'God's Not Dead' Receives Faith Driven Consumer Backing Despite Some Criticism
Despite criticism by some conservative groups like Answers in Genesis, the upcoming Christian film "God's Not Dead" has received high marks by Faith Driven Consumer, with the movie review site saying that the film leans toward a biblical worldview,
"With biblically orthodox Christian faith under unprecedented attack in America today, 'God's Not Dead' is a timely and thought-provoking look at religious freedom and standing up for your faith and convictions," said Chris Stone, certified brand strategist and founder of Faith Driven Consumer. "The challenging – but ultimately hope-filled and encouraging – message of this film will resonate strongly with Christians and non-Christians alike."
Faith Driven Consumer, which was behind the IStandWithPhil.com movement that helped restore Phil Robertson to "Duck Dynasty," gave the movie 4 stars out of 5, describing it as "leaning toward a Biblical worldview."
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The detailed review, which includes some plot spoilers, notes that some Christian apologists may find fault with how arguments for the existence of God are handled in "God's Not Dead," but states that the "increasingly intolerant and arrogant secularist viewpoint dominating academia today is realistically portrayed."
"Overall, 'God's Not Dead' is an encouraging, edifying and hope-filled movie that clearly presents the Gospel," Faith Driven Consumer says, as it breaks down the film in several categories, including Overall Faith and/or Biblical Relevance, Faith-compatible Depiction of Characters and Character Relationships, Faith-compatible Depiction of Situations, Family Viewing Suitability and Entertainment Value.
Not all Christians are applauding the movie, which follows a Christian student (Shane Harper), as his faith is challenged in college by his Philosophy professor (Kevin Sorbo).
Ken Ham's Answers in Genesis organization was asked by the film's producers to consider endorsing the film but it declined to do so after viewing it and finding several unbiblical elements.
AiG's review, posted in February (and also including plot points from the film), states that although it has an engaging storyline with interesting twists and plotlines, the movie fails to "acknowledge God's Word and character as the foundation of the Christian worldview."
"While the film approached the topic of evil in the world, it abandoned the ability to answer that question by demanding that God brought life into the world through the process of death through evolutionary processes. It presented an origin for the universe that requires a rewriting of the events of Genesis 1 to accept," AiG wrote, which advocates a literal interpretation of Genesis.
Willie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" shared with The Christian Post in an interview last week, however, that his faith was strengthened as a result of the film, in which he appears as himself.
"I thought it was well written and it came together," Robertson told CP. "I think the movie was certainly made as a teaching tool to definitely bring people to a belief in God."
"I've seen some Christian movies where the acting's not as good or the story's not as good, or it's just a lower budget film," he continued, adding that "God's Not Dead" has "really raised the bar with these faith-based movies."
