What is happiness? How do we find meaning and purpose in our lives? Is there a God? How do we reconcile conflicting claims of love and sexuality? How do we cope with the problem of suffering and the inevitability of death?... more » This series addresses these issues, which preoccupy all thinking people today. The series will frame these issues in the eventful lives of two men who held diametrically opposed world views: Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis.« less
Beautiful, sad... yet most importantly: thought-provoking
Samuel Ross | Dallas, TX | 11/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This PBS presentation beautifully lays out contrasting views (theism/atheism)... yet somehow never comes off as advocating either one; letting the viewer decide. As much as I love Freud and also warm up to such deep-thinkers as C.S. Lewis... it was the periodic "roundtable" discussion sessions moderated by Dr. Armand Nicholi that blew me away. I found myself pausing this DVD over and over again as I wrote down my own thoughts and, yes, my own spontaneous revelations. It's that sort of program. It makes you want to grab a notebook and a pencil.
I won't tell you which way I lean (Freud? Lewis?)... but I will say BUY THIS! SEE IT! It is quite possibly one of the only sources giving equal time to both sides of this age-old issue. If nothing else, you'll be fascinated at the eruption of thoughts/realizations that you-the viewer will most-certainly experience."
Seriously considering buying this...
WolfPup | United States | 09/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I watched this on PBS the past two weeks. It's 4 hours total, and shows the personal history of these two men (complete with some well done reenactment) and how they came to their beliefs interspersed with a panel of people with different beliefs (believers and nonbelievers) talking about a lot of the basic issues with religion and Christianity. The panel includes a Dr. from Harvard, the editor of Skeptic magazine, and some other really interesting people.
As is to be expected (hey, it's PBS :) The Question of God is very well done. Extremely fascinating, and it makes you think. I was so impressed by it that I'm seriously considering buying it. I'm also going to read C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity."
Bravo to PBS!
Joel T. Boucree | Reno, NV | 10/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This program is a must see to those who are skeptical or questioning their beliefs in God. These two men (Freud and Lewis) are so contrasted and different from each other that it makes for a good argument by both sides. No doubt, Lewis' testimony and influence is widespread and powerful. The arguments in which scholars and psychologists alike test the waters of their beliefs and world view further enhance the program and Freud's and Lewis' beliefs. An excellent witnessing tool for Believers to show to non-Believers who struggle with these tough questions!"
A balanced presentation that either side will enjoy.
Michael Huskey | 01/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I expected this video to lean noticeably to either a pro evolution or pro theistic viewpoint. The editors have done an excellent job at presenting both sides fairly. It was very helpful to see the story of Freud and Lewis' childhood and early adulthood. This is an important video for anyone interested in the current debate.
I was especially pleased with the roundtable discussions of a focus group. It is a delight to see unscripted opinions being expressed in a non confrontative format. The panel is also well balanced, with no shills on either side. This has become my favorite Nova presentation and I highly recommend it to just about anyone interested in a well rounded education."
Entertaining and Informative
Christian625 | 09/10/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have watched this DVD for the past week now. It's a great, in depth look at two powerful, twenith-century thinkers. I also find myself returning to it over and over. It has a great staying power and keeps the interest held high.
The DVD successfully intertwines both actors protraying Freud and Lewis and a roundtable discussion of the ideas behind the two men. I found both aspects of the DVD to be very well done. The actors did an amazing job playing Freud and Lewis and the discussions were well intentioned and provided some thought-provoking information.
That being said, I did have a hard time with some of the people participating in the discussion. For the most part, they were well informed and very well educated. Some though, simply did not have any sort of rationale or basis for their opinion/beliefs (either theistic or atheistic). Perhaps experts in this field would have suited the debate better and provided a more meaningful discussion. (i.e. Philosophers, theologans, professors, etc.)