Will we soon live in a world without Mormons and Southern Baptists?
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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. When it comes to religious groups, what’s in a name? In 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began a push to get rid of the term “Mormon.” (A quick … Continue reading Will we soon live in a world without Mormons and Southern Baptists?
Trump vs. Biden: How to keep politics from dividing Christians
Talk. Love. Show respect. Believers offer advice for improving dialogue in a polarized nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Dan Sims, a member of the Caldwell Church of Christ in Idaho, supports President Donald Trump. Jenna Howard, a member of the Heritage Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas, favors former Vice President Joe Biden. Jared Randall, preacher for the Greater Portland Church of Christ in Maine, remains undecided. … Continue reading Trump vs. Biden: How to keep politics from dividing Christians
My grandson, COVID-19 and me
Seeing the once-in-a-century pandemic through the eyes of a 2-year-old. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — As soon as I open the garage door, I hear the sweet voice of my 2-year-old grandson. “Hey, Papa, I’m riding a bike!” he calls from our front sidewalk. Taking a break from a Christian Chronicle deadline, I find Bennett playing outside with his Nana — my wife, … Continue reading My grandson, COVID-19 and me
You are what you tweet
I moderated a recent “Christian Chronicle Live” panel discussion on best social media practices for Christians during an election year. Digital news editor Chellie Ison wrote about the “You are what you tweet” discussion for the Chronicle. Continue reading You are what you tweet
An emotional return
Worship center reopens at site of deadly Texas church shooting. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Visible scars were gone — the bullet holes, the bloodstained carpet — as the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, made an emotional return to its worship center Sunday. Eight months after a gunman opened fire during the Lord’s Supper, new blue-cushioned pews, reconfigured walls and a lowered ceiling … Continue reading An emotional return
Time for a pop quiz: 7 questions about the stunning exit of Jerry Falwell Jr.
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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Was it just three weeks ago that we were talking about a “racy picture” of Liberty University’s then-president, Jerry Falwell Jr., sparking curiosity and controversy? Given the allegations that surfaced this week, … Continue reading Time for a pop quiz: 7 questions about the stunning exit of Jerry Falwell Jr.
Family who survived Katrina by escaping to church balcony marks storm’s 15th anniversary
God used the 2005 hurricane, the Marsalises believe, to prepare them for what came next. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NEW ORLEANS — Even a decade and a half after the storm, Angela Marsalis still prefers to avoid the subject of Hurricane Katrina. “I guess it feels like I’m still not ready to deal with it, even though I know all the … Continue reading Family who survived Katrina by escaping to church balcony marks storm’s 15th anniversary
Democrats tout faith, while a few DNC caucuses omit ‘under God’ from pledge
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. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Did the Democrats “get” religion or not? Certainly, lots of headlines coming out of this week’s virtual Democratic National Convention had strong faith elements. But a different storyline gained attention, too. The … Continue reading Democrats tout faith, while a few DNC caucuses omit ‘under God’ from pledge
After the pandemic, will people return to church?
Some ministers fear the attendance decline will outlive the COVID-19 outbreak. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle A note on the Facebook page of the Glendale Road Church of Christ in Murray, Ky., caught my attention recently. It referred to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and voiced understanding for anyone staying away from in-person worship for health reasons. “However, if the reason for your absence is because you’ve become … Continue reading After the pandemic, will people return to church?
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 