Review of For the Bible Tells Me So (2007) by Casey L — 11 Nov 2007

This documentary examines whether being gay really is a sin in the eyes of God, coming to the conclusion that biblical scripture and homosexuality can indeed be reconciled. Featuring respected religious leaders such as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Reverend Jimmy Creech, Harvardâ??s Peter Gomes, and Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenburg, the film reveals that typical Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is the result of significant misinterpretation of the Bible. It mentions that when people use the argument that the Bible â??saysâ?? homosexuality is wrong, the reality is that the Bible â??readsâ?? that way. Any passage in the Bible can be interpreted in completely different ways when taken out of context. In order to fully understand what the Bible â??saysâ??, one must take into consideration its historical context as well as what each passage means as a part of the whole.

Through the experiences of four conservative American families, including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson, we see how different Christians react when they find out their child is gay and the consequences that can result from rejection. Particularly inspiring is the story of Gene Robison, the first openly gay Bishop ever elected. He provides hope for the Church in a time when it seems to be spiraling deeper into hateful discrimination.

This film is refreshingly insightful, offering clarity to Christians having trouble making sense of the dilemma, hope to people who have experienced hardship and discrimination, and understanding to anyone who is not fully aware of issue at large. Our society has made substantial progress in the last thirty years in terms of accepting homosexuality, but it has a long way to go yet, and with the help of films like this, it appears as though we are well on our way.