This next film in the God’s Not Dead franchise is an inspiring, must-see movie for everyone, especially those in the homeschooling community. The issues we face as homeschoolers are real and we need to be aware of what is happening in our nation and what could be in our future. As of now, homeschooling is legal in all fifty states of America. Even though it is legal, some states have stricter requirements than others. While watching the film, my husband was shocked that the homeschooling mom let a woman come in and observe her homeschool. I reminded him that in certain states, that is the norm, it is actually required. The state we currently live in has two main ways to file for homeschooling. One is Notice of Intent and the other is Religious Exemption. Many parents are nervous to file for Religious Exemption because of horror stories in the past.
In the film, Reverend Dave (White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families. He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for, Reverend Dave is called to Washington DC to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.
This is an incredible film that every parent needs to see. As a homeschooler, I will admit that there were two things in the movie that didn't seem realistic but I am sure that most people would gloss this over and not worry about it. Since I am in the thick of homeschooling though I thought I should bring them up. First, the involvement of the pastor in the film did not flow well. I understand that he is the main constant throughout the four movies but it seemed like trying to fit him into the homeschooling community was too much of a push that would not happen in real life. When you are first introduced to the pastor in this movie he is in the home of a homeschooling mom, alone, without her husband. The purpose is for a co-op but in reality, a co-op consists of homeschooling moms teaching classes, if they bring in outside help it is called something entirely different and it usually does not take place in the home. Co-ops or outsourcing would happen in a church or a public setting. If this scene took place in his church where there at least was the secretary or another person for accountability's sake it would be a little more realistic.
Even so, there is not a homeschooling mom that I know that would ask their pastor to teach their child about Noah's ark. In the movie, they call it "theology class." Maybe some parents outsource and have others teach their kids doctrine but most parents, if they are Christian homeschoolers, have enough confidence to teach their child basic Bible concepts such as Creation and the flood. This makes me wonder if this film was created by the Catholic community where it is not encouraged that laymen have access to the Bible for themselves but must learn everything from the priest. If a pastor needs to come into the home of a family choosing to take a Christian stand for homeschooling to teach about Noah, there is something seriously wrong. Especially when the father of the home is not there.
Even though these aspects of the film were not realistic, and slightly concerning, I understand the heart of the filmmakers and at one point truly wanted to give a standing ovation to the writers of this film. Every word that was spoken in the courtroom scene was powerful and moving. I agreed wholeheartedly with what was written in those scenes and for that reason alone I highly recommend this film to homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers alike. You need to see this film! Hopefully, it will help ignite a fire in you to help support the homeschooling community like never before. Or, if you still have your children in public schools maybe it will give you the boost you need to take a stand. It may be a stand that you never in a million years ever thought you would take but maybe now is the time to do it and inspire those around you to do the same.
Get your tickets to see God's Not Dead: We the People, in theaters only on October 4, 5, and 6!
1 comment:
Great review! I am so grateful we have the privilege to homeschool, and I'm excited to see more and more families choosing that route.
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