God's Not Dead
Recently WMCN had the privilege of attending an advance screening of the movie, “God’s Not Dead”. The film asks the question “How far would you go…to defend your belief in God?
The movie’s website describes it best:
“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 finds 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?”
We found the film to be predictable as to the course of events. But on the other hand, we found it to be a refreshing alternative to other offerings presented in the theaters today. The story although is fictional in nature, proved to be encouraging and inspiring
In our rapidly changing culture, we will be challenged more than ever before to defend what we believe. This movie caused us to examine ourselves, and ask ourselves, “Am I ready to defend my faith?” “Do I have the courage to stand up for what I believe, despite the cost?”
The movie may be fictional, but it clearly and accurately communicates what is being taught in classrooms across our country.
The movie opens in local theaters March 21.
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