Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

Bobby Ross Jr. is an award-winning journalist who has reported from all 50 states and 20 countries.
Religion Unplugged

Lies, damned lies, statistics: For Biden, religious vote was crucial — maybe

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. In the 2020 election, what happened with the religious vote that was seen as so crucial to President Donald Trump’s upset win four years ago? Take your pick: • Not much changed, … Continue reading Lies, damned lies, statistics: For Biden, religious vote was crucial — maybe

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Christian Chronicle

Christian astronaut — and his communion cups — lifting off on space mission

Victor Glover will rely on his Bible and prayer to help with isolation at the International Space Station. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Online worship during the COVID-19 pandemic has helped prepare Victor Glover for a long-awaited work trip. Where Glover is going — 250 miles above Earth to the International Space Station — there is no physical church building. “I actually sent up … Continue reading Christian astronaut — and his communion cups — lifting off on space mission

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Religion Unplugged

Faith and politics: Five revealing questions to ask on Election Night

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. When it comes to Tuesday’s big vote, politics matter. So, too, does religion. On Election Night, here are five revealing questions that Godbeat pros will be asking: 1. Was President Donald Trump … Continue reading Faith and politics: Five revealing questions to ask on Election Night

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Christian Chronicle

What is Christian nationalism?

In a Christian Chronicle Q&A, scholars discuss the trend and its impact on Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Since President Donald Trump’s election in 2016, Christian nationalism has been a subject of much discussion and debate. The Washington Post reported this week that Trump’s four years in office have sparked a rise of “Patriot Churches.” To help readers better understand the subject, The Christian Chronicle asked three scholars … Continue reading What is Christian nationalism?

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Christian Chronicle

Board replaces Bruce McLarty as president of Harding University

Former longtime president David Burks will return to that role as a search process is launched. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Amid declining enrollment and budgetary concerns that prompted recent cutbacks, Harding University in Searcy, Ark., is replacing Bruce McLarty as its president, effective Nov. 30. As McLarty retires, David Burks, Harding’s chancellor and former longtime president, will return to the president’s role Dec. … Continue reading Board replaces Bruce McLarty as president of Harding University

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Religion Unplugged

No anti-Catholic sequel: Democrats avoid the dogma at Barrett’s hearings

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. (ANALYSIS) This time, the Democrats avoided the dogma. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s faith was a big focus going into this week’s Senate Judicial Committee hearings. In advance of the confirmation … Continue reading No anti-Catholic sequel: Democrats avoid the dogma at Barrett’s hearings

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Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

An eternal difference

Fifty years after the White’s Ferry Road School of Preaching’s founding, its legacy endures. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle I remember the pink JOY buses that brought all the little children — “red and yellow, black and white” — to worship. I remember the campaigns where we passed out gospel flyers during the day and sang verse after verse of “Just As … Continue reading An eternal difference

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Christian Chronicle

Jesus and Wi-Fi: Alaska church helps students during pandemic

Technology and tutoring benefit neighborhood children focused on virtual learning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When public schools in Alaska’s capital of Juneau moved to virtual classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some students were put in a dire learning situation. While the school district and Alaska Native organizations provided tablet computers, poorer children couldn’t access lessons because they lack home internet. Related: 50 years … Continue reading Jesus and Wi-Fi: Alaska church helps students during pandemic

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Christian Chronicle

‘Zoombombing’ lesson: Racist attack on church highlights online security concerns

A North Carolina congregation wanted to be seeker friendly during COVID-19, but then came internet trolls hurling slurs. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Even as her home congregation worships virtually, Nikki Murphy still likes to dress up for the Sunday service. On a typical Lord’s Day during the COVID-19 pandemic, her sister Jamie Gadson comes over. The two put on makeup before connecting the … Continue reading ‘Zoombombing’ lesson: Racist attack on church highlights online security concerns

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