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Focus defends Dobson's skepticism of Fred Thompson's Christian faith
By Jim Brown
AgapePress
March 30, 2007

(AgapePress) -- Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson is attempting to clarify remarks he made to a reporter regarding possible Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson.

Dobson recently told Dan Gilgoff of U.S. News & World Report he did not think former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson was a Christian. "Everyone knows he's conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for," Dobson said in the interview. "[But] I don't think he's a Christian -- at least that's my impression."

A Thompson spokesman took umbrage with Dobson's statement and responded by saying, "Thompson is indeed a Christian. He was baptized into the Church of Christ."

Focus on the Family spokesman Gary Schneeberger said Dobson "use[s] the word 'Christian' to refer to people who are evangelical Christians," and was not expressing a personal opinion about his reaction to a Thompson candidacy.

In addition, Focus on the Family Action has issued a statement saying, "Dr. Dobson was attempting to highlight that Senator Thompson hasn't clearly communicated his religious faith, and many evangelical Christians might find this a barrier to supporting him." The statement goes on to say that Focus was "pleased to learn from his spokesperson that Senator Thompson professes to be a believer."

Dr. Dobson has yet to endorse anyone for president, but did tell U.S. News & World Report that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was the "brightest guy out there" and "the most articulate politician on the scene today."

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