I got the chance to see a preview screening of God’s Not Dead (opening in theaters tomorrow) and thought it was a great movie. It is a straightforward and powerful story of a student who’s faith and beliefs were tested immediately upon entering college.

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 find himself at a crossroads, having to choose between his faith and his future.

This is a great film for Christians to be encouraged in their faith and a good opportunity for non-believers and those seeking to ask legitimate questions of those who follow Jesus.

God’s Not Dead does a great job of casting doubt in a positive light, and demonstrates how tests of our faith develop a depth of belief that is unshakable. The film is at times a little cliche and somewhat predictable, but fits well in the same family of Christian films like To Save a Life, Fireproof and Facing the Giants. The cast is great (see my interview with Shane Harper the film’s lead actor), headlined by Kevin Sorbo with a brief appearance by Dean Cain and quick cameo from Willie and Korie Robertson.

What I love most about God’s Not Dead is that it encourages students to stand up for their faith even if it means standing alone. I would highly encourage teenagers to see the movie – they will be challenged to live out their Christian faith in a secular world. I hope youth workers use the movie as a chance to encourage students to build a strong foundation for their belief system that will stick with them past high school and motivate them to not graduate from their faith. Good stuff here, I hope you take the opportunity to see it!

So check out more about the movie and pick up some awesome resources for your church to go along with the film right here on the movie’s official site. Go see it this weekend!

JG