For the Bible Tells Me So (2007)

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.

Director:

Daniel G. Karslake (as Daniel Karslake)

Writers:

Daniel G. Karslake, Helen R. Mendoza

Stars:

Imogene Robinson, Victor Robinson, Gene Robinson

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Imogene Robinson	...	Self - Parent
Victor Robinson	...	Self - Parent
Gene Robinson	...	Self - Homosexual Activist (as V. Gene Robinson)
Isabella 'Boo' McDaniel	...	Self - Gene's Wife
Brenda Poteat	...	Self - Parent
David Poteat	...	Self - Parent
Tonia Poteat	...	Self - Homosexual Activist
Randi Reitan	...	Self - Parent
Phil Reitan	...	Self - Parent
Jake Reitan	...	Self - Homosexual Activist
Britta Reitan	...	Self - Jake's Sister
Jane Gephardt	...	Self - Parent
Richard Gephardt	...	Self - Parent
Chrissy Gephardt	...	Self - Homosexual Activist
Mary Lou Wallner	...	Self - Mother

Storyline

We meet five Christian families, each with a gay or lesbian child. Parents talk about their marriages and church-going, their children's childhood and coming out, their reactions, and changes over time. The stories told by these nine parents and four adult children alternate with talking heads - Protestant and Jewish theologians - and with film clips of fundamentalist preachers and pundits and news clips of people in the street. They discuss scripture and biblical scholarship. A thesis of the film is that much of Christianity's homophobia represents a misreading of scripture, a denial of science, and an embrace of quack psychology. The families call for love.

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Plot Keywords:

gay | theologian | protestant | homophobia | christian | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Romance

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Quotes

David Poteat: I had good kids. We had one of each sex. When my kids were growing up I said "God, please don't let my son grow up to be a faggot and my daughter, a slut." And he did not. He did not do that. He reversed it.
[chuckles]

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Connections

Features CBS Reports: The Homosexuals (1967)

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Soundtracks

If It's a Sin
Written by George Hoven, Chester R. Shull
Performed by Dorsey Burnette
Published by Screen Gems - EMI Music Inc. (BMI)
Courtesy of Dominion Entertainement, Inc.

User Reviews

Time well spent

My husband and I saw this movie at the urging of our priest who strongly recommended it as a must see film for everyone. Our church is one of the few Catholic churches in our area that fully supports the GLBT community and is trying to change church doctrine. We were both glad we went. The filmmakers point out how the misuse of the Bible by Judeo-Christian leaders has created not only an environment that leads to shaming but also condones "sanctified violence" projected toward gays and lesbians. The film also addresses the real reasons why people are afraid to admit homosexuality is real and normal. I was so moved by this film I feel if everyone was at least willing to see it then it would open a dialog desperately needed in our country.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 October 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jer mi tako Biblija kaže

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,412, 7 October 2007

Gross USA:

$312,751

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$312,751

Company Credits

Production Co:

Atticus Group, VisionQuest Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color