Tag: politics

Religion Unplugged

God and pot: Both sides cite faith in Oklahoma’s recreational marijuana fight

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — Michelle Tilley says faith drives everything she does, including her fight to legalize recreational marijuana in her home state. Baptized at age 7 in the First Baptist Church of Comanche, Oklahoma, the longtime Democratic political consultant leads a group that has raised $3.2 million in support of State Question 820, a pro-marijuana initiative that the state’s voters … Continue reading God and pot: Both sides cite faith in Oklahoma’s recreational marijuana fight

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

For Christians in Memphis, Tyre Nichols’ death a cause for concern, action

Like the 29-year-old victim in the nation’s latest high-profile police brutality case, the five officers charged with murder are Black. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A picture of Tyre Nichols in his hospital bed greeted a recent assembly of the Coleman Avenue Church of Christ. The same big screen displayed photos of five Memphis police officers charged with murder in the 29-year-old Black man’s death. The … Continue reading For Christians in Memphis, Tyre Nichols’ death a cause for concern, action

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Pandemic and politics exacerbate challenges facing an Ohio church

The congregation’s experience reflects ‘the emotional tension that seems to be really big in the country as a whole.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MARYSVILLE, Ohio — This one-time farm town about 30 miles northwest of Columbus is booming. The century-old Marysville Church of Christ is not. Even before the pandemic, the congregation in central Ohio struggled to increase its flock, much less match the area’s … Continue reading Pandemic and politics exacerbate challenges facing an Ohio church

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Why are some Christians so angry?

As political rancor festers, believers urged to focus not on the donkey or the elephant — but the Lamb. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle Chris McCurley has noticed something. “People are angrier than ever,” he said. That includes many Christians, said McCurley, who preaches for the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. “I believe it’s a combination of things: COVID, politics, etc.,” he … Continue reading Why are some Christians so angry?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion Unplugged

Why my old school district removed 41 books, including the Bible, from its libraries

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. KELLER, Texas — I don’t remember the Keller Independent School District making national headlines when I was a student here in the 1980s. Even back then, this … Continue reading Why my old school district removed 41 books, including the Bible, from its libraries

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

After yet another mass shooting, Tulsa church prays, reflects: Is there a solution?

Two doctors, a receptionist and a clinic visitor were killed in a medical office attack. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle TULSA, Okla. — Shock. Tears. Prayers. Gun debate. All ripple through The Park Church of Christ, a 2,000-member congregation that is a microcosm of Tulsa, as yet another American city mourns lives lost in a mass shooting. “A few days ago, we all found … Continue reading After yet another mass shooting, Tulsa church prays, reflects: Is there a solution?

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice

Russell A. Pointer Sr. thanks God for Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction but says the struggle goes on. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MINNEAPOLIS — To Russell A. Pointer Sr., feeding hungry neighbors is biblical. So, too, is fighting for justice. The 56-year-old preacher might not be a household name in this Midwestern city of 435,000. But to prominent leaders from Minnesota Gov. Tim … Continue reading In city where George Floyd died, minister emerges as key champion for justice

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A tragic death, a tough dialogue

‘Why are you even talking about it?’ some Christians ask in the year after George Floyd’s killing. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle WOODBURY, Minn. — A year ago, George Floyd’s killing sparked outrage around the world. At the Woodbury Church of Christ, a predominantly White congregation about 20 miles east of Minneapolis, the Black man’s death under a police officer’s knee provoked difficult conversations. Some church … Continue reading A tragic death, a tough dialogue

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

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

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.