Believer with Reza Aslan Season 1 Episode 5 Santa Muerte in Mexico City

Believer with Reza Aslan, a six-episode documentary series, explores the world's different religions and their impact on individuals and societies. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Santa Muerte in Mexico City," Aslan dives into the underworld of the cult of Santa Muerte, a death saint who is worshipped in Mexico and parts of the United States.

Aslan, a religion scholar and author, travels to Mexico City to understand the significance and meaning of Santa Muerte for its followers in the city, who call it their patron saint. He interviews the devotees of Santa Muerte and its detractors, as well as the academics who have studied the phenomena.

Aslan begins by exploring the history of the cult of Santa Muerte. He learns that Santa Muerte's roots are in the Aztec goddess of death, Mictecacíhuatl, and how the Catholic Church attempted to destroy it by classifying it as Satanism. Santa Muerte, however, continued to be worshipped by those who believed that it had the power to grant miracles and protect them from danger.

Aslan visits a barrio in Mexico City where Santa Muerte is heavily worshipped. He meets with a reformed gangster, who tells him how he was saved from a life of crime and drugs by Santa Muerte. The former gangster now runs a chapel dedicated to the saint, where she is worshipped by those who seek her protection.

Aslan also meets with members of the Mexican government who are concerned about the rising influence of Santa Muerte. They believe that the cult is being used by drug cartels and other criminal organizations to gain power and control over communities.

Aslan interviews academics who have studied Santa Muerte and its influence. He learns that Santa Muerte is not a monolithic cult but rather has a diverse range of interpretations and practices. Some see her as a saint who protects the vulnerable, while others view her as a dangerous force that can be used for evil.

Overall, Believer with Reza Aslan season 1 episode 5 offers an insightful exploration of the cult of Santa Muerte and its significance for its followers in Mexico City. Aslan approaches the subject with empathy and curiosity, taking viewers on a journey that deepens their understanding of the complex religious and social forces at play.