Esau McCaulley
New Testament scholar, author on biblical interpretation and race
Esau McCaulley is a contemporary New Testament scholar and theologian whose work focuses on biblical interpretation through the lens of African American religious experience. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and currently serves as an associate professor at Wheaton College in Illinois. McCaulley is best known for his book 'Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope,' which explores how Black communities have historically engaged with scripture as a source of liberation and resilience. His scholarship emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in biblical studies and challenges Eurocentric approaches to New Testament interpretation. Beyond academia, McCaulley has become a prominent public intellectual, contributing to major publications and speaking on topics ranging from faith and racial justice to Christian ethics. His work bridges the gap between academic theology and accessible religious discourse, making biblical scholarship relevant to contemporary conversations about identity, justice, and faith.
Arts & Literature
American
1980
Thinking about the name
Esau
Hebrew origin
“A biblical name derived from Hebrew, meaning 'hairy' or possibly 'red,' borne by the eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca in the Book of Genesis. Esau is a character of complex biblical legacy, known for trading his birthright for a bowl of lentils. The name carries profound scriptural significance and historical weight for religious families.”