GOD’S NOT DEAD 2
Director Harold Cronk
Cert. PG. 120 mins
God’s Not Dead 2 works on its own terms; you don’t have to have seen the first film (see review June 2014 en) or read the book.
It’s a story about dealing with persecution, with apologetics as a supplementary theme. As such, it seems to be aimed at a Christian audience, rather than a non-Christian one.
When Christian high-school teacher Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) quotes Jesus in response to a question in history class, she faces opposition from the school board and, later, prosecution.
The non-Christian lawyer Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe) is the only one who will represent her and, intrigued, strives to understand her reasons for not backing down. Meanwhile, Martin Yip goes to his local pastor Rev. Dave for answers to his 147 (!) questions. New Christian Amy Ryan struggles, following her miraculous remission from cancer, as she starts to question everything, but Grace’s faith fascinates her.
Faith and facts
The characters in the film are encouraged throughout by Scripture and by song, and the film sets forth the case for Jesus in real history, showing that our faith is founded on historical fact.
The film also serves as a helpful reminder to Christians to be unashamed without needlessly provoking (c.f. 1 Peter 3.14-16). As Pastor Ade Amooba, co-founder of Christian Concern, said after the screening, ‘Try not to argue God; demonstrate God.’
While God’s Not Dead 2 is likely not the best choice of Christian film to show to your non-Christian friends (who may see it as cheesy and simplistic), it is nonetheless a moving film, which could be encouraging for Christians, especially those struggling with their faith or facing opposition.
