Podcast

Viral Jesus

Courtesy of Esau McCaulley

Esau McCaulley: ‘Jesus Is the Star of Our Show, Not Just a Solution to Our Problems’

The “Reading While Black” author on the fleeting nature of social media popularity and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of the work.

This bonus episode of Viral Jesus features Esau McCaulley, author of the bestselling book Reading While Black. Esau is a prolific writer, theologian, and assistant professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Illinois.

Heather and Esau discuss Black interpretation of Scripture, social media popularity, and the importance of bringing personal integrity to your creative process. (This chat is a continuation of Esau’s earlier conversation with Heather from Episode One.) You can find Esau active on Twitter @esaumccaulley.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper

Our Latest

Threatening Profound Evil Trivializes That Evil

Justin R. Hawkins

President Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth speak often of Christianity—but they seem to have no interest in its vision for just warfare.

The Iranian Church Persists

David Yeghnazar

Amid war, some Christians are evangelizing, preparing food for neighbors, and displaying other acts of generosity.

The Bulletin

Trump Threatens Iran, Artemis II Returns, and Anthropic’s AI Triggers Fear

Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Trump kills conservatism, astronauts head home, and Claude Mythos Preview deemed too dangerous for public consumption.

Review

Are Christians Rude Dinner Guests?

Three books on politics and public life about the common good, ISIS brides, and Ronald Reagan.

News

The Mississippi Farmer Who Helped Resettle 150 Ukrainian Families

Hannah Herrera

As the US makes it more difficult for refugees to stay, Rodney Mast and his church community are rallying around their new friends.

Analysis

Two States Test a New Pro-Life Law

Pro-lifers have just won legislative victories to restrict abortion pills in South Dakota and Mississippi. But will the laws work?

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Dr. Bernice King: The Truth About Nonviolence

Calling the Church to lead with clarity anchored in love.

News

Nigeria Prosecutes Suspects of 2025 Christian Massacre

Emiene Erameh

Survivors hope for justice in the trial of nine men accused of the slaughter of about 150 Christians in Benue state.

addApple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseellipseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squarefolderGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintremoveRSSRSSSaveSavesaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube