Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s

Co-presenters of the podcast “Plaid Skirts and Basic Black” Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt have written what might appear on the surface to be frivolous book, but which in reality is a remarkably modern and important study of the 21st century Black religious experience, taking in issues of racism, diversity and tolerance, particularly from a female perspective.
Naturally I was attracted to this book by the very quirky title, but I was fully aware that this was a book about religion. Although I am not a religious person, and this kind of book is normally far out of my comfort zone, but Marcia and Shannon are two very articulate ladies making this book a joy to read.
Referring to themselves as Black Catholic, a reference not to their race but to their rich culture, there is a concise section exploring the history and genesis of the term. And, of course, the relative merits of pre- and post-weight gain Luther Vandross are debated and dissected, although this is not a trivial discussion, but rather one that aims to teach us much about remembering the past.
The chapters feature stories from the authors’ lives, and at the end of each one are “reflection questions” relating to the chapter’s content; thought-provoking stuff to generate further discussion. Topics covered include soul-food, Black music, religious holidays such as Christmas and Advent, baptism and more, all discussed in Marcia and Shannon’s friendly and accessible way.
“Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s” is a fun, timely and inspiring triumph, which should give even the staunchest non-believer pause for thought.

This book is a brilliant use of the liturgical year to bring readers into a wholly Catholic AND wholly Black AND wholly female experience, imagining what the church can be for all people. It doesn’t try to convince the reader to change their mind about what they might think about Black people in the church; it simply bears witness to experience, reminding Catholics and Christians of other denominations what is already true about our faith and asking us to consider how this should shape our response to people from different cultures and backgrounds who also worship Jesus as Savior and Lord. A beautiful primer on Catholic social teaching and Black culture and womanhood in the Church. I’m Immediately sending a recommendation to all my Catholic friends—they need these women. That’s the point really. We are all necessary members of the body, and that means the body of Christ will be necessarily but multi colored, multiethnic, multicultural. it’s especially important that Shannon and Marcia’s stories are told, because they have the stories we’ve been neglecting in favor of a Eurocentric Faith that demands uniformity in sacrifice of the beautiful diversity God has made.

Funny, wise, insightful, heartfelt, inclusive, challenging, vulnerable, unique. . . just a few words that describe this book! When I finished reading, I felt inspired to bring my whole, authentic self to the Church, and now have a better understanding of how to help others do the same. Shannon and Marcia have written a timely, faithful and enjoyable book for anyone who wants to know better so they can do better. Both informative and inspiring, Fat Luther, Slim Pickin's walks the reader through the liturgical year. As with any year in the life of the Church, it's a journey with the Lord and it would be hard to finish this book the same person as when you started.
With solid scriptural understanding and church teachings, poignant personal stories, helpful explanations of Black culture and history, and holy companions as examples, Shannon and Marcia offer a way forward for us as individuals and for the Church.

Sometimes I feel discouraged that as a white mom in the middle of raising my kids in the suburban Midwest there is not much I can do personally to heal the divisions I see in America or in our Church. After reading this book, I feel hopeful. I will start where I am, with what I have, with the work that is in front of me. I pray that many others will pick up this book and both feel seen and see more clearly. This is the right book at the right time, and I am grateful to Ave Maria press for publishing it, and to Shannon and Marcia for sharing their wisdom, their experiences and their honest selves so generously in this book.

Every so often, I read a book that offers a spiritual perspective that is so unique it is striking. I had that experience as I pondered Fat Luther, Slim Pickin's: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity.

The tone is conversational and engaging. Authors Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt offer inspiration and encouragement as they describe their experiences as people of color in the Catholic Church. The authors have created a work that is both inviting and challenging and is a thorough delight to read and relish.

This book is a much-needed resource to promote inclusivity and engagement within the Church. In short, it is an important, insightful book for a time such as this.