Bryan E. Wilson

By: Suzanne Ostrander

A couple of weekends ago, my husband and I relished the scarce and exciting opportunity to watch a movie from start to finish without pressing the pause button once. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, my dear spouse and I went on a date while the grandparents babysat our 9-month old son. (Can I get an AMEN?!!)

Long overdue for some conversation that broached topics other than Spongebob Squarepants, spit-up, or suspicious smelling diapers, Nathan and I agreed on the recently released flick “God’s Not Dead”.

The movie tells the story of devout Christian and college freshman Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper), who is prompted by his overreaching Atheist philosophy professor (Kevin Sorbo) to present a scientific, fact-based argument on the existence of God.

Rotten Tomatoes gave the film mixed reviews, due to the production’s stereotypical depiction of religion and morality throughout various cultures.

Be that as it may, I strongly disagree with the assertion that the movie failed to present an all-encompassing portrayal of the Christian experience.

Critics felt that the movie presented the tragically inaccurate message that Christians are always good, while non-Christians are always bad.  In other words, if good is white and bad is black, then the film lacked any notable trace of gray when it came to character development.

I couldn’t disagree more.

Josh Wheaton’s longtime girlfriend is a perfect example of a character who steps outside her moral compass as a Christian without actually abandoning her faith altogether. Committed to her relationship with Josh and their long-term plan of a life together, Josh’s girlfriend shares his Christian faith, but does not support his decision to challenge his professor. She is a Christian, yet her concern for Josh’s academic future trumped her support for him when he decides to challenge his professor and defend his faith.

Does this mean that she is no longer a Christian?

Of course not, she simply erred in her ways as a Christian who mistakenly dips her toes into the quintessential realm of gray.

What other characters represent this proverbial, yet realistic shade of gray? Go see the film and find out! I would love to hear your thoughts!