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,
