James Dobson's Gospel of Self-Esteem & Psychology (Paperback)

by Martin Bobgan (Author), Deidre Bobgan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Bobgans discuss James Dobson's commitment to psychology and show that many of his specific teachings originated from secular psychological theorists. Since one of Dobson's basic assumptions and extensive teaching has to do with self-esteem, the Bobgans present the scientific research regarding self-esteem and discuss the results of the California Task Force on Self-Esteem. However, more important for Christians, the Bobgans examine what the Bible says about esteeming and loving self. Other topics discussed are psychological needs, morals, acceptance, and forgiveness.

About the Author
Martin Bobgan holds four college degrees, including a doctorate from the University of Colorado, and is the president of PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries. Deidre holds an M.A. in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. They have coauthored numerous books and articles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: EastGate Publishers; Revised edition (October 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 094171716X
• ISBN-13: 978-0941717168
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #771,515 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone who wants to be a Berean, April 14, 2000

By	Ralph Dettwiler (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

Another well written, well documented and footnoted book by the Bobgans. They do not attack Dr. Dobson personally but they do quote extensively from his work and then show where he has moved away from biblical truth. It is a very eye opening book and is a must read for anyone who is wanting to hone their discernment skills. Don't take what the Bobgans say at face value, get your Bible out and see for yourself. Be a "Berean!"

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Psychology--A Different Gospel?, April 6, 1999

By A Customer

"James Dobson's Gospel of Self-Esteem and Psychology" is an even-handed, fair, fully documented commentary on Dobson's "Christian" psychology. Authors Martin and Deidre Bobgan have followed "psycho-heresy" for many years and watched it swallow up counseling that is relies firmly on the Bible. They point out the origin of Dobson's self-esteem teaching, which is in the writings of atheistic psychologists like Maslow and Freud. They document of study that shows that American suffer from high self-esteem, not low, and that there is very low correlation between low self-esteem and behaviors such as drug use and violence, although that is one of Dobson's primary hypotheses.

They disagree with the premise that psychology is a treatment of the mind like medicine when they state that medicine is proveable and truly scientific while psychology is neither.

It seems that Dobson places his confidence in psychology primarily while tacking on a Bible verse here and there, claiming he is not a theologian, but aren't we all theologians when we espouse a view of the nature of man and of God? Does Dobson even think we need a Savior if we have psychology and a functional family to give us a good life? Dobson makes no differentiation between the treatment of Christians and nonChristians, but the Bible declares that one is in light and the other in darkness. Christians have the "Hope of Glory" in their Savior Jesus Christ.

Because psychology has so permeated the American church, I recommend this book to help bring us back to the Bible, the greatest book of all. After all, Christianity faired very well all these years without the diversion and detriment of psychology.

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank God for Bobgans, July 7, 2009

By	PDorr "Paul" (Iowa) - See all my reviews

If you want a peek at how most of our churches got infected with worship of self over worship of Christ, read this well-written and balanced expose' of Dobson. Years ago I read Dobson's response to a book review of the first edition of this book, published in Christian News, Fenton, MO. Dobson's irrational almost juvenile attempt at rebutting the Bobgan's, provided even greater confidence in the book, Bobgan's fidelity to God's Word and in their analysis of Dobson. He had no leg to stand on.

Faithful Christians...you need to own this book.