Ep 6. Reza Aslan

In the eighth season's sixth episode of Super Soul Sunday, the host Oprah Winfrey welcomes a renowned writer, professor and religious scholar Reza Aslan to discuss his latest book "God: A Human History". Oprah delves deep into Reza's personal experiences and upbringing, which have played a significant role in shaping his worldview.

The episode opens with Oprah introducing Reza to the audience and elaborating on his academic background, which includes a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Oprah remarks on the significance of Reza's work in promoting interfaith dialogue, which is especially crucial in the current climate of divisiveness and hatred.

Reza then takes Oprah through his personal journey and how it led him to write his latest book. He shares how his mother's conversion to Christianity from Islam was a turning point in his life, as it made him question the nature of religion and its role in society. He also talks about the challenges he faced while researching his latest book, especially the difficulty in separating historical facts from religious mythology.

As Oprah and Reza delve deeper into the book, they discuss the various theories that Reza puts forth, including the idea that humans have been creating gods for over 100,000 years. Reza explains how the concept of God has evolved over time, from the belief in multiple gods to monotheism. He also talks about the importance of God in human lives, and how the concept of God has helped humans cope with death and find meaning in life.

Throughout the episode, Reza emphasizes the importance of looking at religion from a historical and cultural perspective rather than just a theological one, in order to truly understand its impact on human lives and societies. He also touches upon the need for different religions to coexist and respect each other's beliefs in order to promote peace and harmony in the world.

The episode concludes with Oprah thanking Reza for his insights and for sharing his personal journey and experiences. She also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in today's world, and how discussions like this can help us to overcome our prejudices and stereotypes.

Overall, this episode of Super Soul Sunday provides a thought-provoking and insightful conversation with Reza Aslan, illuminating his perspective on religion, culture, and history. Oprah's skillful probing and Reza's engaging storytelling make for an engaging and informative episode that is sure to leave viewers with a greater understanding of the complexities of religion and the human experience.