Presence has a profound impact on our lives. So does its opposite—absence.

On this episode of Being Human, Steve Cross welcomes author, professor, and public theologian Esau McCaulley. McCaulley’s book Reading While Black is dedicated to his father, which may lead people to believe that they had a close relationship. But, McCaulley says that dedication was his way of declaring, “I forgive you.” 

During their conversation, Cross and McCaulley talk about how the absence of paternal love can shape a child. They discuss how McCaulley’s childhood affects his parenting, the role of humor in processing trauma, and the power of memory. They talk about racism, shame, and the roots of dehumanization. And they consider the presence of God’s love and redemption.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Esau McCaulley
• Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCaulley
• How Far to the Promised Land: One Black Family's Story of Hope and Survival in the American South by Esau McCaulley
• The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary by Esau McCaulley
• Horatio Alger
• Marvin Williams
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller
• Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright
• The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton

“Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper

Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens

Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry

Theme song by Dan Phelps

Original Music by Andy Gullahorn

Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris

Graphic Design: Amy Jones

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices