The Esau McCaulley Podcast

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.

Emily McGowin, an associate professor of theology and co-pastor, and Timothy Larson, the McManus Chair of Christian Thought, dive into the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions. They explore the origins of beloved customs like the Christmas tree and the significance of cherished hymns. The duo highlights the importance of embracing all 12 days of Christmas, balancing joy and sorrow in celebrations, and reflecting on the theological roots linking winter solstice to Christ's coming. Expect a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and deep theological insights!

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Vanhoozer, a research professor of systematic theology and author of 'Mere Christian Hermeneutics,' explores the essence of Bible reading and its impact on personal character. He highlights C.S. Lewis's influence on literary criticism and advocates for unity among diverse Protestant views. The conversation delves into the significance of context in interpretation and the importance of humility in approaching scripture. Ultimately, they emphasize fostering community-oriented reading practices that enrich spiritual growth.

Alissa Wilkinson, a New York Times film critic renowned for her keen insights, discusses her journey into film critique and reveals her top movie picks for 2024. The conversation spans the cultural impact of cinematic storytelling and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in blockbuster filmmaking. They explore faith themes in horror films, examining how they illuminate belief and doubt. Plus, Alissa shares cherished Christmas movie memories, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt reflection on what makes these films resonate.

Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, a leading biblical scholar and author of The Mary We Forgot, joins the discussion to debunk longstanding misconceptions about Mary Magdalene. They explore her vital role as an apostle and model disciple, challenging the myths that have historically overshadowed her significance. The conversation also tackles women's contributions to ministry, the importance of retrieving overlooked stories in church history, and the intriguing dynamics of spiritual warfare. This rich dialogue invites a reevaluation of how we view both Mary and women's roles in faith.