God’s Not Dead (8/5/2014)

Rated PG for thematic material, brief violence and an accident scene.

Starring Kevin Sorbo, Shane Harper, David A.R. White, Dean Cain, Wilie Robertson and Korie Robertson

Director Harold Cronk (Silver Bells and Jerusalem Countdown)

How far would you go…to defend your belief in God?

Present-day college freshman and devout Christian, Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo). Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words “God Is Dead” on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future. Josh offers a nervous refusal, provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that “God Is Dead,” he must prove God’s existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class. If Josh fails to convince his classmates of God’s existence, he will fail the course and hinder his lofty academic goals. With almost no one in his corner, Josh wonders if he can really fight for what he believes. Can he actually prove the existence of God? Wouldn’t it be easier just to write “God Is Dead” and put the whole incident behind him? God’s Not Dead weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief, culminating in a dramatic call to action.

Recently I attended an advance screening of God’s Not Dead with several staff members of my church. I’ll admit I was a little worried that the film would be a disappointment. I mean most Christian films fail in comparison to mainstream films. Most are served with a healthy dose of cheese. And most come across way too preachy. God’s Not Dead has all of these components, and then goes one step too far.

I’ll start with the few things I enjoyed about the film. The premise is outstanding. I immediately put myself in Josh Wheaton’s shoes. I sat there in the theater wrestling with the “what would I do” questions. I know that’s exactly what the filmmakers wanted. I loved his courage, his strength and his personal devotion to God. I liked most of his arguments (more on that in a minute) and I liked him as an actor.

But there were plenty of things I did not like about this film.

The filmmakers claim that this “film will educate, entertain, and inspire moviegoers to explore what they really believe about God, igniting important conversations and life-changing decisions.” I respectfully disagree.

The film did not educate, in fact several (not all) of Josh’s arguments are either too weak to stand or emotionally based. But besides that, this film portrays every negative stereotype put there. The atheist professor is arrogant and abusive to his girlfriend, the Muslim father shuns his only daughter, the Chinese student embarrasses his father because he becomes a Christian, the angry elitist reporter gets cancer and finds God and the girlfriend is demanding and unsupportive. And every Christian character is a martyr, standing up for their faith in the midst of the most cliché situations.

Then there are the “genie in the bottle” scenes. You know these scenes. The characters find themselves in a life or death situation crying out to God for him to save them…actually it’s more like praying to God when the car won’t start…and miraculously…IT STARTS!!

I know not every movie is intended to entertain, but the filmmakers specifically said this one was going to be. Unfortunately, it was not. Besides many tactical flaws – the direction is dismal, the editing is even worse and the music is way too sappy – the film falls flat. The cast is comprised of newbies, B-listers and a few “Christian celebrity” cameos. The filmmakers also make the mistake of trying to develop too many characters. As a result we never really get to know anyone.

Finally, I have to say it did not inspire me to bring my unsaved friends to the film. In fact I hope they don’t see it, because if my unsaved friends walk into the theaters and see themselves in the characters on the screen…they will see the villains. Until one-by-one they convert to Christianity… or at least stand up and pronounce their new found belief that God is not dead.

In my heart, I sincerely believe that Rice Brooks (author of the book “God’s Not Dead”), Harold Cronk (Director) and Hunter Dennis, Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon (the writers) had the best intentions. I also sincerely believe that thousands of Christians will see this move, and I believe God will use it to reach some people. But for me, it was worth watching because it was free.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is nothing offensive…except for the stereotypes.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. The film invites everyone to answer this question… How far would you go…to defend your belief in God?


2. So what would you have done if you were in Josh’s shoes? Why?


3. Have you ever had your faith attacked? How was it attacked?


4. In several scenes Josh felt alone and abandoned. Who would you go to if you needed help answering tough questions?


5. What questions do you have now about God, the Bible or our faith?


6. What can you do this week to live out your belief that God is not dead?