Author: Bobby Ross Jr.

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

In a red state, the culture war shifts

Voters still care about traditional values, but there is growing anger over underfunded schools and crumbling infrastructure. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service EDMOND, Okla. (RNS) In one of the reddest of the red states, appeals to traditional values have long resonated with many voters. But while lawmakers in this Bible Belt state of 3.9 million have been debating proposals to criminalize … Continue reading In a red state, the culture war shifts

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Christian Chronicle

Does ‘turn the other cheek’ apply to a baseball brawl?

After Rougned Odor’s now-famous punch of Jose Bautista, ministers and other church members debate whether a Christian can — or should — cheer for on-field violence. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, Texas — “Turn the other cheek” sounds so simple in Sunday morning Bible class. The concept becomes a little more difficult when you’re a rabid Texas Rangers fan, sitting in … Continue reading Does ‘turn the other cheek’ apply to a baseball brawl?

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Christian Chronicle

He pitches with heart — a brand new one

Kansas high school senior calls life-saving transplant “an absolute gift from God.” By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GODDARD, Kan. — It’s a picture-perfect afternoon for baseball as Josh Oakley steps to the mound: blue sky, soft breeze and 71 degrees. Fifteen family members — two parents, four grandparents, three of Oakley’s five older sisters and six nieces and nephews — cheer as … Continue reading He pitches with heart — a brand new one

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Christian Chronicle

Coming soon: worship at the movie theater

Coming soon: worship at the movie theater (reporting from Torrance, Calif.): California church planters embrace their Church of Christ heritage but say ‘franchising’ a traditional approach won’t reach lost souls. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TORRANCE, Calif. — When EPIC Church launches in this Los Angeles-area city of 150,000 souls in August, it won’t meet in a building with wooden pews or … Continue reading Coming soon: worship at the movie theater

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Religion Unplugged

Best of GetReligion: May 2016

Links to columns by Bobby Ross Jr. Front-page profile of a hip youth pastor: Is it the journalism or the theology that’s shallow? Published May 2. Why a pastor who served as St. Louis Cardinals’ chaplain was fired by his megachurch. Published May 3. In so-called news story on #BoycottTarget, Associated Press shows its bias. Published May 4. In lawsuit over transgender student using girls locker room, … Continue reading Best of GetReligion: May 2016

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Christian Chronicle

‘The devil is smart,’ says minister working to protect churches from child predators

‘The devil is smart,’ says minister working to protect churches from child predators: Pennsylvania preacher Jimmy Hinton says the stories he’s heard have ‘taken an emotional toll on me.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The sex, lies and videotapes don’t surprise Jimmy Hinton anymore. “No surprise at all,” the Pennsylvania preacher said of the latest case to make headlines — this one … Continue reading ‘The devil is smart,’ says minister working to protect churches from child predators

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Christian Chronicle

Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees

Two congregations adopt a family displaced by a civil war that has claimed half a million lives. Third Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle BEAMSVILLE, Ontario — As war ravaged their homeland, a Syrian family of eight fled for their lives. The Muslim father, mother and six children — among 4 million Syrians who have escaped to … Continue reading Canadian churches embrace Syrian refugees

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