'God's Not Dead 2' ad rejected for using the phrase 'judged by God'

A billboard for "God's Not Dead 2," which was supposed to be displayed at the GOP convention, was rejected by a company for including the phrase "judged by God."

The billboard company, Orange Barrel Media, reportedly rejected the ad promoting the film's DVD release because it was "too political and "way too incendiary."

"I'd rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God," reads the line that was supposed to have been in the ad. The whole banner, which featured a photo of actress Melissa Joan Hart, would have measured 32 feet by 60 feet.

Inside information claimed the company considered even the film's title as controversial, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

On the other hand, a billboard featuring a quote from former Pres. Ronald Reagan, which appeared to be anti-religion, was approved.

"We establish no religion in this country," the quote said. The ad was bought by the atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation.

"I'm perplexed. They dragged us along for weeks," said Steve Fedyski, the CEO of Pure Flix, which made the sign. "Now, right up against the convention date, they say we aren't approved, and they give us no logical rationale."

Pure Flix would have paid Orange Barrel $64,100 to put up the ad.

"My speculation is that someone, somewhere didn't want our message out," Fedyski said.

Orange Barrel explained that they and Pure Flix were not able to "move forward with the campaign," and that the decision was mutual.

Orange Barrel also reportedly cited problems with the ad's size and placement.

"We offered to work with them on placement at an alternate venue, but Pure Flix declined to engage in these discussions," Orange Barrel told CNN.

The movie is about a high school teacher who ended up discussing about Jesus in class. The discussion became too complex and led to a controversial court case.