God's Not Dead 2 Page #2

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And so, peaceful nonviolence

comes first in India under Gandhi,

and then later, here in

the United States under Dr. King

and others as a means

of achieving civil rights.

But what makes nonviolence so radical

is its unwavering commitment

to a nonviolent approach,

not just initially, but in the

face of escalating persecution

by the opposing force.

Yes?

Isn't that sort of like what Jesus meant

when he said that we

should love our enemies?

Yes.

The writer of the Gospel of Matthew

records Jesus as saying,

"You have heard it said,

"love your neighbor and hate your enemy,

"but I tell you, love your enemies

"and pray for those who persecute you,

that you will be children

of your Father in heaven,"

which indicates a commitment

to nonviolence.

Dr. King confirmed the link,

describing his inspiration from Scripture,

saying Christ furnished

the spirit and motivation,

while Gandhi furnished the method.

Except that that didn't work.

Jesus got himself killed

and everybody knows that.

Well, so did Dr. King.

So, I guess it just depends

on how you measure success.

Both men created movements

that survive to this day,

even though both paid the ultimate price

for their commitment to their ideals.

I still wouldn't do it.

Well, not very many people

have that kind of courage.

But I, for one,

am grateful for those that do,

you know, those who stand up

for what they believe.

Have a good day.

Are you Pastor Dave?

I am.

- I'm Martin Yip.

- Nice to meet you.

My friend Josh Wheaton

said you might be able

to answer my questions about God.

Well, that definitely falls

within my job description.

How many questions have you got?

So far, 147.

Is something wrong?

No.

Josh encouraged me to write them down

and be as comprehensive as possible.

Of course he did.

Well, I'll have to thank him

next time I see him.

Come on.

So, what's your first question?

Grace, I just have to hear it from you.

Did this happen?

If you're asking whether I responded

to a student's question, yes.

If you're asking whether

her question and my answer

both referenced Jesus as it was

relevant to the history lesson

we were discussing,

again, I'd have to say yes.

Good afternoon, Ms. Wesley.

I've asked Bob Fessler to sit in,

he's the school's attorney,

to advise us on any legal issues

we might be brushing up against.

Should I have a lawyer, too?

No, I don't see the need for that.

Ms. Rizzo is present

as your union representation.

Okay.

We are here to hear

your side of the story.

Now, I understand a student in

your second period history class

asked a question about the parallels

between the teachings of Gandhi

and remarks allegedly made by Jesus.

Yes, that's correct.

And your answer incorporated

specific detailed reference

to those teachings that

included Scripture itself,

the words of Jesus.

Yes.

What were you thinking, Grace?

Do you believe your response

was in line with district policy?

Yes.

As well as in compliance

with state and federal guidelines?

Yes, sir.

Well, Ms. Wesley, unfortunately for you,

I'm fairly certain the

school board will disagree.

No, Coach, you're not hearing me.

No prayers.

No moments of silence. Nothing.

It's tradition on the field.

Not on the field, not in the locker room,

not in the parking lot for that matter.

Whatever you say.

Okay, thanks, Coach.

Come on in.

Hi, Brooke.

You wanted to see me?

Ms. Wesley is currently

under disciplinary review.

All of her classes have been

reassigned until things are settled.

I don't want you to have

any contact with her.

None whatsoever, either

on or off school property.

Do I have any say in this?

No, I've already discussed things

with your father and he agrees.

Since when does my dad care?

Brooke, the important thing for you to

remember is you've done nothing wrong.

Neither did Ms. Wesley.

All she did was answer a question.

Ms. Wesley's answer was

not in line with school policy.

Really?

I mean, aren't we allowed

to say what we believe?

When did that change?

I'm not gonna argue with you,

and I don't want you discussing

the situation with anyone.

Do you understand?

Do you understand?

Yes.

Grace?

Are you...

Tom Endler, your union-appointed attorney.

You don't look like a lawyer.

Thank you.

I'm not sure I meant that as a compliment.

I'm determined to take it as one.

Shall we sit?

So, have you defended many teachers

in disciplinary matters?

Nope, you're my first.

Just hired on from

the public defender's office.

Criminal law?

No offense, but I'm not a criminal.

Don't be so sure of that.

Your kind of case makes

everybody uncomfortable.

School boards, teachers, parents.

It makes them feel... yucky.

Yucky?

Is that a technical legal term?

You got a better word for it?

Grace, I'm gonna level with you.

Nobody wants your case.

I drew it because

I'm low man on the totem pole

in a place where

seniority means everything.

If, for whatever reason,

you're not happy with me,

you're on your own.

You're free to hire your own

attorney out of your own pocket.

Educational law isn't

exactly a common specialty.

So, what's the good news?

I don't like to lose.

And I'm willing to fight for you.

Are you a believer?

You mean a Christian?

No, but I think that's an advantage.

Why?

You're passionate about what you believe.

I mean, let's face it, it's why

you're in trouble in the first place.

But it blinds you to

the realities of procedure.

Okay.

Okay, what?

Okay, I agree to let you represent me.

- Good.

- Good.

David, are you okay?

Um, terrific.

There was a young man

in here, brilliant kid,

with no exposure to Scripture

until a few months ago.

He came in with some questions.

147 of 'em to be exact.

I feel like I've been hit

by a truck loaded with Bibles.

Big heavy ones with those thick covers.

Always be ready to give

answer as to why you believe

and the reason for your hope.

1 Peter chapter 3, verse 15.

Yes.

And where were you 4 hours ago?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

"and lean not on your own understanding.

"In all your ways, acknowledge him

and he will make your paths straight."

Father, I need you.

I can't do this alone.

I know that you're in control.

Please, give me the courage.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Call to order.

I assume Ms. Wesley understands

that this board has the power

to recommend any number

of disciplinary actions,

up to and including termination.

She does.

And this board should be aware

that in the event of such termination,

which we would view as both

wrongful and without cause,

she reserves all rights of redress.

I may have a solution.

There might be a way around

all of this unpleasantness

that would satisfy all parties.

A disciplinary notice in Ms. Wesley's file

stating the school board's

objections to her behavior,

a response from Ms. Wesley

confessing the inappropriateness of

and apologizing for her actions,

along with a pledge not to engage

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