Beyond Death (Full Episode) | The Story of God with Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman reflects on his life in Greenwood, Mississippi, and his quest to understand what lies beyond death. He explores various beliefs about the afterlife, including scientific, religious, and personal perspectives. Freeman's curiosity is piqued by the idea of an eternal soul and the possibility of rebirth, leading him to investigate ancient Egyptian beliefs, the story of Jesus' resurrection, Hindu concepts of reincarnation, and modern scientific attempts to capture the soul. His journey begins with a personal anecdote and delves into interviews with experts and individuals who have had near-death experiences.

The script recounts David Bennett's near-death experience during a storm off the California coast in 1983. After being submerged in water for 15 to 18 minutes, Bennett describes seeing a mass of light and feeling a deep connection with it. He heard a message that 'This is not your time' and that he must return due to a purpose he needed to fulfill. This experience, along with Freeman's own encounter with a light during a moment of passing out, highlights a common theme among those who have faced death: the presence of a light that symbolizes hope and a possible afterlife.

Freeman travels to Egypt to learn about the origins of the concept of the afterlife, visiting Sakkara, the site of the step pyramid of King Djoser, which is considered the first pyramid ever built. Egyptologist Salima Ikram explains that the ideas of rebirth and resurrection originated in Sakkara about 5,000 years ago. They explore the tomb of Pharaoh Unas, which contains ancient writings detailing the afterlife and spells to guide the soul through the underworld, emphasizing the importance of the afterlife to the ancient Egyptians and how it was believed to provide power to sustain the living.

The script discusses the belief systems of the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians, both of which depended on the power of the dead to sustain life. In modern Mexico City, the Day of the Dead celebration allows people to spend time with the souls of their ancestors, sharing food, jokes, and stories. Archaeologist Enrique Rodriguez Galadia explains that this tradition has roots in Aztec beliefs about the afterlife, which were tied to human sacrifice. The Aztecs believed that sacrifices were necessary to maintain the power of the sun and prevent the end of the world. Similarly, the Egyptians believed that the afterlife of their pharaohs was crucial for the sun to rise each day.

Freeman explores the significance of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection for Christians, focusing on the hope for an afterlife that began with these events 2,000 years ago. He visits Jerusalem, the site of Jesus' arrest and death, and speaks with archaeologist Jodi Magness about the historical context of Jesus' life and the places believed to be his crucifixion and tomb. The script highlights the transformation of the concept of an afterlife in Christianity, where Jesus' sacrifice is seen as the ultimate victory over death, allowing believers to live forever.

The script delves into Hindu beliefs about reincarnation and karma, as Freeman visits the holy city of Varanasi, India. Hindus view death as a transition to another life in this world, with one's actions in their current life determining their next life. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is seen as a process of learning and improving, with the ultimate goal being liberation (moksha) from this cycle to attain a state of eternal pure energy. Freeman discusses this concept with Swami Varishthananda, who explains that cremation in Varanasi is considered special because it can lead directly to moksha, bypassing further rebirths.

Freeman returns to New York to investigate the scientific perspective on death and the possibility of an afterlife. He meets with critical care physician Dr. Sam Parnia, who has studied over a hundred cardiac arrest survivors and their experiences after being technically dead. Parnia explains that consciousness or the soul does not immediately cease to exist after death, and that the experiences of those brought back to life offer insights into what death might be like. The script also explores the idea of storing memories and emotions in artificial intelligence to achieve a form of immortality, introducing Bina48, an android created in the likeness of Bina Rothblatt, and her partner Martine's quest to extend love and life indefinitely.

In the final paragraph, Freeman and archaeologist Salima Ikram visit the Temple of Millions of Years in Luxor, Egypt, which was dedicated to Pharaoh Rameses III. The temple serves as a memorial, inscribed with the pharaoh's life story as an attempt to achieve immortality. Ikram explains the Egyptian belief in the divine ka, or spirit, which was passed from one pharaoh to the next, ensuring the continuity of their rule and the endurance of their memory. The script highlights the importance of names in ancient Egyptian culture, with the belief that saying a person's name gave their ka energy, allowing them to live on. Freeman reflects on the idea that people today may feel a similar desire for immortality through their digital presence, drawing a parallel between the ancient practice of carving names in stone and modern social media.