Reading While Black

African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope

By: Esau McCaulley

Narrated by: Esau McCaulley

Growing up in the American South, Esau McCaulley knew firsthand the ongoing struggle between despair and hope that marks the lives of some in the African American context. A key element in the fight for hope, he discovered, has long been the practice of Bible reading and interpretation that comes out of traditional Black churches. This ecclesial tradition is often disregarded or viewed with suspicion by much of the wider church and academy, but it has something vital to say.

At a time in which some within the African American community are questioning the place of the Christian faith in the struggle for justice, New Testament scholar McCaulley argues that reading Scripture from the perspective of Black church tradition is invaluable for connecting with a rich faith history and addressing the urgent issues of our times.

He advocates for a model of interpretation that involves an ongoing conversation between the collective Black experience and the Bible, in which the particular questions coming out of Black communities are given pride of place and the Bible is given space to respond by affirming, challenging, and, at times, reshaping Black concerns. McCaulley demonstrates this model with studies on how Scripture speaks to topics often overlooked by white interpreters, such as ethnicity, political protest, policing, and slavery.

©2020 Esau D. McCaulley (P)2020 eChristian

Scripture Through A New Lens

Quick audiobook tip: For those struggling to hear the author clearly, try reducing playback speed to 0.9 and use earbuds. I did this and had no trouble understanding everything that was read.

This was an incredible look at scripture through the lens of the Black community. McCaully encourages the reader to see the bible as not only a beacon of hope for the Black community, but he also uses history and scriptural evidence to debunk the popular yet deeply incorrect notion that Christianity is just a euro/white religion. I loved this in-depth analysis of biblical history, maps and theology that show the magnificent hope and inheritance that God has woven into the Black community and African nations.

While I was not the intended audience for this book, I learned a lot and I think that everyone can benefit from a read through of Reading While Black.

Intensely Insightful

Liked the delivery, study, and body of information delivered. Eye opening and satisfying to the reader that’s willing to understand the plight of African American as it pertains to belief/stance on Biblical truth and identity within the narrative. Well done.

A much needed different perspective

This book is thought provoking and I am forced to think about how I approach my perspective on the broader community as it will be in heaven while I am here on earth. I recommend this book to all white Christians.

Beautiful theology

Dr. McCaulley is a gentle and compassionate guide through the world of Black American Christianity. There are places for the reader of any background to connect and join the conversation. Delightful work.

Superb book

Finally. The African ecclesiology al tradition has need biblical, holistic, integral, oriented to justice and supernatural from the beginning.
It is essential to study it in order to overcome the false dichotomies in the white fundamentalist/evangelical vs liberal/progressive white churches. We also needed this book to affirm our won tradition. I wanted more p, but this is an excellent introduction,

Great read

This book really sets your mind up to want to do research on African American Biblical literature. I loved it. I especially loved the way he went from scripture to experience.

Thankful for the opportunity to listen

As the title suggests, Reading While Black, was not written for me, a white woman, but I am so thankful to Esau for writing down this portion of the conversation regarding Black interpretation so I could listen in and learn.

Excellent points with sound Scriptural basis

The only thing I would ask to improve this listening experience would be to have some of the theological terms defined in the written summary, as many Christian’s may not be familiar with them.

I appreciate the author being the narrator. It is meaningful to have Esau’s voice, inflection, and emphases where he intended them.

As a white woman who came to Christ in her 30’s, I greatly appreciate the insight this book gave. It opened my eyes and heart in unexpected ways. I plan recommended it to a number of friends and family.

Very informative

Good book with important information. A must read. I learned a lot from reading this book

Very Helpful in Growing My Understanding

The black ecclesial interpretation of the Bible as addressed in the book has been eye-opening. I am in awe of God's unique redemptive work through this book. I love that the author narrated the book. He was a little bit fast, so I slowed the speed to .90×.