Flags, faith and fury

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

Year in review: My Top 10 most memorable stories of 2020

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

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

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

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

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?

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

An eternal difference

Fifty years after the White’s Ferry Road School of Preaching’s founding, its legacy endures. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle I remember the pink JOY buses that brought all the little children — “red and yellow, black and white” — to worship. I remember the campaigns where we passed out gospel flyers during the day and sang verse after verse of “Just As … Continue reading An eternal difference

Jesus and Wi-Fi: Alaska church helps students during pandemic

Technology and tutoring benefit neighborhood children focused on virtual learning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle When public schools in Alaska’s capital of Juneau moved to virtual classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some students were put in a dire learning situation. While the school district and Alaska Native organizations provided tablet computers, poorer children couldn’t access lessons because they lack home internet. Related: 50 years … Continue reading Jesus and Wi-Fi: Alaska church helps students during pandemic