3 Reasons ‘God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust’ Will Inspire Christians to Vote this Election
Movies
Audio By Carbonatix
By Michael Foust, Movies
1. It Offers a Fresh Perspective on Politics
In God We Trust presents viewers with a fresh perspective on politics while subtly implying that America's current political climate has gone astray -- and is far from pleasing to the Lord.
"We've got to go negative," Hill's campaign manager urges him. "Negative campaigns work. They win."
Hill, though, rejects that advice, even though his opponent, state senator Kane, is a no-holds-barred politician who will stop at nothing. Hill (David A.R. White), a pastor with strong convictions, wants to run a God-honoring campaign even if it costs him the election.
This tension between Hill and his campaign manager provides solid drama. It also comes to a head when she digs up old files on Kane that could land him in jail and hand Hill the race. Even so, Hill refuses to use them.
"We're not having this conversation," Hill says. He instructs her to destroy the documents. (Later in the film, the legitimacy of the files is called into question.)
"I've been telling people that my candidacy is about more than winning the election. If I release this to the media, then my promise was nothing more than a slogan," he says.
I walked away from the film, wishing I could vote for Reverend David Hill. No doubt, negative ads sometimes do work. But I'm guessing most Americans are ready for a more hopeful approach, one that focuses on issues and solutions rather than mudslinging and scandal.
After all, if we abandon Christ's principles in order to advance His causes, we undermine our own faith.
Photo Credit: ©Pinnacle Peak
2. It Calls for Christian Engagement
America needs better political candidates running (and winning) at every level of office. In God We Trust, it implies that Christians are partially at fault due to their lack of involvement. A congressman tells Hill, "40 million Christians don't vote, another 15 million aren't even registered." (When the credits roll, we see a similar statistic on screen.)
The message is clear: Christians need to go to the polls.
"We have to push the good of our faith into this political process, and it is your campaign that sets the example for Christians involved in the civic square," the congressman adds.
When Hill expresses concern that non-Christians won't support him, the congressman responds, "Things are so bad out there [that] if we build it right, they will come. In fact, they will welcome our engagement."
Later in the film, Hill tells the audience, "Imagine if all Christians mobilized and voted."
Actor Dean Cain, who portrays a nefarious financial backer of Hill's campaign in the film, said he hopes the message motivates more Christians to take action.
"Get involved," Cain said. "You may not be interested in politics, but politics are interested in you."
Photo Credit: ©Pinnacle Peak
3. It Urges Believers to Stand Firm
Hill's campaign manager urges him to stop the "God talk," but Hill refuses, standing Firm for his faith.
The rights stated in the Declaration of Independence, he tells a debate audience, "don't come from a piece of paper -- they come from God and the biblical idea that all men are created in His image." (If you're curious, the debate is far more substantial than the so-called "debates" we typically watch.)
Smartly, In God We Trust makes no mention of Republicans, Democrats, or any modern political leaders. Instead, it sticks to issues and America's timeless values.
Like every movie in the franchise, it employs hyperbole and a few unnecessary straw men—progressives come off as caricatures—and yet it leaves you wishing for a political campaign that is more like what you see on screen: less dirty, more honest, and more focused on the issues.
The film ends with the Newsboys in concert -- a signature of movies in the franchise. When the credits roll, you'll be energized and encouraged.
God's Not Dead: In God, We Trust is unrated but contains no language, sexuality, or violence.
Photo Credit: ©Pinnacle Peak
