TOP ARTICLE: Boston University’s Stephen Prothero takes us around the world with his remarkable new book on religion—including a tour of the Yoruba faith. Never heard of it? Read today’s interview with Prothero.

FriendshipAndFaith.Com: Our newest story comes from Sofia Begg Latif, a Muslim American woman writing about how diversity within her own family shaped her life in positive, creative ways.

TODAY’S TOP ARTICLE: Our series with “America’s Best Theologian” …
Part 1: Meeting “Hannah’s Child.” Part 2: Faith that shapes the body.
Part 3: For the faithful, there is no “Florida.” Part 4: Facing evil in hope.

GREAT TO SPARK DISCUSSION: Two Oscar nominations (for writing and acting) indicate “The Messenger” is fresh and powerful. But there’s more. The release on DVD and Blu-ray coincides with news—and an upcoming “Global Spirit” broadcast, too.

FROM SPIRITUAL WANDERER: Rodney Curtis often makes readers laugh out loud, but today he writes about the turbulent waves tossing and turning so many of us. His words may be the shot in the arm you need right now. Flow along with him?

FriendshipAndFaith: Our weekly series of stories about cross-cultural friendship takes us to India! You’ll love this story by Shahina Begg, describing how—as a young woman—she dared to circle the world to make new friends within her own family.

EXPLORE HEAVEN: Meet Newsweek magazine religion editor Lisa Miller as we talk about Americans’ growing belief in heaven—and explore our widely different visions of that afterlife.