Watch John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer

In 2021, Netflix released a series titled John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer. The show followed the disturbing and shocking story of Joao Teixeira de Faria, also known as John of God, a self-proclaimed spiritual healer from Brazil. Although he had a vast following of devoted believers who claimed he had miraculous healing powers and could cure any illness or disease, John of God was accused of sexually abusing hundreds of women he had supposedly healed over several decades.

The series delves into the life and career of John of God, from his humble beginnings as a farmer to his rise as one of the most influential spiritual healers in Brazil, with a vast global following. His methods, which included performing surgeries without anesthesia and prescribing bizarre remedies, were controversial, but that didn't stop thousands of people from seeking his help.

However, things took a dark turn when allegations of sexual abuse, rape, and other heinous crimes against women came to light in 2018. The show explores the testimonies of some of these women who have filed complaints against him and the actions taken by authorities to bring him to justice.

The documentary blends interviews with victims, prosecutors, journalists, and John of God's followers to present a comprehensive and chilling look into the terrible crimes committed by this self-aggrandizing figure. The show doesn't hold back in exposing the darker side of John of God, from his cult-like tactics to allegations of human trafficking and the exploitation of the vulnerable, including children.

John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer also addresses the larger issue of how charlatans like him, who prey on the desperation and vulnerability of people searching for a cure, can gain power and followers. The show raises questions about the role of faith, spirituality, and religion in society, and how they can be manipulated for personal gain.

The series offers insights into the complex legal battle John of God faced and the charges levied against him. Despite all the evidence against him, he maintained his innocence throughout and claimed that he was being set up as part of a conspiracy. Still, he was convicted in 2019 and is currently serving a 63-year sentence in a Brazilian jail.

John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer is a gripping and harrowing exploration of the dark side of spirituality and the dangerous consequences of blind faith. The show is not for the faint-hearted, as it includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence, but it's a necessary watch for anyone interested in the complicated interplay between religion, power, and exploitation. It shines a light on the harm that can be caused by spiritual leaders who use their influence to manipulate and abuse their followers and the need for justice and accountability in such cases.

Overall, John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer is a well-researched and moving documentary that lays bare the abuses committed by this self-proclaimed healer and exposes the flaws in the system that allowed him to operate for so long. It is a timely reminder that even those claiming to have the best intentions can cause immense harm and should be scrutinized carefully.

John of God: The Crimes of a Spiritual Healer is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between August 25, 2021 and on Netflix