Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

Double standard? Religion figures differently in news of Ginsburg and Barrett

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. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death and President Donald Trump’s plan to nominate a replacement before the election dominated the week’s headlines. Beyond the politics, questions arose over whether journalists applied … Continue reading Double standard? Religion figures differently in news of Ginsburg and Barrett

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Christian Chronicle

Abortion vs. character

In the Trump-Biden race, which issue matters more to Christian voters? By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle For Connor McDaniel, one issue ranks as most important in the 2020 presidential race. Abortion. “There are few people of character/integrity in politics,” said McDaniel, a member of the Bremen Church of Christ in Georgia. “The same way we go to (a department store) and buy clothes made with … Continue reading Abortion vs. character

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Christian Chronicle

Why these 21st century David Lipscombs won’t vote for Trump or Biden

Turned off by divisive politics, some Christians see wisdom in the late Gospel Advocate editor’s hands-off approach to government. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle David Lipscomb, an influential leader in Churches of Christ from the Civil War until World War I, urged Christians to refrain from voting and participation in civil government. More than a century after the Tennessee preacher’s death, his approach to Caesar … Continue reading Why these 21st century David Lipscombs won’t vote for Trump or Biden

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Religion Unplugged

Will we soon live in a world without Mormons and Southern Baptists?

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 religious groups, what’s in a name? In 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began a push to get rid of the term “Mormon.” (A quick … Continue reading Will we soon live in a world without Mormons and Southern Baptists?

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Christian Chronicle

Trump vs. Biden: How to keep politics from dividing Christians

Talk. Love. Show respect. Believers offer advice for improving dialogue in a polarized nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Dan Sims, a member of the Caldwell Church of Christ in Idaho, supports President Donald Trump. Jenna Howard, a member of the Heritage Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas, favors former Vice President Joe Biden. Jared Randall, preacher for the Greater Portland Church of Christ in Maine, remains undecided. … Continue reading Trump vs. Biden: How to keep politics from dividing Christians

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Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

My grandson, COVID-19 and me

Seeing the once-in-a-century pandemic through the eyes of a 2-year-old. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — As soon as I open the garage door, I hear the sweet voice of my 2-year-old grandson. “Hey, Papa, I’m riding a bike!” he calls from our front sidewalk. Taking a break from a Christian Chronicle deadline, I find Bennett playing outside with his Nana — my wife, … Continue reading My grandson, COVID-19 and me

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Christian Chronicle

An emotional return

Worship center reopens at site of deadly Texas church shooting. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Visible scars were gone — the bullet holes, the bloodstained carpet — as the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, made an emotional return to its worship center Sunday. Eight months after a gunman opened fire during the Lord’s Supper, new blue-cushioned pews, reconfigured walls and a lowered ceiling … Continue reading An emotional return

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