TV sports analyst Chris Broussard uses hoops and Christianity to make the world a better place
Plus other headlines in the world of religion
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Chris Broussard, basketball analyst on Fox Sports, is a passionate man. He’s passionate about combating racism, basketball — and his devout Christian faith. Broussard is an expert on his passions, and he’s a charismatic and successful presence on air about all things basketball.
All in all, he’s a great example of a Christian thriving in secular spaces.
In today’s top story, senior contributor Clemente Lisi interviews Broussard about his career, his passions and his faith. Make sure you check out their full conversation on our podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and our website.
See you next week! If you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
Fox Sports’ Chris Broussard Uses Hoops And Christianity To Address Needs Of Young Men
by Clemente Lisi
In Georgia County With History Of Racial Violence, Christians Seek Unity by Bobby Ross Jr.
A Forsyth County historical marker erected just last year recounts the 1912 lynching of Rob Edwards, a 24-year-old Black man accused of raping and murdering a young White woman. More than a century later, about 600 Christians — Black, White and Hispanic — filled the pews of the Grace Chapel Church of Christ for a special unity service.
Masked Soldiers Seize Pastor And Wife In Russian-Occupied Mariupol, Ukraine by Felix Corley
Church members and relatives have been unable to find out who is holding Council of Churches Baptist Pastor Leonid Ponomaryov and his wife Tatyana, where and why. Armed and masked men in military uniform seized them on Sept. 21 from their home in Russian-occupied Mariupol. Neighbors “distinctly heard groans and cries” as the masked men took them away “in an unknown direction,” local Baptists said.
Native Americans’ Struggle For Control Over Sacred Lands Is Making Progress by Rosalyn R. LaPier
(ANALYSIS) Mauna Kea, a 13,802-foot dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii, is one example. The mountain is managed as public land by the state of Hawaii. Native Hawaiians have protested the state’s management of Mauna Kea for decades, saying Hawaii has allowed too many research buildings on their sacred mountain, which disrupts their ability to practice their religion.
Bloomberg: Surge In Giving To Donor Advised Funds Helps Wealthy, Not Poor by Steve Rabey
Bloomberg’s bottom line: “A small but growing number of wealthy Americans (have) discovered how to bypass rules designed more than a half-century ago to ensure philanthropists stay accountable for the billions of dollars in tax breaks they receive each year.”
Kenyan President William Ruto Criticized For Favoring Pentecostal Christians by Tom Osanjo
Following a historic election, William Ruto took the oath of office as Kenya’s fifth president. Ruto is known for being a man who values prayer and brought Pentecostal zeal to his political campaign. But some citizens are concerned that he may turn Kenya into a theocracy.
Feds Aim To Stop Violence At Houses Of Worship With Faith-Based Council by Tom Campisi
The recent establishment of the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council and a call for Congress to appropriate additional funding to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program highlighted the federal government’s focus on security and anti-terrorism initiatives for churches, mosques, synagogues and other religious institutions.
Documentary On Sexual Abuse Allegations At Christian Camp Kanakuk Wins Emmy by Kim Roberts
A documentary made by VICE News about the alleged sexual abuse cases at Kanakuk camps in southwest Missouri won a 2022 Emmy award for “Outstanding Hard News Feature Story: Long Form.” The 17-minute film, “A Christian Summer Camp’s History of Abuse,” features interviews with survivors and gives details about litigation and settlements that have occurred.
How Discipline And Devotion Played A Role In Fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Dominance by Leocciano Callao
Boasting a flawless 29-0 record, Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov notched eight wins by knockout and 11 others via submission during a 12-year pro career. But his story goes far beyond his dominance in the octagon. Throughout his career, Nurmagomedov has shown how important discipline, faith and family can be for a pro fighter.
Modi Government’s Ban Of Controversial Muslim Organization Popular Front Of India Worries Critics by Shadab Farooq
The Indian government banned one of the country’s top Muslim organizations for at least five years, claiming the Popular Front of India has links to terrorists. Critics of the government have two main concerns: The proof that the PFI has participated in terrorist activities is unclear, and the government does not appear to be similarly motivated to investigate Hindu extremist organizations that have participated in or instigated violence.
Former WWE's Million Dollar Man Hasn’t Repaid Welfare Funds Misused By Ministry by Steve Rabey
A years-long Mississippi scandal ended up giving $77 million to $94 million in welfare funds to nonprofits, which doled out the money to friends and family members who weren’t qualified to receive it and who never delivered the work they were contracted to do.
Opinion
Big Week In Religion News: From Loretta Lynn To Aaron Judge, 9 Names To Know
In Friday’s Weekend Plug-In column, Bobby Ross Jr. covers a busy week for religion news by highlighting nine names to know. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column early on Fridays for only $5 a month. Click the button below to subscribe!
6 Virtues Christians Ought To Promote by Paul Prather
Faith, Family And The Dropping Number Of Marriages (Part II) by Terry Mattingly
Don’t miss our latest podcast
Chris Broussard talks about faith, basketball and seeking Jesus
In this podcast, Chris Broussard of Fox Sports works as an NBA analyst who is passionate about basketball. He’s also passionate about being a Christian, helping Black youth, combating racism and making the world a better place. He sounds like a preacher, someone who oozes passion. There aren’t too many people out there who could speak with ease about God, Jesus and St. Paul one minute, then pivot and wax on about Michael Jordan, Lebron James and who’s the best dunker in NBA history. But it’s Broussard’s love for Christ — and his commitment to Bible teachings — that makes him a great spokesman for Christians who work in secular environments. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
Why Some Religious People Still Refuse To Celebrate Halloween by Kate Nicholl
Halloween came to America in the early 19th Century, but gained popularity when the Irish immigrated to America during the Potato Famine. They brought along their Halloween traditions of dressing up and trick-or-treating. Today, the holiday has evolved quite a bit.
Season 3 Of Muslim Comedy ‘Ramy’ Gives Viewers A ‘Spiritual Discretion’ Warning — Here’s Why by Jillian Cheney
(REVIEW) Since its first season, Hulu comedy “Ramy” has been devoted to providing a genuine look at Islam and American Muslim culture. One episode of its latest season discusses the existence of polygamy in Islam, a sensitive topic that the show handles incredibly well.
Thanks again for reading!
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