The surprising ties that bind some of country music’s biggest stars to Churches of Christ. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Mr. & Mrs. Carl Dean.” The black-and-white picture of the newlywed couple appeared in a 1966 directory of the Radnor Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. Still happily married to the pretty blond nearly 55 years later, Carl Thomas Dean has eschewed the media spotlight … Continue reading Saints and singers
A majority view the coronavirus shots as an answer to prayer, a survey finds. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Many of the 700 members of the Grace Chapel Church of Christ in Cumming, Ga., north of Atlanta, are excited about the rapid development of vaccines to fight COVID-19. “This is an answer to prayer, for certain,” said Paul Huyghebaert, the church’s lead minister. When his turn comes, … Continue reading Most Christians welcome the COVID-19 vaccines, but some are skeptical
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ — Matthew 5:9 By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Peace. That was Domingo Reyes’ prayer as the Wilmington, Del., minister taught his congregation’s Wednesday night Bible study Jan. 6, just hours after a deadly riot inside the U.S. Capitol. “The events that occurred were so disturbing that I had to change my … Continue reading Jesus emphasized peace to those who would follow him
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
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
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
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
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
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?
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 