5 Great Ideas for “God’s Not Dead 3”

God’s Not Dead 3 — The Good Newsboys

In the post-credit scene for “God’s Not Dead 2,” the lovable Reverend Dave (David A.R. White) was arrested and hauled off in a police car, presumably for violating government orders to turn in his sermons.

In this brave third entry, we learn what the government wanted in those sermons. In each one, the pastors admitted to owning a CD by the Newsboys, whose new single, “Government Can’t Tell Me What to Believe,” has made the Powers That Be nervous. Ray Wise’s lawyer is back; after losing his case in the second film, he’s switched from the ACLU to the FCC, where he’s trying to silence all worship music. Reverend Dave refuses to throw the Newsboys under the bus and finds former atheist blogger turned Christian blogger Amy Ryan, who has since become a music blogger (note: maybe they fall in love). They warn the Newsboys about the government’s plan, but it’s too late; in the middle of performing at one of their sold-out Thursday afternoon concerts, Michael Tait is arrested and put on trial. Ray Wise’s lawyer has teamed up with Dean Cain’s lawyer from the first film to prove the insidiousness of Christian music. During a visit to an underground rap battle, they learn the truth from a secret source (Carman!): People have quit buying Christian albums because the record industry has purposefully promoted them poorly in a conspiracy to wipe out American Worship ™. This makes it impossible for Tait to afford a fair defense. Thankfully, the “Duck Dynasty” crew puts together a last-minute music festival with Chris Tomlin, three guys from Petra and — in a triumphant return — Geoff Moore (note: also The Distance, if budget allows). Tait raises the money, but it doesn’t matter — in a rush to stop the concert, Wise and Cain’s characters are hit by a bus. Thankfully, there’s a preacher nearby to lead them in prayer before they die. Tait takes the money and follows his passion — he quits the Newsboys, buys a boat with Rev. Dave and does a worldwide cruise with dc Talk (note: the dc Talk version of “God’s Not Dead” that plays over the credits is going to be sick).