James Dobson is the reason I was beaten as a child.

[Coventina]

53. I don't know. I don't know if there is any way to know that.

There is no question that they were highly influenced by both Gothard and Dobson, as they discussed both their works and ideas extensively with each other, with us kids, and with their limited circle of friends.

If nothing else, those men, and Dobson in particular, provided an excuse to be physically abusive in the name of religion.

I think I'm justified in hating Dobson for that.

I'm not giving my parents a blanket excuse, they should have known it was wrong anyway.

But, my dad (especially) is a big believer in trusting spiritual authority.