Nancy French’s ‘Ghosted’ offers a haunting, helpful read — but not for everyone
Author recounts growing up in Churches of Christ — and her sexual assault by a preacher. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The biggest villain — and rightly so — in Nancy French’s memoir “Ghosted: An American Story” is a preacher who gives the seventh-grader a ride home from Vacation Bible School. “In his early twenties, he was too young to be a preacher,” French writes. “But … Continue reading Nancy French’s ‘Ghosted’ offers a haunting, helpful read — but not for everyone
What’s really going on at the Texas Rangers game
The story behind ministers spending an afternoon in a ballpark suite. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ARLINGTON, TEXAS —Fishing is about more than fishing. That was the gist of a Top 10 country song released in 2011. Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’” details a father’s deeper desire for simple time spent with his daughter: And she thinks we’re just fishing on the riverside Throwing back what … Continue reading What’s really going on at the Texas Rangers game
🌪️ Symbol of hope: Church’s stained-glass windows survive monster tornado 🔌
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 SULPHUR, Okla. — A miracle. That’s what Pam Chitwood calls it. To her surprise — and delight — the First Christian Church’s century-old stained-glass windows survived a … Continue reading 🌪️ Symbol of hope: Church’s stained-glass windows survive monster tornado 🔌
‘All I could see was destruction’
Christians mobilize to help after monster tornado strikes small Oklahoma town. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SULPHUR, Okla. — After a monster tornado hit this southern Oklahoma town late Saturday night, the Vinita Avenue Church of Christ swung into action. With power out Sunday morning, the congregation — which counted 38 worshipers on a recent Lord’s Day — canceled the regular assembly and focused on helping storm victims. … Continue reading ‘All I could see was destruction’
Be honest: What do you think of my new face?
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — My parents must be so proud. I’ve finally arrived. That’s right: I’ve reached cartoon status in an international Christian newspaper. Over the past 19 years, I’ve written more than 150 Inside Story columns for The Christian Chronicle. Readers have become accustomed to seeing my mugshot on Page 3. “You look just like your picture in the paper,” I’ve … Continue reading Be honest: What do you think of my new face?
🖥️ Time for a reboot: The start of something new 🔌
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. PITTSBURGH — It’s time for a reboot. This column marks the start of something new. I enjoyed visiting with Clemente Lisi, executive editor of Religion Unplugged, at last week’s 75th … Continue reading 🖥️ Time for a reboot: The start of something new 🔌
Religion News Association honors Bobby Ross Jr. with Supple Award for Feature Writing
The Awards for Excellence in Religion Reporting showcase outstanding journalism across all media. From The Christian Chronicle: PITTSBURGH — Bobby Ross Jr., editor-in-chief of The Christian Chronicle, received the nation’s top award for religion feature writing at a ceremony Saturday night at the Andy Warhol Museum. The Religion News Association presented Ross with the Supple Award for Feature Writing during its 75th anniversary convention in Pittsburgh. Jodi Rudoren, editor-in-chief of The Forward, a leading … Continue reading Religion News Association honors Bobby Ross Jr. with Supple Award for Feature Writing
Evangelical Press Association again recognizes Christian Chronicle as top newspaper
The Chronicle earned first-place awards for its print and digital publications. From The Christian Chronicle: LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the fifth time in the past six years, the Evangelical Press Association has recognized The Christian Chronicle with its first-place Award of Excellence for print newspapers. The professional organization also honored the Chronicle’s website with its top prize for newspaper-online news. In all, the Oklahoma City-based international newspaper for Churches of Christ earned nine awards … Continue reading Evangelical Press Association again recognizes Christian Chronicle as top newspaper
‘Overhyped’ Christian nationalism label draws political backlash
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged O. Alan Noble, a Christian writer and social media influencer, has called former President Donald Trump “manifestly unfit for any office.” In a recent post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Noble voiced concern about Christian nationalism — a label frequently attached to Trump and his biggest supporters. But Noble’s specific criticism focused less on the melding … Continue reading ‘Overhyped’ Christian nationalism label draws political backlash
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 