Tag: U.S. politics

Religion Unplugged

‘Overhyped’ Christian nationalism label draws political backlash

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged O. Alan Noble, a Christian writer and social media influencer, has called former President Donald Trump “manifestly unfit for any office.” In a recent post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Noble voiced concern about Christian nationalism — a label frequently attached to Trump and his biggest supporters. But Noble’s specific criticism focused less on the melding … Continue reading ‘Overhyped’ Christian nationalism label draws political backlash

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
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

Have we had enough?

The massacre at a Dallas-area shopping mall raises the question — again. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ALLEN, Texas — I was home in Oklahoma City watching a Texas Rangers game Saturday night when I saw an update on the death toll at the Allen Premium Outlets. Nine killed, counting the gunman. Seven wounded. Related: War at home: Former Army officer aids Texas massacre victims, seeks God’s healing Hundreds traumatized … Continue reading Have we had enough?

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.
Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Prayer and protest: Nation’s latest mass shooting highlights competing messages

Eight people, including children, died in the massacre at a Texas outlet mall. By Bobby Ross Jr. ALLEN, Texas — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” That passage from Psalm 34:18 was offered as comfort Sunday night as a megachurch two miles from the scene of the nation’s latest mass shooting hosted a community prayer service. … Continue reading Prayer and protest: Nation’s latest mass shooting highlights competing messages

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

‘God, we come with broken hearts’

Dallas-area church grapples with mass shooting in its ‘back yard.’ By Bobby Ross Jr. ALLEN, Texas — In America, mass shootings keep happening. The bloodshed has ravaged churches, schools, homes, offices and — just this weekend — a crowded outlet mall about 30 miles north of Dallas. Roughly 18 hours after eight people, including at least three children, were killed at Allen Premium Outlets in … Continue reading ‘God, we come with broken hearts’

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.