FLANNERY O’CONNOR’S WISE BLOOD

Here’s how this week’s arts and culture column begins:

“Fitness entrepreneurs” Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler co-founded Soulcycle, a chain of chi-chi Manhattan-based gyms whose aim is to sculpt spirits as well as bodies.

In their new venture, Peoplehood, members will pay to participate in 60-minute “gathers,” facilitated by influencer-type guides.

“Connection should be its own product,” Rice explains. “We are modern medicine for the loneliness epidemic.”

I sympathize completely with any and all real spiritual hunger.

But I couldn’t help but think of “Wise Blood,” the 1952 novel by Catholic writer Flannery O’Connor.

READ THE WHOLE PIECE HERE.