The film is stirring the pot.
The enduring movie franchise “God’s Not Dead” is set to release its fifth installment, “God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust,” this September. The film follows Rev. David Hill’s campaign for U.S. Congress after the sudden death of an incumbent congressman during a tumultuous political and spiritual period. Hill’s opponent is staunchly anti-religion, and the movie underscores the importance of religious values in shaping public policy and governance.
Scheduled for release on September 12, the movie comes out less than two months before the presidential election, amid intense national debates about Christianity’s role in government. Critics of “Christian nationalism” have been vocal, making the film’s release particularly timely. Adam Holz, from Focus on the Family’s Plugged In review site, acknowledges the complexities of faith and politics and hopes the film encourages discussions among those with differing views.
The “God’s Not Dead” series, based on Rice Broocks’ book, has enjoyed box office success and popularity among Christian audiences since its debut in 2014. Despite the first film’s significant earnings and the second film’s moderate success, later installments did not perform as well financially. The series has featured notable actors and has been a cultural touchstone for many Christians.
Holz has noted that the franchise often portrays antagonists in a one-dimensional manner, similar to how Christians are sometimes depicted in mainstream media. He argues that while films like “God’s Not Dead” can be inspirational, they should also provoke deeper theological reflection on how Christians engage with those who hold different beliefs.
As the franchise continues, Holz urges Christian viewers to critically assess these films as they would any other movie. He believes that good storytelling, rather than sermonizing, is key to effectively conveying faith-based messages. Holz cites the work of filmmakers who have successfully balanced faith with nuanced storytelling, suggesting that the “God’s Not Dead” series could benefit from a similar approach.