Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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