The Esau McCaulley Podcast

The Democrats' historic midterm victories have created a new political landscape, but what role should the Black Church play in shaping what comes next? In a special crossover episode with the Church Politics Podcast, Esau is joined by Justin Giboney and Christopher Butler to discuss the power of the Black vote, the dangers of political loyalty, and why Christians must hold elected officials accountable even when they're on the same side. They also explore the rise of the religious left, whether it can avoid the mistakes of the religious right, and how the Black Church can maintain its theological convictions while engaging in politics. Can Christians influence their political parties without allowing those parties to define their faith?
 
0:00 - Theme Song
 
1:09 - The Midterms' Swing
 
4:36 - Gerrymandering Backfired
 
15:29 - Inspiring Without Fear
 
17:37 - "Mickey Mouse" Politics
 
24:00 - Sponsor  With & For - The With & For podcast bridges psychology and spiritual wisdom to help you thrive, hosted by developmental psychologist and ordained minister Dr. Pam King. Check it out now! https://pod.link/1712333330
 
25:36 - How the Black Church Can Lead
 
35:50 - Two Democratic Parties
 
56:09 - End Credits

Democrats scored major victories in the midterm elections, but will a shift in political power change how Christians engage with politics? Esau, Mike, and Tish Harrison Warren discuss what the results mean for the church and why Christians must be willing to challenge the politicians they agree with, not just the ones they oppose. They explore the dangers of political loyalty, the limits of partisan victories, and what it means to maintain a faithful Christian witness regardless of who holds power. Then, why are more churches trading megachurch aesthetics for stained glass, traditional architecture, and ancient worship practices? Is this a genuine rediscovery of beauty or just another evangelical trend? Plus, Tish has some exciting news about her future with Holy Post Media!
 
0:00 - Theme Song
 
0:24 - The New Holy Post Team Member!
 
3:00 - The Blue Wave
 
13:20 - Voting and Compromise
 
24:55 - "Sam's Club Mega Church"
 
31:42 - Pragmatism in Big Churches
 
42:42 - Liturgy is Trendy
 
50:06 - End Credit
 
Tish Harrison Warren on the Blue Wave:
https://holypost.substack.com/p/4e4789bb-f63c-4eb0-ab2b-ddc544146bb2
 
 
Christianity Today on "Sam's Club Megachurches": https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/10/churchy-church-architecture/

Former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz is back in the spotlight with a new book about surviving infidelity, but should some sins permanently disqualify a pastor from ministry? Esau, Malcolm, and Mike discuss the difference between forgiveness and restoration, the dangers of celebrity pastors, and the Christian publishing industry's role in rehabilitating fallen leaders. Then, President Trump has developed a strange new obsession with people's backsides, and a Republican candidate in Ohio has released a political ad that takes dirty campaigning to a whole new level. What happens when Christians become so committed to political victories that they abandon their moral convictions? And is there any bottom left for American politics to hit?
 
0:00 - Theme Song
 
1:35 - Carl Lentz and Abuse of Power
 
7:20 - Monetizing Infidelity?
 
35:36 - Sponsor - World Relief - World Relief's newest guide, Beyond the Ballot, was designed to equip you with relevant facts, tools and resources to engage immigration and displacement issues with understanding, compassion and courage: https://worldrelief.org/holypost
 
36:53 - Vivek Ramaswamy Ad Controversy
 
49:25 - End Credits
 
Articles Covered:
Carl Lentz:
https://www.wsj.com/style/hillsong-carl-laura-lentz-book-22fa7c1d
 
Trump's Inappropriate Comments:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/25/trump-nicki-minaj-mike-rogers-michigan-rally
 
Article on Vivek Ramaswamy's Ad:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/24/us/politics/vivek-ramaswamy-ad-ohio-amy-acton.html

Power can be dangerous, especially when the people who have it don't realize just how much they wield. Sharon Miller joins Esau and Mike to discuss Kelly Clarkson's bizarre feud with a Brooklyn toy store and what it reveals about the blind spots of powerful people. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is pouring millions into the midterm elections, raising troubling questions about the influence of wealth, racism, and the issues Christians are willing to overlook for political victories. And as protests turn violent in France, are older generations protecting their own interests at the expense of the young? Plus, should Christians be worried about people turning to AI for spiritual advice, and what can a grieving mathematician teach us about the meaning of life?
 
0:00 - Theme Song
 
3:13 - Kelly and the Toy Bird
 
9:06 - Oblivious Powerful People
 
26:30 - Sponsor: The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106
 
27:48 - France's Student Riots
 
38:41 - A.I. and Preaching
 
49:31 - End Credits
 
AI Mathematician on The Meaning of Life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfGenpmOjDQ
 
The Economist on AI and Religion:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/slFPKBdE8-Y

How can Christians have difficult conversations about faith without turning every disagreement into an argument? Christian hip-hop artist and apologist Emmanuel "Da Truth" Lambert joins Esau to discuss his new book, Forgive Me If I Was Rude, and why defending Christianity requires more than having the right answers. They explore the difference between winning arguments and reaching people, the importance of understanding someone's doubts and experiences, and why the gospel is bigger than many Christians realize. Plus, how should Christians respond to criticism of the church, and why do so many of us abandon kindness when we get on social media?
 
0:00 - Theme Song
 
0:56 - Forgive Me if I was Rude
 
6:02 - Deconstruction
 
16:52 - Responding to Those Questioning Christianity
 
23:34 - Sponsor - Church at the Crossroads - Esau shares about Church at the Crossroads, a conference hosted by Palestinian Christians in Atlanta, November 5–7. The gathering offers an opportunity to meet and learn from Palestinian pastors and Christian leaders, join in worship, and enjoy Palestinian food and cultural experiences, with time for conversation and fellowship. Use code ESAU for 20% off. Register at www.churchatthecrossroads.com/atlanta
 
24:47 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - For a quality mattress, go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com and use promo code ESAU to get 30% off site wide!
 
25:47 - Sponsor - The Subtext - Want to see pop-culture through the lens of faith and ethics? We've got a podcast you need to check out: https://pod.link/1835471106
 
27:06 - Respond to the Culture
 
43:50 - Convergence of All Time
 
58:48 - End Credits
 
Forgive Me If I Was Rude: The Art of Having Complicated Faith-Based Conversations by Emmanuel Lambert: https://amzn.to/4ztEI1L