For the Bible Tells Me So (2007)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Director:

Daniel G. Karslake

Writers:

Daniel G. Karslake (writer)
Helen R. Mendoza (co-writer)

Release Date:

5 October 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

An exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how the religious right has used its interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community.

Plot Keywords:

Religion | Lesbian | Coming Out | Marriage | Bible

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Imogene Robinson	...	Herself
Victor Robinson	...	Himself
Gene Robinson	...	Himself (as V. Gene Robinson)
Isabella 'Boo' McDaniel	...	Herself
Brenda Poteat	...	Herself
David Poteat	...	Himself
Tonia Poteat	...	Herself
Randi Reitan	...	Herself
Phil Reitan	...	Himself
Jake Reitan	...	Himself
Britta Reitan	...	Herself
Jane Gephardt	...	Herself
Richard Gephardt	...	Himself
Chrissy Gephardt	...	Herself
Mary Lou Wallner	...	Herself

Runtime:

USA:95 min (Sundance Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:Unrated

Company:

Atticus Group

Trivia:

The Gay man and Lesbian in the cartoon sequence are named George and Martha, after the squabbling straight couple in Gay playwright Edward Albee's classic "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (who are, in turn, named after the first President and First Lady of the United States).

Movie Connections:

Features Sodom and Gomorrah (1962)

Soundtrack:

Pax Deorum

So, you think you know the Bible?

I found nothing new scientifically in this film, but that is because i love reading about science and new all the facts that were expressed.

Even though I believed I knew the Bible, I was surprised to find out that I hadn't a clue to the passages often quoted by Christian fundamentalists in their hatred of homosexuals. It turns out that they don't have a clue either.

Those passages they quote are taken out of the cultural context of the period and just knowing that there is no Aramaic, Hebrew, or Ancient Greek word for homosexual should tell you that is not what they were talking about.

As interesting as all that was, it is not the most interesting part of the film. The impact that this hatred has on the individuals involved - whether they be gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered - and the impact on their families is what is most important in the film. The fact that some families, like the Gephardt's, can continue to love their children is a testament to their strength. The fact that other families can learn to accept their children once they learn the truth is hopeful. The fact that some families become activists for their children, even after they have committed suicide, is amazing.

The truth is there for those who want to take the time to see it. But, more importantly, the examples of families who have struggled with children of different sexual orientations is inspiring and shows that we do have some hope in the crazy world.