Flags, faith and fury

Christian nationalism on display in U.S. Capitol riot. By Bobby Ross Jr. and Hamil R. Harris | The Christian Chronicle WASHINGTON — “Jesus Saves.”  “For the Glory of God.”  “God, Guns and Trump.” As thousands rallied to support President Donald Trump’s unproven claim of a stolen election — a protest that turned deadly as an insurrectionist mob stormed the U.S. Capitol — many waved signs linking the Republican political leader … Continue reading Flags, faith and fury

Abortion vs. character

In the Trump-Biden race, which issue matters more to Christian voters? By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle For Connor McDaniel, one issue ranks as most important in the 2020 presidential race. Abortion. “There are few people of character/integrity in politics,” said McDaniel, a member of the Bremen Church of Christ in Georgia. “The same way we go to (a department store) and buy clothes made with … Continue reading Abortion vs. character

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

Pop quiz: Seven questions about Trump’s church photo op

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-In” features analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. Got feedback or ideas for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. What’s left to say about the week’s biggest religion story? President Donald Trump’s now-famous walk from the White House to the nearby St. John’s Episcopal Church literally broke the internet. Or at least … Continue reading Pop quiz: Seven questions about Trump’s church photo op

Special report from Jerusalem: Is the Holy Land the Promised Land?

Leading evangelical supporters of President Trump tout the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Scholars in Churches of Christ take a different view. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle JERUSALEM — To prominent evangelical allies of President Donald Trump, “the Lord is at work” in the administration’s high-profile backing of Israel. From moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem to recognizing … Continue reading Special report from Jerusalem: Is the Holy Land the Promised Land?

Texas GOP dispute pits religious freedom against claims of ‘stealth jihad’

The appointment of a Muslim doctor to a county’s party leadership has fractured the Republicans of Tarrant County. By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service FORT WORTH, Texas  — Lisa Grimaldi Abdulkareem describes herself as a conservative Republican who believes in freedom and prosperity. “Less bureaucracy, lower taxes and stronger national security — it is simple for me,” said Abdulkareem, the Tarrant County … Continue reading Texas GOP dispute pits religious freedom against claims of ‘stealth jihad’

South Carolina church battles opioid ‘emergency’

Addicts find love, hope — and Jesus — through ministries focused on recovery and discipleship. First Place, Theme Issue, Section or Series, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. — Opioids, meet Jesus. The drugs behind a crisis that President Donald Trump characterizes as a “national emergency” are no match for the savior of the world. That’s the … Continue reading South Carolina church battles opioid ‘emergency’

Robert Jeffress on God, Trump and North Korea: A pastor explains his politics

By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service DALLAS — Anyone who knows the Bible shouldn’t take issue with the idea that God has given President Trump authority to take out North Korea’s dictator, said Pastor Robert Jeffress, the Dallas megachurch leader who drew sharp rebukes for stating just that. Jeffress sat down for an interview with RNS after his sermon Sunday (Aug. 13), … Continue reading Robert Jeffress on God, Trump and North Korea: A pastor explains his politics

Trump coverage wins first-place SPJ award for election reporting

My stories on Donald Trump and other Republican candidates campaigning in Oklahoma City last year earned a first-place award for election reporting. I received the honor in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2017 contest. The winning package included the main story “In the GOP primaries, do politics Trump values and character?” along with a column “GOP presidential politics, professional wrestling style” and a related story “Elephant in the pews: Is the … Continue reading Trump coverage wins first-place SPJ award for election reporting