Tag: politics

Christianity Today, Religion Unplugged

Sermons on hate still resonate 60 years after JFK’s assassination

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged DALLAS — Less than a year before the U.S. presidential election, pastors took to their pulpits to decry a culture of hate, extremism and vile politics. “Much of the hate and discord that has been poisoning our nation has been preached in the name of Christ and the church,” the Rev. Charles V. Denman declared. In a different sanctuary, … Continue reading Sermons on hate still resonate 60 years after JFK’s assassination

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation

Amid an economic crisis, ministry and music propel a native son devoted to sharing the bread of life. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle MATANZAS, Cuba — Church members in this port city overlooking the Bay of Matanzas sang “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” on a recent Sunday as they celebrated the baptisms of five new Christians. Afterward, about 250 spiritual brothers and sisters ate fellowship meals piled … Continue reading For Cuba, a time of stress — and salvation

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Sharing love — and Christ — with refugees

Since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan two years ago, an Oklahoma church has worked to serve its new neighbors. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle OKLAHOMA CITY — The chaos at the end of a long war. The frenzy to leave a troubled homeland. The challenge of a new and different culture. Hong Kluver identifies closely with the Afghan refugees she has worked so hard to … Continue reading Sharing love — and Christ — with refugees

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

How a grassroots ministry to Afghan refugees ‘snowballed’ into something big

A Texas church’s outreach started with one Christian couple compelled to ‘do something.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle AN ANTONIO — Dan and Mary Huber were stuffed. They couldn’t eat any more.  Or so they told their friends — an Afghan refugee family who fled their war-torn native land two years ago. “There’s no room,” Mary explained, patting her stomach. The children, who understand English better than … Continue reading How a grassroots ministry to Afghan refugees ‘snowballed’ into something big

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

War at home: Former Army officer aids Texas massacre victims, seeks God’s healing

The nation’s latest mass shooting claimed eight lives — including three children — at a Dallas-area mall. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ALLEN, Texas — A female in the bushes still felt warm, but she had no pulse.  “There was no face,” Steven Spainhouer told The Christian Chronicle, his voice choking with emotion. “There was nothing left.” Spainhouer — a longtime member of The Branch Church of Christ in … Continue reading War at home: Former Army officer aids Texas massacre victims, seeks God’s healing

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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.