Morgan Freeman says 'The Story of God' enlightened him but didn't change his spiritual belief

Actor Morgan Freeman says, 'What we came away with at the end of the series is the fact that all religions and beliefs share remarkable similarities.' (National Geographic Channel)

Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, who hosts the six-part docuseries "The Story of God" for National Geographic, has travelled all over the world in hopes of understanding different religions and the concept of good and evil.

However, Freeman told Entertainment Weekly that his journey did not really move him to practice any kind of religion or change his stance about God. "I didn't change anything at all about how I think of God or my belief in God. It just enlightened me to how other cultures do it," he said.

For centuries, people have waged wars because of their spiritual beliefs. But Freeman has learned that religions are more similar than people think.

"What we came away with at the end of the series is the fact that all religions and beliefs share remarkable similarities, these commonalities. There they are, so we should celebrate them rather them let them cause rifts between us," he said.

Another thing that fascinated Freeman about the show was its exploration on how evil takes form. "In some cases, you find out that it starts with children pulling wings off flies or setting fire to cats. Things like that. It's a very fascinating subject. And you talk to someone who has grown up doing that sort of thing, and the most remarkable part of that is they're remorseless," he shared.

Before taking on the show, Freeman admitted that he is not a religious person and he has never found an affinity with the church.

"I went to churches and synagogues, only it never caught hold. At 13, I stopped," he told Page Six.

The actor said his basis for right and wrong was simply "grandma's big slap on my head," which "always pointed out when I'd done wrong."

related articles
Morgan Freeman keen on knowing more about the Creator through the documentary \'The Story of God\'
Morgan Freeman keen on knowing more about the Creator through the documentary 'The Story of God'

Morgan Freeman keen on knowing more about the Creator through the documentary 'The Story of God'

\'The Story of God\' news: Documentary may enlighten and enrich says Lori McCreary
'The Story of God' news: Documentary may enlighten and enrich says Lori McCreary

'The Story of God' news: Documentary may enlighten and enrich says Lori McCreary

Morgan Freeman says he \'connected\' with God during his visit to Joel Osteen\'s Lakewood Church in Houston
Morgan Freeman says he 'connected' with God during his visit to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston

Morgan Freeman says he 'connected' with God during his visit to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston

Joel Osteen answers Morgan Freeman\'s question, \'Who is God?\'
Joel Osteen answers Morgan Freeman's question, 'Who is God?'

Joel Osteen answers Morgan Freeman's question, 'Who is God?'

\'Story of God\' recap: Morgan Freeman seeks to find out why evil exists in world
'Story of God' recap: Morgan Freeman seeks to find out why evil exists in world

'Story of God' recap: Morgan Freeman seeks to find out why evil exists in world

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.