Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation

In this powerful debut, Truth’s Table podcasters Edmondson, Higgins, and Uwan break down religion, relationships, and race from a Black female Christian perspective. Contending that “all theology is political” and all spirituality practical, the authors deliver a series of essays that draw on U.S. history, biblical interpretation, and personal anecdotes to address issues as varied as dating, family, resistance, and reparations. For example, Higgins explores “protest as spiritual practice,” arguing that racial justice protests affirm that the “people’s power was built in by God, not bestowed by the supremacy of one person over another.” Though the authors present a united voice, they benefit from the diversity of their experiences; Uwan contributes a chapter on being single, Edmondson on marriage, and Higgins on divorce. They also address the complex relationship between Christian forgiveness and justice, Blackness as a reflection of God’s image, and the false allure of “racial reconciliation.” The authors bounce between scholarly quotes and meme culture slang, providing a lively and at times heartrending reflection on faith, race, and gender. This translates the success of their podcast to the printed page to great effect. Agent: Chris Park, DeFiore and Co. (Apr.)