In this episode of Are You Just Watching?, Eve Franklin and I (Tim Martin) continue our in-depth exploration of Amazon Prime’s Upload, focusing on the theological and philosophical questions raised in Season 1, Part 2. If you missed Episode 151, I highly recommend catching up, as we laid the groundwork for the complex themes we’re unpacking today.
Revisiting Identity in a Digital World
We kick things off by revisiting the concept of identity in a digital world—a theme central to Upload‘s narrative. Nathan, the protagonist, faces the reality of having his consciousness uploaded into a virtual “heaven” after his untimely death. This scenario raises profound questions about the nature of self and existence. The famous philosophical idea “I think, therefore I am” by René Descartes comes to mind. In Upload, this concept is challenged as the show suggests that consciousness can be preserved and even replicated digitally. But can a digital copy of someone’s consciousness truly be considered “them”? This question lies at the heart of Nathan’s journey, prompting viewers to consider what it really means to exist in a digital world.
Freudian Psychology Meets Christian Theology
As the episode progresses, Eve introduces an intriguing discussion on the intersection of Freudian psychology and Christian theology. She references an article that applies Freud’s concepts of the id, ego, and superego to the Christian struggle with sin. Typically viewed through a secular lens, Freud’s theories offer a fresh perspective when aligned with the internal battles Christians face daily. Freud’s model suggests that the id represents our basic, primal desires; the ego mediates these desires within the reality of the world; and the superego embodies the moral conscience, often shaped by cultural and religious values. In a Christian context, this can be seen as the ongoing battle between our sinful nature (the id), our awareness of reality (the ego), and our desire to live according to God’s will (the superego).
This discussion naturally leads us into a broader conversation about the nature of temptation and sin as depicted in the Bible. We brought in key scriptures to highlight how the Christian worldview starkly contrasts the secular ideas presented in Upload. For example:
No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ since God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)
This passage reminds us that temptation isn’t an external force imposed by God; it’s an internal struggle stemming from our own desires. It’s our responsibility to guard against these desires, knowing that they can lead us down a path of sin and ultimately, spiritual death. This is a significant divergence from Upload‘s narrative, where the consequences of actions are often blurred in the context of a digital afterlife.
Commercialized Heaven vs. Biblical Heaven
Moving forward, we delve into Upload’s portrayal of heaven, which is more of a commercialized afterlife than anything else. In the series, only the wealthy can afford the “better” versions of heaven, leading to a tiered system where some are condemned to a bare-bones existence while others enjoy an opulent afterlife. This depiction couldn’t be further from the Biblical view of heaven, where entry isn’t based on wealth or status but on faith in Christ.
This commercialization of the afterlife in Upload is a commentary on the materialism that permeates our culture. It raises important questions about the value of life and whether true fulfillment can ever be achieved through wealth alone. The show’s depiction of a stratified heaven based on financial means contrasts sharply with the Christian understanding of heaven as a place of equality and spiritual abundance, where all believers are welcomed, regardless of their earthly status.
Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:12)
The Importance of Work and Purpose in Heaven
This naturally leads us into a discussion about the importance of work and purpose, particularly from a Christian perspective. In secular views, heaven is often reduced to a place of eternal rest and leisure, but as Christians, we believe heaven is where we’ll find our ultimate purpose in glorifying God. The notion of “doing nothing for eternity” is foreign to the Christian understanding of heaven. In heaven, worship and service to God are central.
Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:6-8)
This idea of purposeful work in heaven reflects God’s original design for humanity. Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given work to do, intended to be a source of joy and fulfillment. In heaven, we will continue to work, but it will be perfectly aligned with God’s will and our desires.
Misconceptions About Heaven in Upload
We also explore how Upload reflects a deep misunderstanding of what heaven truly is. In the series, Nathan eventually realizes that his existence in this digital afterlife lacks purpose. He’s not allowed to work or contribute meaningfully, leaving him feeling aimless and depressed. This sense of purposelessness results from the secular view of heaven as a place of leisure rather than fulfillment. In contrast, the Christian view of heaven is one of active participation in God’s plan, where our work will be perfectly aligned with our purpose, bringing us deep satisfaction and joy.
Eve and I then shift focus to what the Bible actually says about heaven. It’s crucial to remember that heaven is where God is, and being in His presence is what makes heaven magnificent. It’s not about what makes us happy or comfortable; it’s about fully experiencing the glory of God.
Look, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to repay each person according to his work. (Revelation 22:12)
This passage clarifies that while our works don’t earn us salvation, they play a role in the rewards we will receive in heaven. It’s a reminder that what we do on earth has eternal significance, not in securing our place in heaven but in how we will experience it. This idea of rewards in heaven challenges the notion that all believers will have the same experience in the afterlife. While all who are saved will enter heaven, the Bible suggests varying degrees of rewards based on our faithfulness in this life.
For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens not made with hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1)
This scripture reassures us that when our physical bodies (our “earthly tents”) are no longer viable, we have an eternal, divine body awaiting us in heaven. It’s a comforting thought that transcends the limitations of our current existence and points to a future where we’ll dwell in a perfected state with God.
Heaven Isn’t Just About Being With Loved Ones
Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, because you don’t know the Scriptures or the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven. Now concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven’t you read what was spoken to you by God: I am the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:29-32)
Throughout our discussion, we also touched on the flawed concept of heaven presented by Nora’s father in Upload. He represents a more traditional, if somewhat misguided, view of heaven. He longs to be reunited with his wife in a place that he believes is truly heaven, rejecting the digital facsimile offered by the technology in the series. While his intentions are sincere, his understanding of heaven is still centered on human relationships rather than on a relationship with God. This highlights a common misconception—that heaven is about being with loved ones rather than being in God’s presence.
Eve and I discussed how this character’s views reflect a broader cultural misunderstanding of heaven. Many people think of heaven as a place where they’ll be reunited with loved ones or experience endless pleasure, but the Bible paints a much different picture. Heaven is primarily about being with God, and while we will undoubtedly experience joy and fellowship, the central focus will be on worshiping and glorifying Him. This concept can be challenging, especially in a culture focused on individual satisfaction and pleasure.
We also touched on the idea of work in heaven, which is often misunderstood. Some imagine heaven as a place where we’ll be free from all labor, but the Bible suggests that we’ll still have work to do—but it will be fulfilling and joyful, not burdensome. This idea ties back into the larger theme of purpose. In Upload, the lack of meaningful work leads to a sense of purposelessness, but in the Christian view of heaven, our work will be perfectly aligned with our purpose in glorifying God.
Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism. (Colossians 3:23–25)
The Christian’s Eternal Reward and Sabbath Rest
This idea of work in heaven also connects to the broader theme of the Christian’s eternal reward. While we often think of heaven as a place of rest, it’s important to remember that rest, in the Biblical sense, doesn’t mean idleness. Instead, it means a cessation of the struggles and burdens that characterize our earthly life. In heaven, our work will no longer be marked by the toil and frustration we often experience here; instead, it will be a source of joy and fulfillment.
Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
This passage suggests that in heaven, we will enter into a rest that is not about inactivity but about fulfilling our purpose in God. It’s a rest that comes from knowing we are completely aligned with God’s will and that our work naturally expresses our love for Him.
Conclusion: Seeking the True Heaven
If you’re uncertain about where you’ll spend eternity, we encourage you to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible makes it clear that heaven isn’t something we can earn or buy; it’s a gift from God, available to those who repent of their sins and put their trust in Jesus. We want everyone to have the assurance of salvation and to understand heaven’s true nature as described in the scriptures.
This episode of Are You Just Watching? challenges the secular views presented in Upload and offers a Christian perspective on some of the most profound questions about life, death, and the afterlife. As always, we encourage you to join the conversation—whether that’s by leaving a voicemail, sending a text, or engaging with us on Facebook or Discord. We’d love to hear how you’re applying the “don’t just watch” mentality to your own entertainment choices, and we hope this episode gives you plenty of food for thought as you consider what awaits us beyond this life.
Disclaimer
In the spirit of Upload, (and to save much-needed time), I worked with the Chat-GPT 4o AI to generate these show notes from an Upload (Ha! See what I did there?) of the audio transcription and a few directions: length, formality, and using my first-person viewpoint, among other things. This result was the sixth revision. I’d love your feedback on what you think of the results
Are You Just Watching? is listener supported. Special thanks to our current patrons: Isaias Santillano, Craig Hardee, Stephen Brown II, David Lefton, and Peter Chapman for their generous support. We can't continue to share critical thinking for the entertained Christian without your financial help, so please head on over to our Patreon page and become one of our supporting patrons! What did you think of Upload? We would like to know, even if just your reactions to the trailer or the topics we shared in this episode. Or what general critical-thinking and entertainment thoughts or questions do you have? Would you like to suggest a movie or TV show for us to give a Christian movie review with critical thinking?Please support the podcast!
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