Here’s my February 11 newsletter. To receive my latest articles, favorite religion reads and other updates in your inbox each Saturday, sign-up here. 

I attended two Zumba classes at my gym this week for the first time in a long time. If you’re unfamiliar with this particular sweat-inducing adventure, it involves shaking your hips and moving around in rhythm with Latin music. I’m absolutely terrible at it, and, for this reason, I consider each Zumba class as both a good exercise opportunity and a great way to laugh at myself.

My professional life is moving quickly these days. I’m writing more articles than ever before and being invited to speak about my work with local students. It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and start to feel like I can do no wrong. An embarrassing gym experience (in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror) was just what the doctor ordered for my swelling ego.

The Zumba classes this week were no exception to the general trend: I was out-danced by a pregnant woman in one and mocked by a pair of preteen onlookers during another. But I drove home afterwards feeling like myself again — rejuvenated and back in tune.

FRESH OFF THE PRESS FROM ME

Religion and romance: Why spiritual compatibility matters in relationships

Blessing ceremony makes space for the sacred at the Capitol

TOP RELIGION READS

Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to Christianity? The Atlantic

Steve Bannon carries battles to another influential hub: The Vatican, The New York Times

Fostering virtual faith: Online church seeks believers where they are, The Baltimore Sun

Our part in the darkness, The New Yorker

JUST FOR FUN

An Escape Room company in Branson, Missouri, will soon launch two Bible-themed adventures, based on King Herod’s hunt for baby Jesus and the imprisonment of Paul and Silas. Are your scripture skills up to the challenge?