God's Not Dead 2 2016

As AP History teacher Grace Wesley (name), a devout evangelical Christian, takes notice of her student Brooke Thawley’s palpable grief following the untimely passing of her brother, she finds solace in sharing her unwavering optimism. When Brooke, withdrawn and introspective, approaches her about the source of her hope-filled demeanor, Grace confidently points to Jesus Christ as the wellspring of her joy. This candid exchange sparks a chain reaction that sets Brooke on a path of self-discovery, as she begins to delve into the scriptures for herself. The ensuing classroom discussions, centered around the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., take an unexpected turn when Brooke queries whether their philosophies align with the biblical account of the Sermon on the Mount. Grace’s thoughtful responses weave together disparate threads, prompting one student to hastily text his parents about the class, which inadvertently sets off a firestorm that culminates in Principal Kinney’s scathing rebuke.

As tensions escalate, Grace finds herself brought before the School Board, where she is informed that her alleged transgression has triggered legal action, with the separation of church and state cited as the primary concern. This development piques the interest of Tom Endler (name), a defense attorney known for his willingness to take on unconventional cases, even if they challenge his own beliefs.

Meanwhile, a college student named Martin Yip (name) turns to Pastor David Hill for guidance on matters of faith, prompting a series of probing questions. In another corner of the city, former left-wing blogger Amy Ryan receives shocking news: her cancer has mysteriously vanished. Seeking answers, she confides in Michael Tait of the Newsboys, who encourages her to explore the realm of faith and its potential impact on her life. As Amy grapples with these revelations, she reconfigures her blog into a personal chronicle of her spiritual journey.

As Grace’s case comes before a judge in Little Rock, Arkansas, the School Board hopes to secure her termination and revoke her teaching license unless she issues a public apology, which she steadfastly refuses. Prosecutor Pete Kane (name) makes a bold opening argument, asserting that if Grace is not found guilty, it will serve as conclusive proof of God’s non-existence, with far-reaching consequences for American society. In response, Tom Endler mounts a spirited defense, arguing that Jesus Christ was a literal historical figure and thus an appropriate subject of classroom debate.

As the trial unfolds, Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace (name) and author Lee Strobel are called as expert witnesses to bolster the idea that faith is not only a legitimate area of inquiry but also an integral component of human experience.

As the courtroom drama unfolds, Brooke takes her rightful place as a witness, unwittingly playing into Kane’s hands. The cunning lawyer expertly goads her into revealing that Grace was the one who first broached the subject of Jesus, a revelation that further erodes Grace’s confidence. Meanwhile, in a poignant display of solidarity, Brooke and her friends rally around their friend with an uplifting song, aimed at lifting her spirits amidst the turmoil.

In a separate narrative thread, Martin visits his hospitalized friend David, accompanied by Jude, only to announce that he has been called to become a pastor in China. This revelation comes as David struggles to recover from his appendicitis-induced collapse, adding another layer of complexity to an already emotionally charged scenario.

As the trial reaches its climax, Endler employs a shrewd tactic to position Grace as a hostile witness, prompting the judge to caution the jury against allowing their biases and prejudices to sway their verdict. Ultimately, the jury delivers a verdict in favor of Grace, leaving Kane stunned and humiliated alongside his opponents Brooke and Endler.

As the dust settles on this courtroom victory, Brooke takes center stage, proclaiming “God’s not dead” to the crowd, while Newsboys perform their stirring anthem “Guilty,” dedicating it to Grace’s courageous stand. Amidst this triumphant atmosphere, a character delivers a powerful explanation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous letter from the Birmingham jail, offering insight into his profound message and its enduring relevance.

In a gripping post-credits scene, David makes a dramatic return, only to be arrested by authorities for failing to submit his sermons as demanded earlier in the film. As Jude and Martin watch in shock, the African-American school principal delivers an impassioned reminder of Dr. King’s words, setting the stage for the events that will unfold in God’s Not Dead: A Light in Darkness.