Nat Geo’s ‘The Story of God’ begins with death, the afterlife

“The greatest question we ask ourselves: What happens when we die?” Morgan Freeman presents after a very personal introduction to the first episode in the new National Geographic series: The Story of God.

“What is beyond death?” Freeman continues, transitioning to an exploration into those who have been on the “brink of death,” experienced a near-death experience.

Freeman’s soothing voice takes the viewers on a very engaging journey around the globe. Nat Geo doesn’t hold back as The Story of God is a beautiful endeavor to honor “gods”: from Jesus Christ to those pharaohs  buried beneath the pyramids.

The Day of the Dead in Mexico, the human sacrifices of the Aztecs  are just part of the examination into the concept of eternal life and connections to the present.

Freeman explores Golgotha, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and how Jesus’ resurrection changed the concept of life after death, an eternal life and the doctrine of Christianity before exploring Hinduism and how science is now exploring life after death as well (equating human consciousness to a soul).

A Religion 101 is more of the goal here than a debate over monotheism, polytheism, a judgment of one faith over another or even a passive prejudice of one belief over another. The show is respectful for sure.

The scene with an artificially intelligent version of a woman is a bit eerie, but an interesting realization that a singularity may become real. If this was actually created, “would it actually be them? Would have that spark…that spark we call the soul?” Freeman asks.

More questions and challenges for the viewers is the goal, not answers; therefore enjoy accordingly.

The Story of God premieres tonight, April 3 at 9pm ET on Nat Geo.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre photo Flickr jlascar