‘Life-saving miracle’ gave Kansas church member five extra years
Heart transplant recipient Josh Oakley ‘wanted to be better because he understood his second chance.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle The news hit me like a fastball to the gut. “With overwhelming sadness, we need to share that the Lord called Josh home today,” Krista Prindle, one of Josh Oakley’s five older sisters, wrote on Facebook. “Thank you for your continued prayers for our … Continue reading ‘Life-saving miracle’ gave Kansas church member five extra years
Double standard? Treatment of Boulder suspect’s religion raises the question
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. Another week. Another mass shooting. Another 21-year-old suspect. Last week’s news coverage of Robert Aaron Long, charged in the deaths of eight people — including six … Continue reading Double standard? Treatment of Boulder suspect’s religion raises the question
Visiting vs. virtual
For some Christians, moving during the COVID-19 pandemic complicates hunt for church home. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle James and Candice Wiser’s church family in Southern California shed tears this past summer as the couple and their two young daughters prepared to move to West Texas. The Camarillo Church of Christ, about 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles, organized a socially distanced going-away party in … Continue reading Visiting vs. virtual
After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope
‘It’s a great relief to see so many friends and family becoming more protected. We’ve had enough sickness and loss.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle “Celebrate. People need hope.” My friend David Duncan texted me that advice when I told him I was struggling to write this column. Related: An unfathomable toll A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to make sure I acknowledge the … Continue reading After difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines bring joy and hope
Beth Moore, Southern Baptists and the story behind the scoop that broke the internet
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. In a little-noticed, late-night Twitter conversation on March 3, prominent author and speaker Beth Moore indicated that her Living Proof Ministries had ended its longtime partnership … Continue reading Beth Moore, Southern Baptists and the story behind the scoop that broke the internet
Is Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 shot morally compromised? It’s complicated
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. My wife has lupus and autoimmune diseases that make her high-risk if infected with COVID-19. Because of that, we’ve adhered strictly to masking, distancing and other … Continue reading Is Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 shot morally compromised? It’s complicated
Bible in one hand, newspaper in the other: Tips for stressed-out preachers
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. “You preach with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.” That’s what Bishop Timothy Clarke, an Ohio senior pastor, said in a … Continue reading Bible in one hand, newspaper in the other: Tips for stressed-out preachers
A youth rally in a pandemic? It’s not as simple as requiring masks and distancing
After its cancellation last year, California’s Springfest returns to the calendar — but not without challenges. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Normally, organizing a youth rally would be no big deal. Adam England would choose a theme. Pick a speaker. Invite area churches. But the details become much more complicated in a pandemic. Since 1987, Springfest has drawn California teens to the Westside Church of Christ in Bakersfield … Continue reading A youth rally in a pandemic? It’s not as simple as requiring masks and distancing
As storm cripples Texas’ energy grid, people of faith rally to help
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. Texas likes to brag that it’s “like a whole other country.” I don’t suppose, though, that whoever came up with that slogan had Siberia in mind. … Continue reading As storm cripples Texas’ energy grid, people of faith rally to help
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 