The Heterotopic Theology of Santo Daime
International Journal of Public Theology January 12, 2026 Amanda Juliane Vicentini, Rudolf von Sinner
Santo Daime, a religion from the Amazon rainforest centered on the ritual use of ayahuasca as an entheogen, offers resources for rethinking theology. The article argues for a heterotopic theology that moves beyond homogenizing Christian doctrine, drawing on Santo Daime's hymns, spiritual experiences, and its role in addressing depression and addiction. Combining Amazonian shamanism and popular Christianity, the religion supports a public, Amazonian theology that opens to diverse ways of doing theology.