God's Not Dead 2!!

               When I heard there was going to be a God's Not Dead 2!! I was really excited, as I loved the first one God's Not Dead, as well as Do You Believe? I love how in the last few recent years, some very strong faith-based movies have hit the big screen! I hope that people are curious and wander into the theater and see a movie, and want to know more about what this amazing love Jesus has to offer is.

               I don't want to give too much of God's Not Dead 2 away, but I'll share a little about it and the impact. If you've read past posts of mine, you may know that I've taught elementary school. I've taught 6th and 1st grade and have wonderful memories. I was fortunate to work at a public school in a community where faith was important, even if people shared different faiths than each other. Being able to teach there was a blessing, and I've also subbed in a private Christian school, which has been great. But having student taught in straight up public schools, this movie definitely hits home.

               The first movie takes place in a college setting, where the sequel takes place in a high school. During the credits it showed many many court cases that this movie was inspired by. In the movie, a student asks a teacher directly about Jesus, and the teacher answers honestly. I could get into the specifics, but I encourage you to go see the movie instead. The teacher is asked to say that she made a mistake and basically go back on what she said, which she isn't going to do. Those above her leave her no option than to go to court.

              I just want to share one part that really stuck with me during the court hearings. The whole issue of the separation between church and state came up…as well as it's context of when it first came up and what was meant by it. In today's world it means, that they shouldn't co-exist and be completely separate…to independent entities. Here is the context: Thomas Jefferson was writing a letter to a Baptist church assuring them of their religious freedoms and "separation of church and state" was born, meaning the state couldn't control their beliefs…it seems today that the state is trying to do just the opposite of what Jefferson intended. With the current view of "separation between church and state" I find it cool and ironic, that when people are "sworn in" they place there hand on the Bible, no matter what they believe…that's kinda cool.

            This movie also had story lines that continued from the first one, which I enjoyed as it connected the two, yet made the new fresh. New and old characters coming together. And of course, you can't forget the Newsboys singing their new song "Guilty" for this movie as well as the hit and title of these movies "God's Not Dead."
         
           PSA: I need to say this…if you go to the movie…Redbox it or buy it when it comes out… there is an extra scene after the credits. When I saw the movie I didn't know about this and found out later, so please stay for the extra scene =)

          I hope you enjoy the post and enjoy the movie as well. I'll close leaving the trailer for this wonderful movie and message!

         
        Peace and Love,
                             Jalynn (Jessica Lynn)