Online church and virtual spirituality in the pandemic age: Can we please have a Wordle?
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 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. Is online church good for your soul? Can real fellowship be attained through virtual reality? Amid a global pandemic, why has Wordle — yes, the online … Continue reading Online church and virtual spirituality in the pandemic age: Can we please have a Wordle?
For tornado-ravaged Kentucky churches, rebuilding means rethinking
By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press MAYFIELD, Ky. — Mayfield First United Methodist Church, a century-old temple with stately columns and stained-glass windows, has long been an anchor in the life of Kathy O’Nan, the city’s 68-year-old mayor. She directed the children’s choir for 42 years and attended countless worship services and ceremonies, from weddings to funerals to the baptisms of both her children … Continue reading For tornado-ravaged Kentucky churches, rebuilding means rethinking
‘We have to stop hate’: Why it’s important to remember the Holocaust
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 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. To Anna Salton Eisen and her son, Aaron Eisen, Thursday’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day was personal. George and Ruth Salton — Anna’s parents and Aaron’s grandparents … Continue reading ‘We have to stop hate’: Why it’s important to remember the Holocaust
A personal connection to synagogue where hostages were taken, plus 5 key storylines
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 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. When I first saw news on social media of a ranting man taking hostages at a Texas synagogue Saturday, I immediately clicked the link to an … Continue reading A personal connection to synagogue where hostages were taken, plus 5 key storylines
Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims
As a Kentucky town recovers from a devastating storm, church members open an unlikely relief center. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MAYFIELD, Ky. — Before the tornado, Penny Wade Smith grew frustrated with the neighborhood behind her business. Rob Smith shared his wife’s concern. As the Christian couple saw it, the residents had become a nuisance — responsible for dumping trash and beer bottles … Continue reading Breaking down barriers — new and old — to help tornado victims
Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2021
By Bobby Ross Jr. The biggest — and best — news of the year was the birth of my granddaughter, Norah. But besides that banner headline, here are my top stories of 2021 (mostly in chronological order): 1. The pandemic: I started the year with coverage of many Christians welcoming the COVID-19 vaccines but others voicing skepticism. In a personal column, I reflected on the joy … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2021
The best religion journalism of 2021
Weekend Plug-in’s year in review By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 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. This week, I’m sipping hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies. So rather than pick the best reads and top headlines … Continue reading The best religion journalism of 2021
‘We lost everything, but we didn’t lose everything’: Where was God in Mayfield tornado?
By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged 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. Words fail to convey the emotions in Mayfield, Kentucky, after last weekend’s devastating tornado. Let’s try anyway, directly from the mouths of those relying on … Continue reading ‘We lost everything, but we didn’t lose everything’: Where was God in Mayfield tornado?
Serving Jesus and soft drinks — at 38,000 feet
From flight attendant to funeral director, secular jobs help pay the bills for bivocational ministers. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NEWNAN, Ga. — On a typical Sunday, Alan Henderson shares God’s word with 100 to 110 souls at the Newnan Church of Christ, about 35 miles southwest of Atlanta. The rest of the week, the part-time preacher lives out his faith from a different vantage point: … Continue reading Serving Jesus and soft drinks — at 38,000 feet
