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.

When disaster strikes, what should Christians do? Esau sits down with Jamie Aten, a disaster relief expert, and the Blanchard Chair of Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. They talk about the devastating wildfires in California, how climate change and policy decisions are making disasters worse, and why churches play a crucial role in relief efforts.   List of Ways to Contribute: https://www.holypost.com/post/ways-to-contribute-to-la-fire-relief

What happens when a Korean drama holds up a mirror to the world? Esau sits down with Cultural Critic, Rebecca Sun to talk about Squid Game—the Netflix phenomenon that just released its second season. Esau and Rebecca break down how the show’s brutal, beautifully shot narrative forces us to wrestle with big questions: What is the show actually saying about capitalism? What happens when art critiques its own existence? And what does Squid Game’s creator really want us to take away from all the chaos?   Rebecca Sun's Articles: There’s a Reason ‘Squid Game’ Hit a Global Nerve” https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/04/opinion/squid-game-season-2-essential-twist.html ‘Squid Game’ Returns: Inside Netflix’s Darker, Terrifyingly Relevant Season 2: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/squid-game-season-two-creator-lee-jung-jae-interview-1236058780/  

Denzel Washington was recently baptized and now believes he's been called to ministry. How does he compare to other celebrity Christians and do we expect too much, or not enough from the most famous believers? Also, Esau talks about a recent CT article on family estrangement drawing from his own personal experience. How do we follow the commandment to honor our mother and father when we are cut off from them?   Christianity Today article on Estrangement: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/11/estrangement-parents-love-carrie-mckean/

Esau is joined by Justin Giboney and Tish Harrison Warren to look back at the major religious, cultural, and political stories of 2024. From the impact of the election and the rise of AI in churches to surprising shifts in church demographics and the ongoing challenges of political polarization, the conversation dives deep into what shaped the church this year.