Below are some of the questions I had going into the movie and I suspect readers have some of the same questions so I will share them along with the answers. I do not intend to include any spoilers and my thoughts will be brief because it's late!
What positive arguments for God's existence will be presented in the film?
The cosmological argument, the moral argument and the Cambrian explosion all make an appearance. Obviously, for theatrical purposes, the arguments are condensed but understandable. I could easily imagine someone's curiosity being sparked by the movie and, as a result, wanting to look into the arguments more thoroughly.
Further, I appreciated the film interacting with the works of contemporary skeptics such as Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawking. Other names mentioned in the film of note were Bertrand Russell, John Lennox and Steven Weinberg.
What objections to God's existence will be addressed?
It is stated in the movie that the existence of evil and suffering are the most powerful objections to God's existence. The film's response is both through argument and narrative. First, in one of the presentations given by the main character (there are 3 total), the free will defense is offered. Second, a few of the film's story lines demonstrate how God can work even through suffering.
There is also a very good answer offered to the classic school boy objection, "Who created God?"
It is also argued that evolution explains very little and even if true would not call God's existence into question.
Will I be able to bring a skeptic to this film?
This film has much potential to start some great conversations with unbelievers. However, it should be noted that the film is unapologetically Christian. The believers in the film are sold out for Christ and pray, talk of the Holy Spirit and attend a worship concert.
How will the acting be?
I felt the acting was believable and was most impressed with Kevin Sorbo's effort. As the atheist college professor he offered arguments that I have heard come over the lips of Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins. He refers to God as a "supreme celestial dictator" and refers to religion as a "mind virus."
The appearances by Willie Robertson and his wife and "The Newsboys" obviously weren't the acting highlights of the film, but were sufficient and minor.
Will there be any objectionable content in the film?
No. The film's content is presented fairly and while I certainly could pick out some things that skeptics might cry foul on, overall the film delivers.
Will they share the gospel in the movie?
They did and it was very clear.
Did you see it? Tell us what you thought in the comments!
Courage and Godspeed,
Chad
Comments
Many of the people in the movie have very poorly developed characters. This may be a reflection of the writers views on secular society or it may have been a simpler way to advance the side plots. Either way it made many of the characters less believable.
There was some violence when a Muslim father hits his daughter but this is mild compared to what happens to many Muslims who change their beliefs or don’t follow strict laws.
One of the strongest elements in the movie seemed to be that they did some good research on the current debate about the existence of God.