Believer with Reza Aslan

Believer with Reza Aslan from CNN in 2017 is a riveting exploration of various faith-based groups worldwide, their cultures, rituals, and communities, through the seasoned lens of religious scholar Reza Aslan. Presented personally and proficiently by Aslan, the show engages with facets of religion that often seem unfamiliar, unapproachable, or contentious to the casual observer. This thought-provoking series adopts a daring lens on religion, offering a deep dive into the spiritual routines and rituals of sects across the globe.

The show is not restricted to traditionally mainstream religions, but it endeavors to explore niches and fringe communities too. It's a profound exploration of understanding the belief systems that have shaped humanity's individual and collective identity for years. Over each episode, Aslan immerses himself in the faith practices that guide people's lives in corners of the world that many of us may know nothing about.

Each episode of Believer with Reza Aslan introduces a new faith-based group, exploring their religious practices, cultural contexts, histories, and contributions to the world. The series sees Aslan participating alongside his hosts, trying to comprehend religious identities, and deconstructing misunderstood or lesser-known faith structures. The show doesn’t shy away from contentious issues within these groups but presents them in a balanced, respectful, and often affectionate light, approaching each topic with an open mind.

From exploring doomsday cults in Hawaii to delving into the festivities of ultra-Orthodox Judaism in Israel, the show paints a comprehensive and nuanced image of religions worldwide. Some of the other key moments include deciphering the Santa Muerte cult in Mexico, unraveling the Agori sect in India, and contemplatively examining the mystical Sufi Islam practitioners in Pakistan.

The series provides a unique window into the spectrum of beliefs and faith through scholarly interpretations backed by comprehensive research. Still, it also maintains an empathetic human element, seeking to understand the intensity and passion of followers within their spiritual quest.

What makes Believer with Reza Aslan particularly compelling is Aslan's expert blend of intellectual curiosity and human empathy. Aslan, who holds a Masters in Theological studies, has written extensively on religion. His academic and personal passion for the subject is visible throughout the show as he doesn't shy away from asking difficult questions, challenging stereotypes, and confronting his own biases. Even as he remains intellectually detached, he doesn't refrain from diving experientially into the religious practices he studies.

More than anything else, the show stands out for its commitment to nuance and empathy. While the intention is not to homogenize or romanticize every religious tradition encountered, Aslan's series is a powerful reminder that even the most misunderstood, astonishing, or downright shocking belief systems have an internal logic and profundity for those who follow them. It aims to spotlight the beauty, enlighten the misconceptions, and reveal the common threads that underpin religious belief and the search for meaning across varying societies.

Throughout the show, Aslan clarifies that the point is not to compare religions or argue about which is better or worse, but to provide the viewer a sense of what it feels like to be part of these communities and to experience these religious practices from the inside. Instead of sensationalizing or demonizing, Believer with Reza Aslan encourages us to approach the unknown with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to learn.

By shifting the narrative from a discourse of 'us versus them' to a more inclusive 'we,' Believer with Reza Aslan communicates the importance of mutual understanding and respect among diverse faith practices. This groundbreaking CNN series seeks to break the barriers that often alienate one from another by deeply exploring faith, fostering understanding, and driving discussions towards shared human experiences. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in expanding their worldview and gaining a deeper understanding of the universal quest for spirituality and meaning.