Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

‘Racy picture’ of Liberty’s Jerry Falwell Jr. sparks curiosity and controversy

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. “Wut is happening,” Houston Chronicle religion writer Robert Downen quipped on Twitter this week. Downen’s colloquial query about an, um, unexpected snapshot of Jerry Falwell Jr. quickly went viral. Falwell is, of … Continue reading ‘Racy picture’ of Liberty’s Jerry Falwell Jr. sparks curiosity and controversy

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Religion Unplugged

Fact check: Did Tim Tebow kneeling for God on the field upset NFL?

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Tim Tebow’s outward expressions of his evangelical Christian faith made him a polarizing figure during his college and professional football career. There’s no doubt about that. But did Tebow’s prayers on the field … Continue reading Fact check: Did Tim Tebow kneeling for God on the field upset NFL?

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Religion Unplugged

90+ finalists were named for religion news awards. Why 1 stands out.

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. The Religion News Association named nearly 100 finalists in 22 categories last week for its 2020 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. Among the familiar names on the list: Religion Unplugged’s own Meagan Clark, … Continue reading 90+ finalists were named for religion news awards. Why 1 stands out.

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Christian Chronicle

Despite petition, Harding to keep George S. Benson’s name on its chapel venue

The Christian university’s president pledges to honor slain alumnus Botham Jean ‘in his own unique way on our campus.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Harding University will retain the name of its daily chapel venue — Benson Auditorium — despite an online petition signed by more than 18,000 that characterized the late George S. Benson as “a vocal racist and supporter of segregation.” Bruce McLarty, president … Continue reading Despite petition, Harding to keep George S. Benson’s name on its chapel venue

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Christian Chronicle

On topic of race, there’s so much that I don’t know

George Floyd’s death has inspired positive dialogue in many Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When I was in grade school, my mother said my best friend, Tyra, could come over and play. Mom was surprised, though, when I stepped off the school bus with a Black boy. I never had mentioned my friend’s race; his color didn’t matter to … Continue reading On topic of race, there’s so much that I don’t know

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Christian Chronicle

At 84, retired major-leaguer Lindy McDaniel still ‘Pitching for the Master’

The Texas church elder was a pioneering reliever for the Cardinals, Cubs, Giants, Yankees and Royals. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When Joe Chesser was 9 years old, his family attended church with Lindy McDaniel, a young pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. One Sunday, Chesser brought a baseball to worship at the West End Church of Christ in Wellston, Mo., just … Continue reading At 84, retired major-leaguer Lindy McDaniel still ‘Pitching for the Master’

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Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

Bobby Ross Jr. honored in national, state journalism contests

By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to be named as a finalist this week for the Religion News Association’s 2020 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. My portfolio in the category for best reporting at non-daily newspapers and magazines included: • “A perpetrator in the pews” from Uniontown, Pa., with this related Q&A. • “Ebola survivor Dr. Kent Brantly returning to Africa as medical missionary” … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. honored in national, state journalism contests

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Christian Chronicle

Uncle Sam helped congregations, Christian universities meet payroll

Thousands of church and faith-based higher ed jobs were retained through the federal Payroll Protection Program. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle At least 47 Churches of Christ across the nation received loans of $150,000 or more through the federal government’s coronavirus relief bill, a Christian Chronicle analysis found. In all, those Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act loans amounted to at least $9,450,000 — and as … Continue reading Uncle Sam helped congregations, Christian universities meet payroll

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Christian Chronicle

Why the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement is so controversial to many Christians

Some believers point to a radical, anti-Christian agenda. Others see racism at play in the slogan’s opposition. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle To Christians such as Taneise Perry, the phrase “Black Lives Matter” voices a simple truth about the importance of equal treatment and justice for Black Americans. To Perry, a Black mother of three sons, the viral hashtag #BlackLivesMatter has little to do … Continue reading Why the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement is so controversial to many Christians

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