“God’s Not Dead” centers on Josh Wheaton, a devout Christian college student who challenges his philosophy professor, an outspoken atheist, to a series of debates on the existence of God. When the professor demands that Josh renounce his faith as a condition for passing the class, Josh refuses and instead uses the debates to defend his beliefs, drawing on philosophical arguments and real-life examples. The film intertwines the stories of other characters facing their own faith-based struggles, creating a narrative that champions Christian apologetics and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs in the face of secular opposition, ultimately culminating in a public affirmation of faith.Christ
“God’s Not Dead” aligns with core conservative values by championing the defense of religious freedom and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs against secular pressures. The film’s narrative reinforces the idea that faith should not be relegated to the private sphere but should be actively defended in the public square, a concept central to many conservative viewpoints. It also underscores the importance of intellectual engagement with opposing viewpoints, demonstrating that faith can be supported by reason and logic. Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of a student bravely challenging authority to uphold his convictions resonates with Madison ideals of individual courage and the importance of resisting societal pressures that contradict one’s moral compass.
