God’s Not Dead (PG)

When signing up for a college class, a student, Josh Weaton (Shane Harper, “High School Musical 2”) who is wearing a cross around his neck, is warned by a student advisor not to take a certain philosophy class he has signed up for because of his religious necklace. He is told that he will be ‘crucified’ by the classes’ instructor – Professor Jeffrey Radisson (Kevin Sorbo, TV’s “Hercules”). The student ignores the warnings and proceeds to the class.

One of the first things the professor does is to pass out a blank sheet of paper to all the students, telling each to write on the paper the phrase God is Dead and to sign their name to the paper. Everyone in the class does as directed except for Josh. He refuses. At first Radisson is very upset with the student, threatening him with a failing grade if he does not comply. After some thought, however, the professor challenges Josh to prove his point of view (likely done more to remain in control of his class and to prove his authority) that God is not dead. He states that they will have a trial, with the student being the defendant and the professor being the prosecutor. The class is to be the jury.

At times during this venture (not only during class time), the professor threatens the student with not only a failing grade, but also mentions that he will see to it that Josh will not be admitted to a law school he is hoping to attend.

As a viewer of this movie, it is easy to get swept up in the impact of these threats; I felt the as if I were in Radisson’s class, right there with Josh. “God’s Not Dead” also shows the seriousness of Radisson’s threats as it affects other aspects of Josh’s life (including the personal effect Josh’s stand takes in the form of relationship problems with his current girlfriend Kara (Cassidy Gifford), when she feels Josh is throwing away their future.

As the movie proceeds, the professor/student battle that unravels reveals depth and insight into Radisson’s reasons for his strong disbelief of God. Additionally, “God’s Not Dead” shows how other students in the class are equally affected by the trial; after both sides of the argument have been presented, Josh’s fellow students (members of the jury) must vote on the issue.

I was somewhat impressed and surprised by this movie, because, as a Christian, I feel that God has been pushed aside in modern society. It was good to see the filmmakers argue the opposite side of the coin, that God is not dead, as seen through the trial, and Josh’s adamant beliefs even with much pressure from the opposing side. That said, the film is aimed at a fairly religious audience (as most of the film is slated at convincing viewers of the need of putting God back in people’s lives); therefore, non-Christians or disbelievers may not find the film as enjoyable as those of more religious point of view.

Overall, the film brings God to the forefront of debate again; and ties in nicely to a religious revival taking place in the city during the film. Overall, the acting in the film is well done, especially in Radisson’s attacks on Josh. Harper also does an effective job as a minority student sticking up for his beliefs. All in all, “God’s Not Dead” is a thought-provoking attempt from Director Harold Cronk and company.

– by Andrea Habel (Guest reviewer)