The story centers around Josh Wheaton (played by Shane Harper), a college freshman and devout Christian who enrolls in a philosophy class taught by the staunchly atheist Professor Radisson (played by Kevin Sorbo). On the first day of class, Professor Radisson challenges the students to declare that “God is dead” and sign a statement to that effect.
Josh, unwilling to compromise his faith, refuses to sign the statement. Professor Radisson then challenges Josh to prove the existence of God through a series of debates in front of the entire class. The film introduces various subplots, including the personal struggles of other characters dealing with faith, relationships, and adversity.
As the debates unfold, Josh presents arguments for the existence of God, drawing on philosophy, science, and personal experiences. The film portrays a clash of worldviews between atheism and Christianity, with Josh defending his faith against intellectual challenges.
Parallel to Josh’s story, the film follows other characters, such as Amy (played by Trisha LaFache), a cancer patient; Mark (played by Dean Cain), a successful businessman dealing with personal issues; and Pastor Dave (played by David A.R. White), who faces legal challenges for sharing his faith.
In the climax, the various storylines converge, leading to moments of resolution and transformation for several characters. The film emphasizes the idea that God is not dead and that faith can be a source of strength and hope in the face of life’s challenges.
“God’s Not Dead” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its positive portrayal of faith but criticism for its simplistic portrayal of atheism and its reliance on stereotypes. Despite the critical reception, the film found success among Christian audiences for its inspirational message and the exploration of issues related to religious freedom.