You’ve probably seen it while scrolling through streaming platforms. A movie poster with a bright, sunny aesthetic that looks like a standard courtroom drama, but something feels a bit different. That's A Matter of Faith. Honestly, faith-based films can be a mixed bag. Some are high-production masterpieces; others feel like they were shot in a church basement over a long weekend. But the A Matter of Faith cast actually brings some legitimate weight to a story that tackles the oldest argument in the book: evolution versus creationism.
It’s a 2014 film. People still search for it because the "science vs. religion" debate never really dies, does it? The story follows Rachel Whitaker, played by Jordan Tatro, as she heads off to college and has her worldview rocked by a charismatic professor.
The Core Players in the A Matter of Faith Cast
Jordan Tatro takes the lead as Rachel. For many viewers, she was a fresh face. She plays the role with a specific kind of wide-eyed sincerity that you need for a "coming of age in college" story. If she didn't sell the internal conflict, the whole movie would just fall apart into a series of lectures.
Then you have Harry Anderson.
Yes, that Harry Anderson. If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, he’s Judge Harry Stone from Night Court. Seeing him here as Professor Marcus Kaman is a trip. He plays the antagonist, basically. He’s the biology professor who challenges everything Rachel was taught at home. It’s a bit of meta-casting when you think about it. Anderson spent years playing a judge, and here he is, being judged by the protagonist’s father and the community.
Jay Pickett plays the father, Stephen Whitaker. Pickett was a veteran of the soap opera world—think General Hospital and Days of Our Lives. He brings that intense, protective "dad energy" to the screen. Sadly, Jay Pickett passed away in 2021, which adds a layer of nostalgia for fans revisiting the A Matter of Faith cast today. He was known for being a workhorse in the industry, and his performance here is the anchor of the film's emotional stakes.
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Supporting Roles and Familiar Faces
You might recognize Clarence Gilyard Jr. as Professor Portland. Gilyard is a legend in his own right. Walker, Texas Ranger? Top Gun? Die Hard? He’s been in everything. In this film, he provides a counterpoint to Anderson’s character.
Then there’s Chandler Canterbury, who plays the younger brother, and Barrett Carnahan. Carnahan has actually gone on to have a pretty solid career after this, appearing in shows like Cobra Kai and Cruel Summer. It’s always interesting to look back at these smaller films and see actors before they hit the mainstream "teen drama" circuit.
Why This Specific Cast Works (And Where It Struggles)
The chemistry between Pickett and Tatro is what makes the movie watchable for its target audience. It’s a father-daughter story at its heart. When Rachel starts questioning her upbringing, Pickett doesn't just play "angry dad"—he plays "scared dad." That's a nuance a lesser actor might have missed.
Honestly, the dialogue can be a bit heavy-handed.
The script is trying to win an argument. Because of that, the actors sometimes have to deliver lines that sound more like a debate transcript than a conversation between human beings. Harry Anderson handles this the best. He has a natural charisma that makes his "villainous" professor feel more like a real person who genuinely believes he’s helping his students.
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The Production Behind the Scenes
The film was directed by Rich Christiano. If you’re into Christian cinema, that name is a staple. He’s the guy behind Time Changer and The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry. He has a very specific style. It’s clean, it’s direct, and it’s unapologetically didactic.
The A Matter of Faith cast had to navigate a production that wasn't looking for "gritty realism." They were looking for a clear message. The filming took place largely in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Using a real college campus environment helped grounded the performances. It didn't feel like a soundstage, which helped the actors stay in the moment during the long classroom scenes.
Realism in Performance vs. Thematic Goals
One thing most people get wrong about this movie is thinking it's just about science. It’s actually about the influence of mentors.
When you watch Jordan Tatro’s performance, she isn't just debating biology. She’s navigating the social pressure of wanting to be liked by a popular professor. We've all been there. You're 18, you're away from home for the first time, and someone smart tells you that your parents are wrong. Tatro captures that specific vulnerability well.
The casting of Harry Anderson was a deliberate move to bring in a "secular" star to give the film more visibility. It worked. His presence drew in people who might have skipped a standard faith-based flick. He doesn't play Kaman as a mustache-twirling bad guy. He plays him as an intellectual who is incredibly confident—perhaps too confident.
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The Legacy of the Actors Involved
It’s worth noting the impact of these actors outside of this one film.
- Clarence Gilyard Jr.: His role as a scholar in the movie reflected his real life. He was a professor of film and theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He wasn't just acting the part; he lived it.
- Jay Pickett: He was a staple of independent Westerns and TV dramas. His passing was a big hit to the tight-knit community of actors who work on these types of mid-budget features.
- Harry Anderson: This was one of his final film roles before he passed in 2018. For fans of Night Court, it’s a unique piece of his filmography to look back on.
What to Take Away From the Film Today
If you’re looking into the A Matter of Faith cast because you’re planning a movie night, go in knowing it’s a message-first production. The acting is significantly better than what you find in the "bottom-tier" of this genre, largely thanks to the veterans like Pickett and Anderson.
Don't expect a fast-paced thriller. Expect a lot of talking.
The movie focuses heavily on the "Big Question" and how it affects family dynamics. Whether or not you agree with the film’s conclusion, the performances by the lead actors make the conflict feel personal rather than just theoretical.
Actionable Steps for Viewers and Researchers
If you want to explore more from this cast or similar themes, here’s what to do:
- Check out Jay Pickett’s Westerns: If you liked his grounded performance, look for Soda Springs. It shows his range beyond the "concerned father" trope.
- Compare with God’s Not Dead: This is the obvious comparison. While that film is more "high-octane" in its conflict, A Matter of Faith is a bit more focused on the domestic side of the debate.
- Look for Clarence Gilyard’s Interviews: Since he was an actual professor, his interviews about the intersection of faith and acting are genuinely insightful.
- Verify the Streaming Platform: As of 2026, rights for these films jump around. It’s frequently on Pure Flix or Amazon Prime, but check the "Live TV" sections as well, as faith-based networks often cycle it through their weekend blocks.
The A Matter of Faith cast succeeded in taking a script that could have been very dry and making it an emotional story about growing up and standing your ground. It remains a benchmark for how these types of films use recognizable TV veterans to anchor their stories.