In this conversation, Justin Giboney, an Esquire, and Tish Harrison Warren, an ordained minister, tackle the hot topic of the recent Target boycott led by Black church leaders. They dive into how this boycott reflects on Christians' views about money and the need for ethical spending. The duo discusses the challenges of maintaining faith in a convenience-driven society while advocating for mindful purchasing. They also touch on relatable pop culture moments, revealing how the Barbie movie connects to their themes. Plus, Esau shares a heart-wrenching sports moment!

Sarita Lyons is here to tell us about her book, Church Girl. She and Esau talk about her journey, from how she was pulled from her faith to what brought her back. She explains why she wrote a book specifically about being a Black Christian woman and why that specificity matters. And, this week in Holy Sports, should there be spaces where you can’t discuss race and politics? 0:00 - Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/ESAU 2:00 - Theme Song 3:31 - Are You Washed, Church Girl Edition 10:15 - Can You Separate Accomplishments from Race? 18:52 - Church Girl and Coming Back to Jesus 38:25 - Favorite chapter of Church Girl 47:53 - End Credits Church Girl: A Gospel Vision to Encourage and Challenge Black Christian Women by Sarita T. Lyons: https://a.co/d/5zt4gfM

LeBron James made headlines for confronting ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith after criticism of his son, Bronny. Esau and Malcolm Foley unpack the moment and ask: What’s a parent’s role in their child’s success, and when does helping become too much? They also explore the growing backlash against empathy and wrestle with how we should use power and privilege for the good of others. Plus, in our new “Freezing Cold Takes” segment, we admit seasonal depression is real… and maybe soccer is actually good?   0:34 - Show Begins   1:20 - Freezing Cold Takes   6:05 - Holy Sports   17:52 - The Sin of Empathy Book   26:27 - Is This a Real Problem?   38:45 - Our Moment of Cultural Shame   44:14 - End Credits

The internet has become an angry place, but how did it get here and is there any fixing it? Esau is joined by Hannah Anderson and Hannah King to unpack why everyone on the timeline seems ready to fight, how rage has become its own online currency, and whether we’re all just really, really lonely. Also, Esau may or may not have tried a social media experiment that has now turned into an ethical crisis.   Rolling Stones Article on Rage Bait: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/what-is-rage-bait-influencers-making-people-angry-1234976621/  

In this discussion, Justin Giboney, a prominent voice in Christian activism, and Tish Harrison Warren, an insightful theologian and author, dive into the shifting landscape of Christian leadership. They tackle the decline of traditional figures like Billy Graham and Tim Keller, the rise of social media influencers in faith, and the resurgence of young people returning to church. Their conversation also highlights the often unfair media portrayal of Christianity, while providing a hopeful outlook amid the chaos and uncertainty surrounding modern faith.

For too long, the history of Black Christianity in America has been told in incomplete or misleading ways. Esau sits down with theologian and author Walter Strickland to discuss his new book, Swing Low: A History of Black Christianity in the United States. They explore the theological foundations of the Black church, the overlooked figures who shaped its legacy, and why its story is about more than just politics. Swing Low, volume 1: A History of Black Christianity in the United States by Walter Strickland - https://a.co/d/0Q4YUJr   Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family - www.meetfabric.com/ESAU  

What really happened at the Council of Nicaea? Did Constantine force Christians to declare Jesus as God? Was the Bible invented there? And why does the Nicene Creed still matter today? Esau McCaulley sits down with Dr. George Kalantzis, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to clear up the biggest misconceptions about Nicaea, the divinity of Christ, and the role of the early church in shaping Christian belief. They also discuss why the early Romans thought Christianity was too "soft,"  and how the church resisted the empire.

Nancy French, wife of David French, and Jonathan Warren, husband of Tish Harrison Warren, share their experiences of love in the spotlight. They discuss the challenges of public scrutiny and the importance of emotional resilience in relationships. With humor, they reflect on their unexpected meeting moments and navigate the quirks of marriage. The duo dives into the cultural impact of romantic comedies, offering candid anecdotes and advice on commitment and sanity amidst internet trolls, all while sharing insights into faith and trust in partnerships.

Join historian Malcolm Foley, an expert on racial violence, as he dives into the complex ties between money and racism. He argues that greed, rather than just hate, fuels racial injustices, uncovering the economic motives behind historical lynchings. The conversation explores the church's potential for fostering true social engagement and challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of generosity and solidarity. With a nod to figures like Ida B. Wells and Frederick Douglass, it calls for a reexamination of how faith intersects with economic exploitation.

Jackie Hill Perry, a talented Christian artist, poet, and Bible teacher, reflects on her unique creative journey in music and poetry. She candidly discusses her decision to step away from music at its peak and the compelling reasons for her return. The conversation covers the tension between influence and integrity, the transformative power of hip-hop in discipleship, and her childhood memories within the Black church. Jackie also shares insights on navigating faith and creativity, including how she balances theological depth with artistic expression.