The Story of God with Morgan Freeman

Name: The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
Item: The Story of God with Morgan Freeman
Rating: 4
Author: Emily Ashby

TV review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

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Common Sense says

age 13+

(i)

Fascinating journey explores world's diverse religions.

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Positive Messages

There's no prejudice in how this series and its host gather and compare beliefs from different faiths, and no ideology is ever presented as more viable than another. Rather it exposes viewers to the intricacies of Christianity, Hinduism, paganism, and other belief systems, drawing similarities and identifying differences in their teachings on a variety of topics. It also looks at the scientific approach to matters of faith, including the quest to characterize and recreate the human soul.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Freeman is the model student for a topic as sensitive as comparative religion. He's unfailingly respectful of the customs and practices of the places he visits and the people he meets, and he asks probing questions without coming across as judgmental. He also rarely imposes his own beliefs on those around him, acting more as an interviewer than an equal part of the story.

Violence

Reenactments show violent events such as the crucifixion of Jesus, with close-up views of nails driven through his hands and guards whipping him as he carries the cross. Another scene involves a mass cremation at a holy site in India. Many references to violent themes, catastrophic events, human sacrifice (including an instance of a man holding a beating heart in his hand), and death.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that The Story of God with Morgan Freeman explores different religious teachings on matters such as a higher power, life after death, and the end of the world. The host travels the world to meet people of different faiths and experience their practices, drawing direct comparisons among Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and other religions and learning how science is studying traditionally faith-based concepts as well. The show doesn't set out to influence people toward or away from faith, and it never suggests that one ideology is superior to another, but Freeman does ask pointed questions that may cause you to entertain other viewpoints. Violence is a minor concern in this excellent series, but teens should be fine with reenactments that show brutality such as crucifixion and often reference death.

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What's the story?

THE STORY OF GOD WITH MORGAN FREEMAN takes viewers on a journey around the world to experience different teachings on faith. Host Morgan Freeman immerses himself in local customs central to religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism, talking with believers, visiting holy sites, and taking part in traditional practices. In so doing, he compares their ideologies as they relate to matters such as the afterlife and how the world will end. He also explores the scientific side of the issue to learn how technology is being used to quantitate certain aspects of faith.

Is it any good?

This fascinating series has broad appeal, whether you subscribe to a single belief system or, like Freeman, are a dabbler in many ideologies. It (and he) never presumes to determine what's fact and what's mere interpretation, which makes for an impressive lack of bias -- no easy task when you're dealing with subject matter as sensitive and closely cherished as people's faith. In this case, he's the ultimate student, willing to learn, eager to ask questions, and respectful of the intricacies of each religion he encounters.

As thought-provoking and meaningful as The Story of God's content is, though, it's an equally intense experience that will make you consider new viewpoints on matters of faith. It may not change your mind (or your heart), and that's not its intention, but it likely will open your eyes to cultures and beliefs that are foreign to you. It's an engrossing journey that's suitable for teens, making it excellent watch-together fare for you and yours.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the role of faith in society. Is religion generally respected, or does it face hostility today? What role, if any, should faith play in government? In schools? Can a person have strong morals without a basis of faith? If so, what inspires those values?
Why is religion such a hot topic in the world today? Is this very different from other periods in history? Can a person's faith inspire negative actions as well as positive ones? When religious freedom is the law of the land, how can its misuse be controlled?
What aspects of this series resonate with your own beliefs? Does science support or complicate those beliefs? Can we expect that everything has a scientific explanation, or are some things truly matters of faith alone?