In a piece I wrote for Patheos a few weeks ago, I referred to the “callous theology” of James Dobson, whom I correctly identified as the founder of Focus on the Family. What I didn’t say then, but I believe is worth saying now, is that several years ago Dr. Dobson severed his ties with Focus on the Family. The organization is therefore quite different now — and I would argue a good deal more winsome and effective — than it was.

The reason has to do with institutional leadership. Jim Daly is now president and CEO of Focus on the Family. It still devotes a huge amount of its work to strengthening marriages and offering parental counseling — something at which Dobson was quite accomplished and for which he deserves credit. But...