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,