God's Not Dead

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Overall Rating

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leans strongly toward a biblical worldview

Select any ranking category for further information:
Faith and/or Biblical Relevance 4.0stars.png
Faith-compatible Depiction of Characters and Character Relationships 4.5stars.png
Faith-compatible Depiction of Situations 3.5stars.png
Family Viewing Suitability 4.0stars.png
Entertainment Value 4.0stars.png
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Summary

With biblically orthodox Christian faith under unprecedented attack in America today, the release of GOD’S NOT DEAD in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 21, is both timely and welcomed by those seeking faith- and family-friendly entertainment options.  Produced by Pure Flix Entertainment and directed by Harold Cronk, GOD’S NOT DEAD stars Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Soul Surfer), Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Smallville) and David A.R. White (Evening Shade, Saved by the Bell, Mercy Streets) and features cameos by Willie and Korie Robertson (Duck Dynasty) and memorable music by Christian pop band, the Newsboys. As a story centered on the clash between secular and biblical worldviews, GOD’S NOT DEAD creates a powerful point of convergence where viewers must fully consider the existence of God and make a decision.

Overall Faith and/or Biblical Relevance

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While some Christians who specialize in apologetics may take issue with how the arguments for the existence of God are handled in GOD’S NOT DEAD, the increasingly intolerant and arrogant secularist viewpoint dominating academia today is realistically portrayed. In the film, college freshman and committed Christian Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) is faced with the tough decision to accommodate to his philosophy professor’s assertion and that there is no God – and glide through the course unscathed – or publicly defend his deeply held faith convictions and risk a failing grade that would jeopardize his chosen career path.

In a world increasingly hostile to biblical faith, the daunting challenge faced by Josh to stand up for his faith reflects the biblical call we have as Christians to be well-prepared to defend the hope of Christ that is in us. Here, GOD’S NOT DEAD has significant relevance to Faith Driven Consumers who are continually called upon to make biblical stewardship choices in the marketplace of goods, services and ideas.

 

Faith-compatible Depiction of Characters and Character Relationships

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GOD’S NOT DEAD offers a diversity of characters and subplots that depict largely realistic and faith-compatible relationships. Beyond Josh and Professor Radisson (Sorbo), a broad spectrum of relevant and relatable characters are woven into the story line including: Radisson’s Christian girlfriend who skillfully navigates not only his disbelief but also a mother with Alzheimer’s and a selfish, career-driven brother; a skeptical journalist who faces a cancer diagnosis; a lukewarm pastor who increasingly steps up to the plate; an on-fire African missionary; a Chinese student who comes to faith and faces rejection from his father; and a young Muslim woman who accepts Jesus and, in one of the most powerful and moving scenes in the film, is disowned by her devout, heart-broken father. In each situation, the characters find themselves at a crossroads where they must choose faith over the ways of the world – sometimes with a heavy price to pay.   

Faith-compatible Depiction of Situations

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While most situations are depicted respectfully, some may take issue with what might be seen as a stereotypical and shallow presentation of certain situations in GOD’S NOT DEAD.  With its many characters and overlapping plot lines, some situations are successfully fleshed out in nuanced ways while others lack the depth that we prefer. Overall, however, it’s clear that the writers have attempted to handle each situation in a realistic and respectful manner.   

Family Viewing Suitability

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With a PG rating, GOD’s NOT DEAD is a family-friendly film for teens and up. Its theological and apologetic-driven thematic content is likely beyond the ability of younger children to understand, and there are scenes involving brief violence and a deadly car accident.  However, for parents who seek to expose their teenagers to issues centering on religious freedom in America and beyond, GOD’S NOT DEAD will be highly engaging and prompt viewers to dig deeper into how they can defend their faith convictions.  

Entertainment Value

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In line with recent Christian-themed movies that increasingly reflect higher production levels, GOD’S NOT DEAD offers an uneven, but largely well-written storyline that thoughtfully and respectfully navigates today’s debate between the biblical worldview and prevailing secularism. Most characters are well acted and the pacing of each story line builds nicely to a point of decision and resolution. Overall, GOD’S NOT DEAD is an encouraging, edifying and hope-filled movie that clearly presents the Gospel.  

 

 

 

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  • While I am a novice in the area of apologetics I was rather disappointed in the film.

    While the supporting information relative to arguing Christianaty was strong the opponant is ultimatly defeated not by fact but the personal revelation of bias against Christianity. While this is more often the case than not there is a lot of supporting evidence for the valitity of Christianity than just personal bias and the film fails to bring it out.

    I do realize there was a time constraint, but I think more could have been said. In the end it was more of just a feel good movie for Christians.
  • A must see movie. My daughter and I saw it together,a few days later she took her husband and daughters to see it. My granddaughters were glad they went a good message for all. Hope many more movies such as this will follow! Deb Irvin
  • Terrific movie showing difficulties Christians have in America.
  • Excellent movie! A must see for every Christian. It could start a revival, seriously!
  • Well done. I did not find it unevenly developed. What could be more relevant than exposing educational bias? Students, decide for yourselves.
  • My husband and I loved this movie! Everything about it was spot on! I hope a lot of non-Christians have seen this and have decided to believe in Jesus.
  • Google described “God’s not Dead” as a Comedy. I suppose to the atheists at Google, it is. I screen captured it, so they can’t say they didn’t do it. That’s OK. God has the last laugh. Psalm 2:4 4 “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”
  • I feel that any movie that creates a platform for discussions/questions is on the right road. From the trailer, it looks like this movie fits the bill. As long as the movie doesn’t stray from the Truth, it’s good. You need to be open-minded, as it IS Hollywood. Some really leave scripture (Noah); others add a little for a point. I hope to see Son of God. I have been researching where it will be in my area, and can’t find a location. I will make some calls, as this one looks good. There aren’t a lot of movies that are 100% by The Book, from what I have seen (and I have seen many). If people stay on their “high horse” about scripture (there are many) they might miss out on a different view of things, which closes the mind and spirit.
  • Thank you for your emails and for this review! I haven’t heard a thing about this movie on the news. If not for you, I wouldn’t have known about it – thank you!! I will definitely see this movie. God bless you all.
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