Jesus and a lifelong career in journalism
How Pope John Paul II's 1999 visit to St. Louis changed a reporter's life
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
You’ll no doubt recognize the byline of columnist Bobby Ross Jr. from the Weekend Plug-in column that runs on our site weekly.
As well as rounding up the best in religion news weekly for Religion Unplugged, Bobby is the editor-in-chief of The Christian Chronicle. He’s had an impressive decades-long career and is one of the leading voices in the “Godbeat” — but he wasn’t always such an expert.
In today’s top story, he goes back 25 years to revisit a defining moment in his early career: when Pope John Paul II visited St. Louis.
He writes:
After a decade as a reporter, I knew how to chase fire trucks and police cars and burn the midnight oil with city councils and school boards. And I played a key role in The Oklahoman’s award-winning coverage of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
But I had scant knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church. I had no clue about the difference between a bishop and a cardinal. I had heard of the pope.
The story is a fun and meaningful reflection on the state of journalism over two decades ago, the former pope and being a religion reporter. Don’t miss it!
How Covering Pope John Paul II’s 1999 Visit To St. Louis Changed My Journalism Career
(ESSAY) For veteran religion writer Bobby Ross Jr., an unexpected assignment to cover Pope John Paul’s 1999 visit to St. Louis planted a seed. Twenty-five years later, Ross reflects on that experience as the spark that launched the most important phase of his journalism career. by Bobby Ross Jr.
Rise Of The ‘Nones’: What Do America's Nonreligious Really Believe?
A new report on “nones” — one of the largest ever conducted on this fast-growing demographic — attempts to drill down into what these Americans believe, their feelings towards organized religion and politics. The decades-long rise of the “nones” has been one of the most talked about phenomena in the United States. by Clemente Lisi
Melukat: Bali’s Purification Rituals For The Mind, Body And Spirit
(TRAVEL) Aside from traditional methods such as counseling with psychologists and psychiatrists, many people explore various other methods to deal with mental health. In Indonesia, "melukat" has become one of the most-practiced methods when it comes to healing and purifying the mind, heart and soul. by Dewi Suci Rahayu
Super Bowl LVIII Preview: Inside Sin City’s Christian Quarterback Dual
This year’s Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers may be contested at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — known as Sin City — but it will feature two very pious quarterbacks when Patrick Mahomes faces off against Brock Purdy. Both are practicing Christians unafraid to talk about their faith. by Clemente Lisi
Do Movies Like ‘Barbie’ And ‘Poor Things’ Encourage Toxic Masculinity?
(ANALYSIS) The two biggest feminist films of 2023, “Barbie” and “Poor Things,” are poised to be heavy hitters at this year’s Oscars. And yet, despite the fact that both films claim to be overt pro-feminist manifestos, what both also have most in common is that they actually encourage the very toxic masculinity that they claim to be deconstructing. evangelicalism may hold the true answer they’re looking for. by Joseph Holmes
Under A Christian President, Malawi Becomes Dangerous For Refugees
After joining the global Christian community in celebrating the election of Lazarus Chakwera as President of Malawi, the refugee community regrets it as the Christian leader has embarked on a brutal campaign against them, blaming them for the socio-economic problems that the impoverished African nation faces. by Cyril Zenda
Amid Ongoing War In Gaza, Palestinians Find Joy In Their Soccer Team
Palestinians celebrated the country’s national team after qualifying for the knockout stage at the AFC Asian Cup. The historic win, a 3-0 victory against Hong Kong to close out the group stage, allowed Palestine to reach the round of 16 for the first time in the tournament’s 68-year history. It also brought some comfort amid the ongoing war in Gaza. by Clemente Lisi
Nigerian Televangelist T.B. Joshua Courts Controversy In Death As He Did In Life
Temitope Balogun Joshua (better known as T.B. Joshua) was a Nigerian charismatic pastor and televangelist whose ministry was dogged by one controversy after another until his death on June 5, 2021. Now it seems controversy has followed the man to grave. A BBC expose has former church members accusing the pastor of all sorts of wrongdoing. by Tom Osanjo
2024 Presidential Election: Everything You Need To Know About The Candidates
Former President Donald Trump won Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary — dealing a major blow to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and putting him closer to securing the Republican nomination. by Clemente Lisi
‘Life In The Negative World’ Establishes A Sober Framework For A Post-Christian America
(REVIEW) The book establishes a sober and compelling framework for living in a changing world for American Christians that deserves to be read and wrestled with for anyone who wants to understand the age we live in. by Joseph Holmes
⛪️ How Plug-In's Columnist Got His Start On The Godbeat, Plus Big News On 'Nones' 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. features a retrospective from his 25 years on the Godbeat. Plus, a major new study on ‘nones’ — and, as always, all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
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