Vice President Mike Pence, Wife Karen Screen 'God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness' at Museum of the Bible

Mar 16, 2018 09:46 AM EDT

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen recently screened the soon-to-release Pure Flix movie "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.

On March 8, the Pences, along with actor David A.R. White, actor Ted McGinley, The Newsboys, and Pure Flix Partners Alysoun Wolfe, Elizabeth Travis and Pure Flix COO Steve Fedyski, enjoyed an advanced screening of the film, which comes out March 30.

White, who stars in the film and also a founding partner of Pure Flix, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.

"What a privilege for us to share our new film at Museum of the Bible, and we were honored to have Vice President Pence and Second Lady Pence as our guests," he said in a press release made available to The Gospel Herald. "I am grateful for all those who attended and assisted with that memorable evening. My hope is that God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness will inspire and encourage all those who see the film."

"God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" follows "Reverend Dave as he is released from prison to a flurry of controversy. The growing social unrest leads to Dave's church being burned down, a fire with tragic results."

"Devastated, Dave is launched on a painful spiritual journey as he fights against the university trying to keep him from rebuilding his church, and as his belief that 'God is good all the time' is put to the test. Along the way, Dave enlists the help of his estranged atheist brother who will support Dave in his legal fight, but also challenges him to recognize that sometimes fighting doesn't require defeating those we disagree with, but rather finding a way to heal, and to rebuild," says the film's synopsis.

Previously, White told GH that the film examines the age-old question, "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?"

"To answer those question organically and from truth is hopefully what all of these movies have been about," White said. "I think by showing both sides...we're trying to bring these conversations out, and we're trying to bring them out in a real, organic truth. That's what we're seeking, is the truth."

In a society riddled with division and social unrest, White hopes "God's Not Dead: A Light in Darkness" can help foster spirit of unity and compassion.

"The film is about forgiveness, it's about love, it's about bringing to light healing," White said. "You look at the evening news, and there's a lot of chaos going on in society and in our country. There's so much fighting, there's so much anger, you can't watch the news and be happy -- not that you could never -- but moreso now than ever."

"I think this movie is relevant for that, and hopefully...both sides of the aisle can go and watch this story about two brothers that really don't like each other -- which could really be the symbolism of America -- and [after seeing] healing, and forgiveness, and hope and love, could walk out being encouraged," he concluded.

Additional cast members include Emmy Award winner Gregory Alan Williams, Mike C. Manning, Samantha Boscarino, rap artist Shwayze, Jennifer Cipolla, and music legend Dr. Cissy Houston. Reprising his role from the first "God's Not Dead" movie is Shane Harper ("Josh").

"A Light In Darkness" also has a soundtrack to accompany the release, which will feature a compilation of 10 pop and worship tracks from the Dream Records and Dream Worship roster of artists. Each song on the album was inspired by the motion picture.

The original "God's Not Dead" movie was the highest-grossing independent faith film of 2014, taking in more than $60 million at the box office. The creators are hoping to continue their success.

For more information on "God's Not Dead: A Light In Darkness," click here.