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.

GREAT FOR SMALL GROUPS: We’ve got news about two books guaranteed to spark spirited discussion. Part 1: Excerpt of Philip Gulley’s “If the Church Were Christian.” Part 2: Excerpt of Philip Jenkins’ “Jesus Wars.” Part 3: Gulley interview. Part 4: Jenkins interview.

FAITH AND AGING: What is “America’s Best Theologian” trying to say!?! Does he hate the Sunshine State? In Part 3 of our interviews with Stanley Hauerwas, he talks about the importance of keeping our wises friends within our communities.

PRAYER FOR OUR NATURAL WORLD: Poet and preacher Ken Sehested from Ashville, North Carolina, offers this special prayer, “Poisoned Sea; Impoverished Soul,” for anyone who cares about our oil-stained waters.

A HOPEFUL CHORUS of “good news” echoes across religious and ethnic communities in southeast Michigan with the launch of a new online magazine and book, “Friendship and Faith.” Read the news about the book launch.

NEW in Sharing Islam Magazine: Understanding movements among the world’s 1 billion Musllims is key to resolving violent conflict in several continents. ReadTheSpirit’s in-depth interview with Dr. John Esposito explores provocative conclusions in his new book, “The Future of Islam.”