Challenging Faith: Analysis of 'God Is Not Dead' Movie

God is not dead Main actors: Philosophy professor Jeffrey Radisson, atheist, immoral/adulterous, intimidator, God hater, who imposes atheism on students in the classroom Freshman student Josh, Christian, who defends God in the classroom His girlfriend Female journalist Amy, who gets cancer Her older boyfriend Steven, a selfish business man Student/girlfriend of professor Radisson Female student Aisha from Muslim family, who secretly worships Jesus Chinese student Martin, who often calls his father in China about what he experiences in the classroom Young church pastor and his African visiting pastor Rough bearded evangelist and his wife Christian pop band

Story line Professor Radisson challenges his philosophy students to acknowledge that God is dead by writing those three words on a piece of paper. Josh refuses to deny God in front of his peers and finds himself challenged to defend his belief in God in a series of debates with Professor Radisson in front of the class. The class gets to serve as judge and jury. As Josh considers his strategy, he comes to the conclusion that he must battle on an academic level with his professor in order to win the argument in his classmates eyes. Josh believes God wants to be defended before this group of college freshmen.

Bible verses used in the movie Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33) But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48) I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Discussion questions 1. Who is your hero in the movie? 2. Josh has decided to defend God based on reasoning. Instead of quoting his foundation in the Bible. Was that wise? 3. Josh used the big bang theory to prove God s creation. Are there better things to prove the Creator God? 4. Professor Radisson had some forms of blindness. Which blindnesses did he have: intellectual, spiritual, or moral? 5. The band members asked Amy: where do you get hope from? What would your answer be?