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In recent years, evangelicals have grown more influential in American politics, and James Dobson’s legacy helps explain this changing dynamic. The Christian family psychologist and activist, who died Aug. 21, helped shape modern evangelicalism by putting family at the center of faith and encouraging believers to bring their values into public life.

Dobson died on Aug. 21 in Colorado Springs at age 89.

He first attracted national attention with his book “Dare to Discipline,” which advocated for disciplining children with corporal punishment as a way of setting boundaries and building moral character, although he also cautioned against physical abu

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