😎 From moon pies to solar-theme tracts, religious groups ready for the eclipse 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Astronomical legal action: How religious an event is the eclipse for some? So much so that six New York inmates have sued to see it, ReligionUnplugged.com’s own Clemente Lisi … Continue reading 😎 From moon pies to solar-theme tracts, religious groups ready for the eclipse 🔌

The bright present — and future — of the church

Attendance tops 10,000 at the largest of Lads to Leaders’ half-dozen Easter weekend conventions across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Twenty-two years ago, my young family loaded a U-Haul truck and trekked east on Interstate 40 so I could chase a big dream. No, I didn’t move to Nashville to seek country music stardom. Sadly, I can’t carry a tune. Instead, … Continue reading The bright present — and future — of the church

Teens mix radio show’s humor with Bible’s message

Lads to Leaders puppets skit draws Alabama broadcast duo’s attention. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Make listeners snicker? That’s what Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey do on their nationally syndicated radio comedy show. Evoke that same laughter as bulbous, fabric-headed Bible teachers in a puppet skit by Christian teens? Now, that’s a new one. Related: The bright present — and future — … Continue reading Teens mix radio show’s humor with Bible’s message

‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers

Former educators open up about the federal lawsuit they filed — and their desire for an apology. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Kenneth Pybus | The Christian Chronicle Until life as they knew it disintegrated — until their jobs disappeared — Midland Christian School meant everything to Jared Lee and Dana Ellis. Both grew up in the K-12 Christian school and devoted their educational careers to the West Texas … Continue reading ‘Midland Christian Five’ say wrongful arrests devastated their lives and careers

📊 Is America losing its religion? Four intriguing stats from a new national survey 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 80%: Eight out of 10 U.S. adults agree “religion’s role in American life is shrinking — a percentage that’s as high as it’s ever been in … Continue reading 📊 Is America losing its religion? Four intriguing stats from a new national survey 🔌

🏆 Hello, Adelle: Longtime RNS journalist to receive Lifetime Achievement Award 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Best of the best: “Surely there’s someone out there who doesn’t like Adelle M. Banks. “I just haven’t found that person yet.” Noting the respect afforded … Continue reading 🏆 Hello, Adelle: Longtime RNS journalist to receive Lifetime Achievement Award 🔌

‘How can we bless these churches?’

At a time of declining numbers, post-pandemic challenges and political polarization, a Nebraska conference touts hope for revival. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle YORK, Neb. — At 8:30 a.m. on a weekday, exuberant voices praising God filled the historic prayer chapel at York University. About 130 Christians from 13 states and Canada sang hymns such as “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus,” “It … Continue reading ‘How can we bless these churches?’

🤷🏻‍♀️ Are the feds still investigating Southern Baptist sex abuse? That’s a good question 🔌

Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Good morning, Weekend Plug-in readers! Since we last convened, we had Super Tuesday (the Biden-Trump rematch is all but set) and the State of the Union … Continue reading 🤷🏻‍♀️ Are the feds still investigating Southern Baptist sex abuse? That’s a good question 🔌

Trusting God in the fire

Christians in the Texas Panhandle lean on their faith after the largest wildfire in state history. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CANADIAN, Texas — Dead cattle. Burned homes. Scorched prairie. The largest wildfire in state history made a mess of this small ranching town in the Texas Panhandle, forcing the Canadian Church of Christ to delay its planned Missions Giving Sunday. “We’ve had to put it off because of … Continue reading Trusting God in the fire