Ep 2. Heaven and Hell

The Story of God with Morgan Freeman is an enlightening and thought-provoking show that explores the mysteries of faith and spirituality across cultures and religions. In season 2 episode 2, titled "Heaven and Hell", Freeman delves into the concept of the afterlife.

The episode begins with Freeman asking a fundamental question: what happens to us after we die? He seeks answers from different religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. In Christianity, he visits a Catholic church and speaks to a priest who tells him about the concept of heaven and hell. He also learns about the importance of judgment day, where every soul is evaluated based on their actions on earth.

In Islam, Freeman speaks to a Sufi mystic who explains that the afterlife is not a physical place, but rather a state of being. He describes heaven and hell as spiritual states that we experience based on our deeds in life. Freeman is also introduced to the concept of the angel of death, who is responsible for taking the soul from the body.

Moving east to India, Freeman explores the Hindu belief in reincarnation. He learns that the soul is eternal and takes on different bodies, depending on the actions of the individual. The goal of life is to escape this cycle of birth and death and achieve moksha, a state of liberation and ultimate union with the divine.

Throughout the episode, Freeman also explores the scientific perspective on the afterlife. He talks to a neuroscientist who studies near-death experiences and tries to understand the connection between the brain and consciousness. He also visits cryonicists, who believe that frozen bodies can be revived in the future, prolonging life indefinitely.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the exploration of the human desire for immortality. Freeman visits a company that offers the service of creating digital versions of individuals that can continue to interact with their loved ones after they die. He also looks at the trend of people who want to preserve their bodies through cryonics, with the hope of being revived in the future.

Throughout the episode, Freeman's trademark gravitas and warmth shine through as he asks deep and meaningful questions about the afterlife. He approaches each religion and perspective with an open mind and a willingness to understand rather than judge. Ultimately, "Heaven and Hell" offers a fascinating look into the human longing for answers about what happens after we die.