Christian movie trailer goes viral

By Carol Pipes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — God’s Not Dead, a film about the existence of God and defending one’s faith, is making waves on Facebook. The movie’s trailer, posted on the popular social networking site, has racked up 6.5 million views, 1.4 million likes and has been shared 720,981 times.

“We’ve been told it’s one of the most successful movie trailers on Facebook this entire year,” said Jeremy Carlson, church engagement specialist for Lifeway Films. In addition to helping promote the movie, Lifeway Films is working with churches on how to engage the film.

God’s Not Dead, a Pure Flix Entertainment release, follows Josh Wheaton, played by Shane Harper (Good Luck Charlie), through his first semester of college. Josh’s faith is tested by his relationships and a run in with a hardened philosophy professor.

On the first day of class, Dr. Radisson, played by Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Soul Surfer), demands all of his students sign a declaration “God is dead” in order to receive a passing grade. Josh refuses. In order to stay in the class, he accepts a challenge from his professor: Josh must defend his position that God is alive in a series of debates with Dr. Radisson.

The movie features special appearances by Duck Dynasty’s Willie and Korie Robertson and the Newsboys. Also in the movie are Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman) and David A. R. White (Evening Shade).

“God has done some amazing things via social media,” Carlson said of the social media reach as of Wednesday, Nov. 6. “This trailer has been seen by so many more people than we could have imagined. The message of standing up for your beliefs is definitely resonating with people.”

God’s Not Dead comes to theaters spring 2014. To learn more about the movie, visit LifeWay.com/GodsNotDead.