‘God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust’: An Interview with Actor Scott Baio 

On the cusp of what will undoubtedly be an emotionally charged presidential election, God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust—the fifth entry in the popular faith-based franchise—challenges Christians to be politically active (you can read our review here).    

Prior to the film’s release, we chatted with actor Scott Baio (Happy Days, Charles in Charge) about his faith, the relevance of the film’s message, and why he thinks America has declined. 

(Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Watch the full conversation above.)     

Daniel Blackaby: This is the fifth film in the God’s Not Dead series. Why do you think these films remain relevant today, and what personally drew you to this role?  

Scott Baio: I think they’re more relevant today because it seems like people are trying to remove God from everything. I remember it got to a point where people were hesitant to say, “Merry Christmas.” I’m a Christian, raised a Catholic, and I believe in certain values. Having a 16-year-old daughter, I want this country to hold onto some of those values.  

I decided to do this film because I would like to help in some way. There’s a stat that 40 million Christians don’t vote, and I’m sure that those people are complaining about what’s happening to the country. I don’t know whether they’re standing on some principle or they don’t want to get involved in politics. I don’t know. But what will they do one day when God is taken from everything?  

I believe in God and Jesus. We go to church, and I try to be a good human being. But the reason I did this film is because I feel that if I could help in any way, I will do it for my child. I don’t know how much time I have left. One day I’m going to be gone, and what I would like to leave my child and other children is the country I grew up in, which was a God-fearing, respectful, law-abiding, prosperous, powerful, and safe nation. And we seem to be none of those things right now. 

DB: This film is being released at a significant moment, just a few months before what is sure to be an emotionally charged presidential election. What role do you think this film can have in helping people navigate that season?  

SB: Get out and vote. Hopefully we can reach some of those people. If you want to effect change, you’ve got to get off your butt and vote. And hopefully this film will help people. The God’s Not Dead movies are always right ahead of something fairly important. They’ve been right on the cutting edge of what’s going on in the country.  

DB: Do you see this movie as a pointed call to action for people within the church, or do you hope it attracts a broader audience as well?  

SB: Both. First, it is a very good movie. I’m not saying that because I’m in it. It’s a really good film, and you hope that people will respond.  

DB: While doing this film, was there anything about your faith or your politics that you felt was affirmed, challenged, or gave you a deeper perspective? 

SB: I was born a Catholic and raised Catholic and attended a Catholic school and the whole bit. Then I got out to Hollywood. In my younger days, I got away from my faith for whatever reason. I was still a Catholic and still believed, but I didn’t do the things that showed my faith as much. As I’ve gotten older, I have started coming back to it. I was baptized a couple years ago. Through doing this movie, I learned a lot. And I go back to what I would like this country to be. And that’s a God-fearing nation. I think that’s our biggest problem. The further away we get from that, the stronger my belief gets. 

DB: There’s a theme in this movie that “It’s useless to fight dark with darkness.” In our current political climate, why is that message needed?  

SB: Everything is so dark and so negative. You can’t go on X or Facebook or whatever without somebody being vile, disgusting, rude, mean, and hateful. And I don’t know where that comes from in this country. Sometimes I combat it with humor, and sometimes I combat it with being mean in kind, because sometimes you’ve got to win the fight. But in this film, Pastor Dave’s character really goes after the goodness in everything. And I think that’s a pretty strong message that applies in life.  

DB: You already alluded to it that a big part of this movie is the pointed call to action for Christians to vote. Beyond that, is there anything about this film you hope audiences take away from having experienced this story? 

SB: Again, if people would just realize what’s happening in the country. I think we’re so insulated that our eyes are not really open to the decline in America. If this film can get somebody to open their eyes a little bit, it helps. I’m just looking to help. I’m looking to help my country and that’s it. 

DB: Thank you for taking time to share your heart about this film. 

SB: Thank you. It was a pleasure.