Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk

Some people feel constricted by God's rules, fearful that they'll be missing out on living the "good life." But in this Part 2 edition, humorist Ken Davis draws from his personal experience as a pilot in explaining that unless he abides by and respects the rules of aviation, he can't expect a successful flight. Similarly, a man wedded to his compass truly has the freedom of the sea. And ironically, obeying God's "rule book" isn't constrictive but actually liberating!

When Christian humorist Ken Davis was in high school, it was painfully obvious that he didn’t fit in, especially with the "popular" kids. By his own description, he had the hand-eye coordination of a carp. But after excelling at public speaking, he learned that he could live with having nothing to prove because his value as a person was forever established on the cross of Jesus Christ. Now he wants you to have the same level of peace.

On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, author of We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity, continues his discussion with Dr. Tim Clinton about how the secular left wants to advance "cultural Marxism" in America. A key component is the sexualization of children through the public schools and the media. This will lead to more premarital sex, abortions, children born out of wedlock, and ultimately more of our kids becoming susceptible to Marxist principles.

The secular left doesn’t believe that America can be repaired. Instead, they say it must be destroyed and then replaced. But with what? We know that they are sympathetic to a "cultural Marxism" which would curb free speech, increase government control, destroy the nuclear family, and be hostile toward Christianity. But Dr. Erwin Lutzer, author of We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity, urges Christians to advocate for truth with gentleness.

Is the family becoming an endangered species? It is in some of America's inner cities. According to the National Vital Statistics Report, published by the CDC, in 2015 over 70% of African-American children were born out of wedlock. Of the remaining 30%, half will likely lose their fathers to divorce or abandonment. Former NFL player Steve Fitzhugh's passion is to reach out to and teach kids who are surrounded by a culture of drugs, violence, and futility—and to help them understand that God has an amazing plan for their lives.

Many of today's parents have been misled by the culture into believing that their job is to produce the next Mozart or champion athlete, and have lost sight of the idea that the family is God's workshop for building men and women of character. Author John Rosemond explains why parents should limit TV and excessive toys, and focus on instilling respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness in their children.

Long ago, the culture stopped listening to Grandma and her timeless wisdom for raising children. So today, we tend to focus too much on accomplishments, instead of prioritizing character development. John Rosemond, author of A Family of Value, talks about parental discipline, strengthening marriage, and creating a stable family by emphasizing the "three R's"–respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness.

If you’re feeling trapped in a difficult or emotionally disconnected marriage, Dr. Sharon May of the Safe Haven Counseling Center has some good advice. First, recognize the argument cycles that you get stuck in. Second, take responsibility for the ways you react. Third, instead of becoming angry or shutting down, show kindness. And fourth, truly listen to your spouse.

Married couples naturally long to feel connected, appreciated, vulnerable and intimate with each other. But the painful reality for many is that their difficult and emotionally-disconnected marriages have left them feeling uncertain, defensive, and self-protective. Licensed marriage counselor Dr. Sharon May reveals how to transition from viewing your spouse as the problem to making your marriage a safe haven.

Under the Biden administration, the pro-life movement has two urgent concerns. First, is the rapid expansion of the use of chemical abortifacients in the U.S., which now account for nearly 50 percent of all abortions. And second is the vilification, slander and censorship of pro-life groups on social media by "Big Tech," which label defenders of life as "hate groups"—even though today's youth are actually more pro-life than ever before, according to Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America.

Sadly, many churches today fail to address the reality of the afterlife. But we know from Scripture that Heaven and hell are as real as day and night. Anne Graham Lotz, author of Heaven: My Father's House, shares that for those who have confessed their sin and trusted Christ as their Savior, Heaven is the ultimate promise fulfilled. Just as a mother’s home-cooked meal beckons whenever an adult child returns home, Heaven will likewise be a warm and welcoming, personal destination.

Whether it’s reflecting on the loss of a loved one, or trying to explain why there are so many deaths on TV news, it is essential that parents equip their kids to cope by giving them the assurance of Heaven. Otherwise, contemplating the end of life can be a terrifying thing. In her beautifully illustrated book, Heaven: God’s Promise for Me, Anne Graham Lotz reminds us that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the peace and security that comes from knowing that Heaven can one day be their home when they’ve placed their trust in Jesus Christ.

Many people casually believe that marriage should be a 50/50 proposition. But they’re wrong. Because that would be describing a performance-based marriage, where a husband and wife are always keeping score. Bob Lepine, author of Love Like You Mean It, cautions that we simply need to serve each other, instead of asking, "Did he or she pull their weight today?" Inspired by Jesus Himself, Bob describes how both partners in a Christian marriage should always give 100%.

Contrary to the claims of pop culture, love is not singularly emotional, or even necessarily romantic. Biblically speaking, the cornerstone of marital love is an unflinching commitment to one’s spouse and a Christ-like posture of self-sacrifice. In Bob Lepine’s new book, Love Like You Mean It (based on 1 Corinthians 13), he explains that patience, kindness, and humility are like marital disinfectants which help wash away the toxins that can build up over time.

Despite the fact that President Joe Biden has signed pro-abortion executive orders, God has been moving through the passage of "Heartbeat Bills" in 10 states (If a heartbeat is detected, the baby is protected against being aborted). On this edition of Family Talk, guest Janet Porter, author of A Heartbeat Away, says “what was once impossible is now inevitable! We are going to end abortion.” She believes that God will use the Heartbeat law to eventually overturn Roe v. Wade, thanks in part to President Trump’s three pro-life Supreme Court appointees.