It hits the theaters on March 21st and will no doubt draw both praise and intense fire depending on one’s personal perspective and belief system. It is the movie, “God’s Not Dead”. Almost anyone from the aging baby-boom generation will recall this same basic phrase, minus the word "not", as a calling card for a spiritually struggling culture. The official home page reveals the plot, trailer, cast, locations, endorsements and, of course, the entire social media spectrum including Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and a blog. But rather me trying to explain or interpret what the film offers and is all about, this is the official synopsis:
“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 just 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. The film will educate, entertain, and inspire moviegoers to explore what they really believe about God, igniting important conversations and life-changing decisions.”
This movie has a rating of PG - a tag that makes its way onto only a select few productions today. Considering the content here, maybe these two letters could have a second meaning - the other standing for simply ‘Proving God’. But again, it should be quite interesting as to how the film fairs in the attendance realm and in the sphere of public opinion.
It might be time well spent by Christians who can possibly attend to do so and help support something that they hardly ever have any opportunity to. That is, to watch, share and promote something on a large scale that actually reveals sound biblical truth, portrays Christians in some positive light and even places the God of the Bible into His proper place and perspective.
And when the "lights, camera and action" conclude, we pray that this project will have empowered many to begin sharing their faith and become living examples of their living God’s will for them seen in 1 Peter 3:14-15. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear”
"God’s Not Dead" is playing across the land just weeks before the season arrives that celebrates the resurrection of Christ from the dead. It is the time of year, more than any other, when Christians feel that their God is truly alive. And if there is one related hymn that describes this belief, and the theme of this new film, it would be these true and timeless words:
I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today;
I know that he is living whatever men may say;
I see his hand of mercy; I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I need him, he's always near.
He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, he lives, salvation to impart!
You ask my how I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
The writer of this hymn certainly had no doubts about his God being fully alive and well, nor did the author of the gospel account when He recorded the words of his living God, personal Savior and precious Lord! "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)
Bill Breckenridge
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