The Esau McCaulley Podcast Project Hail Mary and the Return of Optimism
Apr 2, 2026
Malcolm Foley, theologian and minister who reflects on liturgy and church life, joins the conversation. They unpack why Project Hail Mary’s hopeful storytelling resonates now. They debate whether talk of revival is real or a numbers-driven wish, probe how faithfulness differs from growth metrics, and offer pastoral reflections on Holy Week and repentance.
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Reading Harry Potter To Reclaim Childhood Joy
- Malcolm read the first Harry Potter book aloud to his two oldest kids and then resumed reading the series himself for joy.
- He used the shared childhood memory to reconnect with the books and deliberately schedule reading time.
Measure Revival By Christlikeness Not Headcount
- 'Revival' debates hinge on which metrics Christians use; raw attendance doesn't track spiritual fruit.
- Malcolm urges measuring Christlikeness—care for poor and immigrant—rather than app downloads or headcounts.
Politics And Culture Drive Religious Curiosity
- Cultural and political moments (COVID, politicized religion) spark renewed interest in faith, but attention can be motivated by money or politics.
- Esau notes Hollywood and cultural markets now court Christian consumers, and public debates about religion grew post-COVID and during elections.