Reza Aslan’s “Believer” and the Hazy Line Between Education and Entertainment
America’s Eloise Blondiau critiques author Reza Aslan’s new show “Believer,” for its unscholarly and narrow approach. Blondiau writes that the show “sees Aslan leave his perch as scholar of Abrahamic religions and wade (sometimes literally) into religious communities beyond his area of expertise—such as Vodou and Scientology—as a kind of religious tourist.” Blondiau points out, “Aslan’s attempt to elucidate large faith traditions by spending his time with niche communities can be misleading.”