Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

Christians and the conspiracy theories that helped fuel the Capitol mob

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. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Nearly 20 years ago, I wrote a column for The Oklahoman headlined “Internet deception runs wild.” In that July 2001 piece, I highlighted the claim that … Continue reading Christians and the conspiracy theories that helped fuel the Capitol mob

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Flags, faith and fury

Christian nationalism on display in U.S. Capitol riot. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Hamil R. Harris | The Christian Chronicle WASHINGTON — “Jesus Saves.”  “For the Glory of God.”  “God, Guns and Trump.” As thousands rallied to support President Donald Trump’s unproven claim of a stolen election — a protest that turned deadly as an insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol — many waved signs linking the Republican political leader … Continue reading Flags, faith and fury

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

The role of religion in President Donald Trump’s tragic last stand

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. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. “Is it possible to be astonished and, at the same time, not surprised?” A colleague recalled that quote — by … Continue reading The role of religion in President Donald Trump’s tragic last stand

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Oklahoman, Religion Unplugged, The Ross News

Year in review: My Top 10 most memorable stories of 2020

By Bobby Ross Jr. A church shooting. Deadly twisters. Racial justice protests. And the biggest news in this tumultuous year: COVID-19. These were among the most memorable stories that I covered in 2020. Here is my personal year-end Top 10 list, mostly in chronological order: • Texas church shooting: A gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, killing … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 most memorable stories of 2020

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Weekend Plug-in year in review: The best religion journalism of 2020

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. What a year for religion news! From the pandemic to the election, the major headlines of 2020 had huge faith angles. For this special year-end edition of Weekend Plug-in, I asked some … Continue reading Weekend Plug-in year in review: The best religion journalism of 2020

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

2020 in quotes: Pain and joy

From a pandemic to a space mission, the year brought unpredictable and unforgettable news. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A global pandemic. Prayers for racial justice. A Christian astronaut launching into outer space. These were among the top stories in The Christian Chronicle during 2020. In their own words, Christians describe the heartbreak, hope and  even humor that characterized the past 12 months: “There is … Continue reading 2020 in quotes: Pain and joy

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine ‘a medical miracle,’ but many religious people are skeptical

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. “A medical miracle.” In a Friday night video, that’s how President Donald Trump characterized the first COVID-19 vaccine approved by the U.S. government. “We have delivered a safe and effective vaccine in … Continue reading Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine ‘a medical miracle,’ but many religious people are skeptical

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Going virtual again: Churches return online as COVID-19 cases surge

Record number of coronavirus infections prompt leaders to rethink in-person assemblies. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Amid a nationwide surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, many Churches of Christ that had resumed in-person assemblies have moved worship back online, a Christian Chronicle survey found. It’s the latest twist in congregations’ nine-month battle to curtail the spread of a virus that has infected more than 15.4 million and caused nearly … Continue reading Going virtual again: Churches return online as COVID-19 cases surge

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Justices flip the script on COVID-19 worship bans, but top health official urges closures

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. First New York. Now California. With the addition of a fifth, solidly conservative member — new Justice Amy Coney Barrett — the U.S. Supreme Court has flipped the script on months of … Continue reading Justices flip the script on COVID-19 worship bans, but top health official urges closures

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.