The “Story of God with Morgan Freeman” features six episodes which examine the various religions of the world and their beliefs.
In the episode titled “Miracles,” Morgan Freeman explores Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism. He centers on miracles and shares the story of how, when he was 16 years old, he had pneumonia and was cured. When the doctor said it was a “miracle”, it made him wonder about the possibility of miracles. Several people share testimonies of miracles including a window cleaner who fell 47 stories after his cable snapped; he was hurt but did not die. Again, this man was told it was a miracle. His brother died, and he survived, which prompted the question, “Why my brother, and why did I survive?”
Freeman travels to Jerusalem and celebrates Passover with the Jewish people. The story of the plagues and the miracle of the Hebrews’ survival are examined. And in the next episode, “Creation”, the Big Bang Theory is discussed in comparison to the Genesis account of creation. Morgan travels to Cairo, Egypt to learn about the Muslim faith. Aborigines talk about their belief of creation. Also, a story of a “Corn God” is mentioned, and this god is seen as the progenitor of the entire human race.
The next episode is titled, “Who is God?” and is about the divine being known as God. Christian concepts and Jesus as God in the flesh are precepts that are examined. Hindus, in contrast, believe in millions of gods. In some cases an entire family worships one particular god. Stonehenge and its history is featured, and the Sun god which is their god. Also, the theory of a god being King Tut’s father is mentioned. Morgan states the belief that Muslims, Christians and Jews worship the same God, although in fact the Christians worship Christ and Muslims serve Allah, and Jews serve Jehovah. Interestingly, it is stated that the God of Abraham is the only God communicated with, without a temple. From Lakewood Church Joel and Victoria Osteen pray with Morgan and talk about the Christian faith. 10,000 people worship at Joel’s church.
In the episode titled “Why Does Evil Exist?” Morgan talks to a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder and rape and learns the man felt no remorse or emotions after perpetuating his crimes. Various ideas of evil including the personal belief, or lack thereof, of the devil are all examined. Is evil a result of a personal devil, a person’s choice, or both? Morgan interviews a man named Brian, who used to be a Neo-Nazi, and hated people. He has had the tattoos removed from his face and says the birth of his son, and a dawning belief in God changed him. Yet Morgan wonders aloud if the man’s own will didn’t bring about the change. Also, a specialist works with children and studies them when they are alone in a room. They are given a game to play and when they think no one is watching they cheat but when they believe an invisible princess is in the room, they are honest. Does the belief in a Supreme Being keep us in check?
“Apocalypse” is an episode about the end of the world and focuses on the Antichrist coming for three purposes: restoring the Jewish kingdom, bringing peace to the Jewish people; and rebuilding the temple. Although of course his ultimate goal will be to defeat Christianity. The word Apocalypse is a Greek word meaning to “lift the veil” or, in other words, to shed light on futuristic events.
Finally, we have a fascinating episode titled “Beyond Death” which looks at various religious beliefs concerning death. The Hindus believe in reincarnation and karma. Christians believe in life after death and eternal life. The question of an eternal soul where science is concerned is examined and, interestingly enough, one scientist says whether or not it is a consciousness beyond death or a soul, there is evidence of something beyond, at least in the early stages of death.
We are awarding our Dove Seal to this in-depth presentation as it looks closely at the major world religions and what they believe. It should be noted that although Christianity is treated with respect, other religions are looked at in a way that presents the possibility of them being on an equal basis, and that all could contain truth. We base our reviews on a Judeo-Christian belief system, so we wish to make note of this. The education people will gain from the belief systems that are examined in this documentary is commendable. We are awarding this documentary series our Dove Seal for ages twelve-plus and we encourage parental guidance in viewing the series.