Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?
Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction ignites a national furor with a mandate requiring a Bible in every classroom. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — Ryan Walters wasn’t always known as Oklahoma’s culture-warrior-in-chief. Neither was the 39-year-old Republican always a high-profile MAGA champion, denouncing liberal indoctrination; illegal immigration; LGBTQ-themed school library books; diversity, equity and inclusion programs; and the “Woke Olympics.” Decades before winning election as Oklahoma’s top education official in 2022 — and before igniting … Continue reading Culture warrior, MAGA champion, Church of Christ member: Who is Ryan Walters?
Bobby Ross Jr. wins two first-place prizes in regional Diamond Journalism Awards
By Bobby Ross Jr. I was honored to receive two first-place prizes and be recognized as a finalist for Journalist of the Year in the 2024 Diamond Journalism Awards. The regional contest, sponsored by the Arkansas pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, celebrates journalistic excellence in Arkansas and six neighboring states. Winners were announced at an awards ceremony Wednesday night in Little Rock. … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. wins two first-place prizes in regional Diamond Journalism Awards
📰 He’s fired! No, he’s not! Behind the scenes of the week’s craziest religion story 🔌
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged News doesn’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Particularly during the 24/7 era of social media, journalists find themselves on the clock pretty much all the time. That … Continue reading 📰 He’s fired! No, he’s not! Behind the scenes of the week’s craziest religion story 🔌
A Texas Rangers vacation: Six games in six days
By Bobby Ross Jr. ARLINGTON, Texas — I finally got my ring. My World Series ring, that is. A two-hour wait in the Texas sun was a small price to pay to receive a replica championship ring at the Rangers’ game Tuesday night. The ring promotion was one of the highlights of my Texas Rangers vacation, which featured six games in six days — and … Continue reading A Texas Rangers vacation: Six games in six days
🇺🇸 We have to ask: Where does God Almighty stand on Biden vs. Trump? 🔌
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Subscribe now to get this column delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged America’s presidential candidates keep invoking God Almighty. President Joe Biden, 81, did so two weeks ago when — fresh off the worst debate performance in U.S. presidential history — he was … Continue reading 🇺🇸 We have to ask: Where does God Almighty stand on Biden vs. Trump? 🔌
Christians pray for Trump — and the divided nation — after assassination attempt
Church leaders seek peace and healing in an ‘eye for an eye world.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The morning after a gunman perched atop a roof narrowly missed killing former President Donald Trump, Christians across the U.S. came together Sunday — as always — to worship God and pray. About 270 miles southeast of the Pennsylvania farm show grounds where shots rang out at Trump’s … Continue reading Christians pray for Trump — and the divided nation — after assassination attempt
Bread and Bibles lead souls to Jesus
Twice a week, Texas church meets neighbors in its parking lot. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FORT WORTH, TEXAS — “Free Bread.” “Free Bibles.” The simple messages catch the attention of motorists passing the Bridgewood Church of Christ — at a busy corner just off the East Loop 820 thoroughfare. “Is it really free?’” people ask. “It’s free,” church member Booker Williams assures them. “It’s like salvation. You’ve just got … Continue reading Bread and Bibles lead souls to Jesus
✏️ Teaching the gospel during public school hours? It’s totally constitutional 🔌
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Subscribe now to get this column delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged GREENVILLE, S.C. — Jeffery L. Williams found Jesus through his public middle school. Now the pastor of Golden View Baptist Church in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Williams grew up in … Continue reading ✏️ Teaching the gospel during public school hours? It’s totally constitutional 🔌
❤️ 60th anniversary tribute: 2 people fell in love and share a legacy of faith 🔌
Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” meets readers at the intersection of faith and news. Click to join nearly 10,000 subscribers who get this column delivered straight to their inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — Just three days after she turned 17, the bride wore a simple white gown that her mother made. She was so nervous that she gashed … Continue reading ❤️ 60th anniversary tribute: 2 people fell in love and share a legacy of faith 🔌
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 