Season 2 has premiered on Netflix, and the series paints a fictional Argentina where the battle between absolute good and evil mirrors real political tensions in Latin America. The plot follows a rising evangelical pastor who negotiates power by aligning with a right‑wing program, portrayed by a notable actor. The creators note that religion and politics now blend more visibly, a trend many social scientists have warned about. Observers point to public pre‑campaign events, where conservative figures from Europe and elsewhere have shown growing affinity with religious voices in politics. The storyline reflects a broader concern about how evangelism and political ambition intersect in today’s societies.
Over the past decades, evangelical affiliation in Latin America has expanded dramatically. A contemporary estimate places believers among a much larger share of the population, with especially striking figures in several countries. In parts of Central America and the Andean region, church attendance and influence reach meaningful levels, while in large neighboring countries the church has wielded political influence during various administrations. Analysts note that the alliance between religious leaders and political movements can shape public policy and frame electoral debates. Observers also describe how some communities, particularly the poorest, have been strongly affected by these religious currents as they mobilize voters around moral and cultural issues. Candidates across parties have taken note, seeking votes from faith communities where the church has substantial reach and organized activity. [Citation: Latinobarómetro data, 2023–2024]
Chilean sociologist Marta Lagos, director of the Latinobarómetro, highlighted a trend where religious leaders reach out to individuals who feel alienated from traditional institutions. This shift has real consequences for elections, as politicians adjust strategies to engage these voters. The result is a broader conversation about how faith, identity, and public life intertwine in the region.
From Fujimori to Bolsonaro
The natural alignment between Pentecostal and other evangelical communities and conservative political forces has a long history. In the 1990s, certain evangelical groups supported Peru’s Alberto Fujimori, often in quiet and strategic ways. Today, church leaders are more outspoken, openly expressing their views about governance and public order. The same pattern appears in other countries, where evangelical blocs have played a visible role in campaigns and policy discussions. In some cases, presidents have drawn support from faith communities while also managing diverse political coalitions. Figures such as Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil became central examples of a religiously informed political ascent, and similar dynamics are observed in Guatemala with leaders like Jimmy Morales and his successor, Alejandro Giammattei. Other regional leaders have also navigated these alliances as they seek the presidency or influence within their parties.
In Argentina, local political figures have aligned with conservative religious networks to bolster credibility and mobilize voters. The team surrounding these campaigns frequently includes anti‑abortion advocates and voice‑makers who help articulate a platform grounded in faith and family values. At the same time, other nations have seen different trajectories, with faith groups participating in coalitions on the left or center to advance broader social agendas. The editorial landscape notes these shifts and observes how faith communities influence candidate selection, messaging, and alliance building.
The regional flow of religious influence also intersects with leadership changes at the national level. In some countries, evangelical organizations partnered with presidents who arrived from outside traditional party lines, while in others, faith groups joined forces with long‑standing political machines to consolidate power. The result is a politics where religious rhetoric often accompanies policy proposals and public discourse, shaping how voters evaluate candidates and how governments communicate with citizens.
an uncompromising agenda
Support from evangelical groups typically carries a package of non‑negotiable priorities, especially around issues of life and family. Even leaders who traverse multiple political terrains must respond to these core concerns if they want to maintain credibility with their faith base. This dynamic can create pressure on policy agendas and influence legislative priorities. At times the relationship between pastors and policymakers becomes a channel for shaping public policy, with pastors serving as important referents for constituents and as informal advisors to political teams.
Critics argue that the intertwining of religious authority and state power can erode trust in democratic institutions, particularly when faith leaders acquire disproportionate influence over decision making. Yet supporters contend that faith communities offer moral clarity and social cohesion in times of uncertainty. The rise of megachurches and large regional congregations in several countries underscores the scale of this influence. Notable leaders have turned religious platforms into powerful brands, expanding their reach beyond spiritual guidance into media, philanthropy, and political messaging. A prominent example is a religious network that grew from a modest start to become one of the region’s most recognizable institutions, frequently appearing in business and political rankings. [Citation: regional religious movements analysis, 2020–2024]
Overall, observers describe a landscape in which evangelical actors are not merely spectators but active participants in governance and electoral strategy. The interplay between religious conviction and political action continues to shape debates on rights, public morality, and the balance between individual freedom and collective values. The evolving story invites audiences to consider how faith communities influence leadership choices, the policy priorities of administrations, and the everyday lives of citizens across the region.