At one point he says, “The Supreme Court said we can worship God according to the dictate of our own conscience.” He’s become something of a scholar when it comes to American history-especially as it concerns religious freedom. We also learn that roughly 75% of families that choose to homeschool are not evangelical Christians, but people who are motivated by a long list of other concerns to educate their children at home.Īnother character who’s appeared in every God’s Not Dead film is Martin Yip, a Chinese immigrant who has been rejected by his family for becoming a Christian. Ultimately, their passion and well-articulated arguments tip momentum back in favor of religious liberty.
Dave, the McKinnons and others have opportunities to exercise courage that’s driven by their convictions. They do so, standing firm in the face of tremendous pressure from what the film identifies as “progressive” politicians who seemingly just want the Christian homeschoolers to conform to their legislation without a word. Dave and the co-op’s homeschooling parents to come and testify at a hearing in Washington, D.C. Congressman Daryl Smith, who’s striving to defeat a proposed bill in Congress that would impose similar-and more draconian-restrictions on homeschoolers nationwide. And he’s inspired to stand up on behalf of the homeschoolers at his church.Įven as their local battle for the right to homeschool is unfolding, Rev. Jude (who died in the church fire in the last film). But he remembers a conversation with his old friend Rev. Dave is initially overwhelmed at the thought of yet another religious freedom battle in front of him. And the children could find themselves, temporarily, in foster homes.īut as we mentioned, it’s not Rev. McKinnon.”Īnd, she adds, every day that their kids aren’t enrolled in an accredited school will result in a $1,000 fine, while parents could end up jailed for contempt of court. Your beliefs do not exempt you from the law, Mr. Your freedom as parents does not supersede your children’s rights. “Your children, however, enjoy the right to an education. “Parents have the freedom to raise their children in line with their moral beliefs,” she says. A follow-up court hearing with local magistrate, Judge Neely, delivers the knockout blow: “You have 10 days to conform or enroll your children in accredited schools,” she says plainly.
The letter stuns the McKinnons and their fellow homeschoolers. It’s not long before a letter arrives in the mail, informing the McKinnons-and every one else at the co-op-of social services’ recommendations: that their children be removed from the co-op and enrolled in an “accredited learning program” immediately. She’s not impressed with the lesson’s moral: “What sin required destruction?” she asks, barely concealing her contempt for the Christian homeschoolers.
Participants gather in the home of Rebecca and Mike McKinnon, who are also homeschooling their two children, Brandon (a high school senior) and Shannon (who’s in fifth grade).Īmid a lesson about Noah’s ark one day, an unexpected visitor arrives: a social worker checking in on the co-op to make sure that the curriculum meets state standards. Dave spends time each week teaching a Bible (and reading) lesson to a group of kids in his church’s homeschooling co-op.
One that starts with an unexpected doorbell ringing. Now, another battle between religious liberty and government control is brewing. He’s discipled a college student whose faith was under assault from an atheist professor ( God’s Not Dead ), briefly served on the jury in a case involving a teacher sharing her faith with a student ( God’s Not Dead 2 ), and defended his church’s right to rebuild on the campus of a secular university after the sanctuary is burned down ( God’s Not Dead: A Light in the Darkness ). David Hill is no stranger to spiritual battles.