Despite Some Flaws, God's Not Dead is a Movie Worth Seeing

I sat in a crowded theater to see the latest Christian movie to hit the theaters, God’s Not Dead. I have heard positive reports from many that this movie is an inspirational must see. I have also seen some negative reviews expressing some serious concerns. To be honest, I find that there is often an uncritical acceptance among believers of anything that bears the name Christian that hits the theaters or bookstores. Whatever is peddled under the banner of Christian is often hailed as inspiring and healthy food for Christians without carefully examining the content. The critical reviews I have read did indeed examine the content. While there are some who believe that I go into reading a book or seeing a movie with the intent of trashing it, the truth is that I read these books and watch these movies WANTING TO LIKE IT. This does not mean that I turn off my brain and merely accept everything that is taught. Actually, I take a Berean approach. I receive gladly and happily, yet still examine the Scriptures to see if it lines up. This is the only way that I can maintain my integrity and be true to the Word of God. Despite some of the flaws, I do recommend this film and give it B-.

The movie is the story of Josh Wheaton, a young freshman who enrolls in a college philosophy class taught by a militant atheist. On the first day of class, the students were required to write “God is dead” on a piece of paper, sign it, and turn it in for a grade. Josh, unable to deny his Christian faith, refuses. Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo) then gives him the assignment to prove God’s existence over the next three class periods with the class as the jury. Professor Radisson tries to make it very difficult on him, arguing the opposite side. Josh’s girlfriend sees this project as academic suicide and demands that he either sign the paper or withdraw from the class. Josh feels an obligation to God to go through with the defense which results in his girlfriend dumping him. There are some side plots as well. Professor Radisson’s girlfriend, Mina is a Christian struggling with being unequally yoked with an unbeliever. Mina’s corporate ladder climbing brother, Marc, refuses to take Christianity seriously and is more concerned with the here and now. Marc;s girlfriend, Amy, is a leftist cyberjournalist who develops cancer. Martin, a Chinese exchange student, and classmate of Josh, is intrigued by the discussions about God. Aisha, a girl from a traditional Muslim family, is a secret believer and watches how this classroom drama plays out, looking for the courage to deal with her own situation.

First, let me get the negative stuff out of the way. From an aesthetic point of view, I did find that some of the characters were more archetypes than real people. We had the militant atheist professor, the traditional Muslim father, the courageous young Christian, the cold hearted businessman, the anti-Christian journalist, and so on. I would have preferred to have some back story on the characters with more fleshed out personalities. I would have liked to know more about the Muslim girl who was hiding her Christian faith from her family. I would have liked to know more Marc and Amy. There were missed opportunities here.

I also found some of the situations and events defied credulity. Can we really believe that Josh’s girlfriend of SIX YEARS would suddenly dump him because he was standing for his faith? They met in youth group and have been dating since they were 12 or 13. Can you honestly tell me that he never figured out that she was a shallow social climber until this moment? Can we really believe that a professing Christian would date a professor who was not just an atheist, but a militant God hater? I know that there are unequally yoked couples out there, but this man is more than just an unbeliever. He HATES God. When Marc is sitting at a dinner date with Amy, he dumps her suddenly upon her news that she has cancer. Nobody could possibly be THAT cold.

The most important criticism has to do with the quality of the apologetics. The arguments used by Josh were quite weak. A trained atheist philosophy professor would tear those arguments to pieces rather quickly. There was a real opportunity to present a stronger apologetic in this film. The concern is that students, inspired by this film would try to imitate this scenario in their classrooms using the same arguments. An uneducated freshman using weak apologetics against a fully trained atheist professor in a controlled classroom is a recipe for disaster,

Despite these flaws, I still heartily recommend this film. While apologetics is part of the film, the main theme of the film is an exhortation to stand for Christ without fear or shame. It is an exhortation to courage. In that respect is succeeded. One can not help but admire Josh Wheaton’s refusal to comply with Professor Radisson’s unreasonable demand that he renounce his faith for a grade. Through his example, he was able to reach others for Christ and inspire other Christians who were wavering to reject fear and make their own stand.  

It should not go unnoticed that Josh’s audience was the class, not the professor. In the real world, it is unlikely, though not impossible, that a militant God hater would be convinced. There was an opportunity to reach the class. By standing firm for his faith and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, there was an opportunity for students who would never set foot in a church to hear the Gospel.

It is my opinion that audiences who draw inspiration for courage, and ignore the apologetics will benefit greatly. I do recommend this film, 

Prodigal God- Tim Keller

RECOMMENDED

Tim Keller is a Presbyterian church planter in New York City. He has made a major impact in his mission field and has been able to successfully engage his urban and postmodern constituency. I have been hearing about him for the past couple of years, but never got around to reading any of his books. I figured it was about time to break down and jump right in.

Prodigal God is somewhat of an extended sermon. Keller takes the parable of “the prodigal son” and provides some keen insight. He actually refers to the parable as “the two lost sons”. Most preachers have taken this parable and focused on the younger son who squandered his inheritance and returned home. Keller does not ignore this aspect of the parable, but makes the point that the intended audience was the Pharisees. Keller goes into great detail about the elder brother.

Keller emphasizes that both sons were lost. Both sons treated their father as a resource to be exploited rather than a loving father. They missed out on the relationship because they were concerned about getting what was theirs. The younger brother mistreated his father by asking for his inheritance (something that was unheard of in that culture) so he could go away. The elder brother stayed and obeyed not out of love but out of manipulation. He believed that if he acted the part of the dutiful son that he would get material benefits. Keller points out that the churches are full of “elder son” types and that many younger son types have been put off from churches because of them. He notes that both were called to repentance.

This book is a good introduction to Keller’s pastoral heart. He shows a keen insight into the Bible and how to apply it. Prodigal God is a very easy read and made me think about my own attitudes and thoughts. It encourages the reader to consider if he is truly in love with God for himself or if he serves out of a sense of what he can get for himself. While this isn’t really a groundbreaking book, it does encourage. 

Samson and the Pirate Monks- Nate Larkin

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

A couple of months ago I was invited by the men of my church to go hear this guy named Nate Larkin. Apparently the men from several churches in the area were gathering together at this farm to listen to him. I never heard of him before, but I checked out his bio online. I thought, “Here we go…another ‘sex talk’ to church men.” Nothing could have prepared me for what I heard that night.

It wasn’t one of those “we know men struggle with porn so here is a program with some helpful hints on how to maintain integrity” talks.  Nate stood up there and told his story. I have never seen someone so broken and transparent. While not everyone in that room was a sex addict, nearly everyone felt like he was telling “their” story. Nate Larkin’s book Samson and the Pirate Monks both tells Nate’s story and offer a better way for Christian men to live out their faith.

Nate Larkin grew up as a PK (preacher’s kid) and was immersed in church culture. He knew how to put on different personalities as the occasion called for it including the church culture. He went to a Christian college and became a minister. In the course of his life he became hooked on pornography and later descended into sexual infidelity. He had to hit rock bottom when God finally showed him the way out as well as restore what his lust had destroyed.

One of the problems with churches today is that it is not a safe place. It is fine if you want to talk about sin in the past tense and proclaim how God has delivered you. The church wants stories of victory, not works in progress. It is not only alright, but encouraged to admit you are imperfect, just as long as you don’t let us know what your imperfections are or provide us with a progress report.  It simply is not safe to talk about real struggles honestly without the feeling that you are losing standing among your brothers and sisters in Christ. The fear that people are looking at you differently encourages men to put on their masks and not seek the help they need. The result is that men are living out their Christian lives in isolation

The Christian life is not intended to be lived in isolation. It is meant to be shared. The message that is shared is often “invite Jesus into your heart to be your personal Lord and Savior.” Christians often proclaim their “personal” relationship with Jesus. Strangely, the Bible calls believers into not a “personal” relationship, but rather a “corporate” relationship. The Christian life is meant to be lived in community, not in isolation. It is this isolation that drives men deeper into their personal struggles, whether it is money, sex, power, or any of a number of struggles. They desperately want freedom and a better way, but they don’t know where to go. It is even more a problem for pastors.

Larkin’s answer to the problem of isolation is what he calls “The Samson Society.” This is not another church program or a self-help group. The Samson Society is modeled on the 12 step programs while maintaining an unapologetic Christian foundation. It is a group of men who gather together weekly to share honestly with each other without judgment or condemnation. It recognizes men as:

Natural loners- who have recognized the dangers of isolation and are determined to escape them.

Natural wanderers-  who are finding spiritual peace and prosperity at home.

Natural liars-  who are now finding freedom in the truth.

Natural judges-  who are learning how to judge ourselves aright.

Natural strongmen-  who are experiencing God’s strength as we admit our weaknesses.

Through these meetings, men are encouraged to find a Silas. The Silas is another man who agrees to walk with you for a portion of your journey. The Silas principle is not to be confused with a “sponsor” of typical 12 step programs. He is not someone who has overcome and has got it together now. He is just another man who walks with you. He is someone you will tell “everything” to including full confession. The Silas will encourage you in spiritual disciplines as you also encourage him, He is someone who helps break the bonds of isolation. A Christian man should always have a Silas.  He is not the typical “accountability partner”, but rather a friend.

This book is highly recommended. It encourages breaking the cycle of “church programs” that may or may not work. It is a call for authentic Christian friendship. It is a call for community. It recognizes that the reason so many men struggle is isolation which leads to a lack of authenticity. I encourage you to read this book, hear his story, and perhaps even start a Samson Society in your area.