 to the current month. You now have 12 extra months to work with!
- Year it Is! Finally, subtract the birth year from the current year.
- Handling the Tricky Bits: Now, what happens if Dobson’s birthday hasn’t rolled around yet this year? If the month or day of the month is smaller than his birthdate, it means he is still that age (the year before).
Online Age Calculators: Let the Robots Do It!
Okay, maybe all that subtracting sounds like a bit much. No sweat! There are tons of amazing (and free!) age calculators online. Here are a couple of reputable choices:
- CalculatorSoup: A reliable site that offers a straight forward age calculator.
- MiniWebtool: Another clean and easy to use option.
Using these tools is a breeze: just pop in the birthdate and current date, and BOOM, the age is calculated for you. Always double-check the results to make sure the calculator isn’t having an off day!
Time Zone Considerations: Are We There Yet?
Why does this even matter? Well, depending on where James Dobson was born, there might be a slight difference in time compared to where you are now. This usually isn’t a big deal for calculating age (we’re talking about days here, not hours), but it’s something to keep in mind if you are being especially pedantic.
Double-Checking: Verifying the Date of Birth and Calculated Age
Okay, so you’ve done your detective work, scrolled through countless websites, and maybe even wrestled with some dusty public records. You think you’ve got James Dobson’s birthdate nailed down? Awesome! But hold your horses, partner. Before you shout it from the rooftops, let’s double-check. Remember, even the best detectives need to verify their findings! This section is all about ensuring that the date you’ve calculated is solid as a rock.
Comparing Information
- Source Roundup: Let’s make a list, a checklist of all the sources you’ve consulted. Did you peek at Wikipedia? Scour any news articles? Maybe even got your hands on some official-looking public records? Jot ’em all down!
- Spot the Differences: Now, put those sources side-by-side. Are they singing the same tune, or are there some off-key notes? Look for any discrepancies in the dates. Even a small difference can throw things off, so pay close attention! It’s like comparing fingerprints, you’re looking for perfect matches.
Addressing Discrepancies
- Calling in the Experts: Uh oh, found a discrepancy? Don’t panic! This is where the real detective work begins. First, consult even MORE sources! Dig deeper. If the discrepancy persists, consider reaching out to a biographical expert or historian if possible or at least someone very knowledgeable about the subject or the topic.
- Document Your Journey: Keep a record of everything! Every source you checked, every discrepancy you found, and every step you took to resolve it. Think of it as your detective notebook. This not only helps you keep track of your progress but also provides evidence of your thoroughness. This kind of trail is key to showing not just what but how you came to your conclusion.
When was James Dobson born?
James Dobson, an American evangelical Christian author, psychologist, and founder of Focus on the Family, was born on April 21, 1936, in Shreveport, Louisiana. His birth occurred during the era of the Great Depression, a period of significant economic hardship in the United States. James Dobson experienced his upbringing in a religious household, which profoundly influenced his future career and perspectives. His early life provided him with the foundation for his later work in family psychology and Christian ministry. James Dobson’s birth year marks the beginning of a life dedicated to promoting conservative Christian values.
What are James Dobson’s notable achievements?
James Dobson achieved significant recognition as the founder of Focus on the Family, a prominent Christian organization. He authored numerous influential books on marriage, parenting, and family issues, impacting millions of readers globally. Dobson hosted the “Focus on the Family” radio program for several decades, offering advice and guidance to families. His work earned him considerable influence within the evangelical Christian community in the United States. James Dobson established himself as a key figure in shaping conservative perspectives on family and social issues.
What is James Dobson’s educational background?
James Dobson obtained a Ph.D. in child development from the University of Southern California (USC). He completed his undergraduate studies at Pasadena College, where he developed an interest in psychology. At USC, Dobson engaged in research focusing on child psychology and development. His academic background provided him with the expertise to address family and parenting issues. James Dobson’s education formed a solid foundation for his later work as an author and speaker.
What is James Dobson’s current status?
James Dobson is currently an author and public speaker. He remains an influential figure in conservative Christian circles. Though he stepped down from his formal roles at Focus on the Family, he continues to engage in various projects. Dobson uses his platform to promote his views on family, religion, and politics. His ongoing activities demonstrate his sustained commitment to his lifelong mission.
So, there you have it! We’ve uncovered the answer to the burning question: James Dobson was born on April 21, 1936, making him [insert current age] years young as of today. Hope you found this little dive into his life interesting!