"For The Bible Tells Me So"

[kara speltz]

Yesterday afternoon, I went to see the documentary, "For the Bible Tells Me So." I've seen a whole lot of documentaries of this genre, and was prepared to have a ho-hum response to it, because honestly, I've not been real impressed with what I've seen until yesterday.

It is a 'MUST SEE." As soon as it comes out, it will be a "MUST HAVE" for my limited collection. The editing of this particular document is excellent and the film flows smoothly. I used to go with a woman who was a film editor and she was the one who pointed out just how important a film editor is to the success of any film. No matter how good a film is, if it's not edited well, it will lose its power and your interest.

I had seen a fair amount of the stories in other documentaries, but never so well done and it was never so emotional as this one was. I cried tears of joy, and pride and even a little sorrow. This is a film that will lift your spirits as it validates our wonderful beloved community. Don't miss it! Go early and often. Take your family and friends. This was a costly film to make, but it's worth every penny and then some. Kara

[u-dog]

Yesterday afternoon, I went to see the documentary, "For the Bible Tells Me So." I've seen a whole lot of documentaries of this genre, and was prepared to have a ho-hum response to it, because honestly, I've not been real impressed with what I've seen until yesterday.

It is a 'MUST SEE." As soon as it comes out, it will be a "MUST HAVE" for my limited collection. The editing of this particular document is excellent and the film flows smoothly. I used to go with a woman who was a film editor and she was the one who pointed out just how important a film editor is to the success of any film. No matter how good a film is, if it's not edited well, it will lose its power and your interest.

I had seen a fair amount of the stories in other documentaries, but never so well done and it was never so emotional as this one was. I cried tears of joy, and pride and even a little sorrow. This is a film that will lift your spirits as it validates our wonderful beloved community. Don't miss it! Go early and often. Take your family and friends. This was a costly film to make, but it's worth every penny and then some. Kara


Along these lines, Would everyone please Lie for me? Email the landmark theater in Indianapolis and tell them you live here and ask them to book this movie? Landmark theaters in other cities are showing it and I WANT TO SEE IT !!!!!

ALso, We saw "INLAWS AND OUTLAWS" this week at our 7SN event. IT is just WONDERFUL also. Here again the editing was spectacular. No narration and the interviewer and his/her questions were edited out... leaving the answers and the stories to tell the story and convey the message. It was masterfully done and very moving. Tim thought it was a tad too long but I think it just that he was hungry and wanted to go get something to eat. He is SUCH a straight guy! yikes ;)

[sailaway58]

Tim thought it was a tad too long but I think it just that he was hungry and wanted to go get something to eat. He is SUCH a straight guy! yikes ;)Well you know I have self diagnosed A.D.D.
My Mom thought the film was the highlight of the day, (which didn't make me feel that great about my singing)
What I have seen of, For The Bible Tells Me So, it is one i really want to see.

[Depdem]

IS that a movie in theatres? If it is, theres not an ounce of promotion for that movie nor is it on the Now SHowing, or soon to come sections of any of the cinemas here. :(

Any suggestions where one could get a copy of it?

[u-dog]

IS that a movie in theatres? If it is, theres not an ounce of promotion for that movie nor is it on the Now SHowing, or soon to come sections of any of the cinemas here. :(

Any suggestions where one could get a copy of it?

Its showing in Arts theaters mostly. Do you have a Landmark theater near you? (google "Landmark Theater" )

[Emproph]

Your “prepared to have a ho-hum response” is what sold me :D. I’ve heard raves about this recently and have been wondering what to make of the hoopla, as the trailer is a typical teaser:

ajBR0dq0XXk
Trailer for the film For The Bible Tells Me So, a provocative documentary that reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture. Through the experiences of five families, we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.
http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/


Also check out the screenings page for cities, theaters and dates:
http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/screening.htm

[antonyh]

It only comes out in Chicago on November 30! It really does look excellent.

[BrentRichards]

For those not in striking distance of a showing, Netflix has this listed now to save in your queue ... release date not yet specified.

[Gennee]

I agree, Kara :agree:. I saw it last week and really liked the way it was told. There was no agenda or pretense. It focus on real people from what we would call conservative fundamental homes. This film should be seen by civic groups, parents, students, and churches because LGBT issues are becoming more paramount in today's society.

Gennee.

:)

[tpdncr4christ]

This looks really interesting... I'm not into watching too many documentaries, but I would love to get my hands on a copy. Is it on DVD, or do I have to wait?

[kara speltz]

This looks really interesting... I'm not into watching too many documentaries, but I would love to get my hands on a copy. Is it on DVD, or do I have to wait?

I understand the DVD is coming out in January. I definately plan on getting it. Meanwhile check out the Landmark theatres in your area. We need as many people to view this movie in the theatres as possible. Kara

[kara speltz]

I just copied from our webpage, the schedule so far for, the movie. I'll paste it below:

Kansas City, MO Kansas City Gay & Lesbian Film Festival October 4 - 7
New York, NY Quad Cinema Opens October 5
Tacoma, WA Tacoma Film Festival October 6
Cleveland, OH Cleveland Cinematheque October 6 & 7
Tampa, FL Tampa Lesbian & Gay Film Festival October 10
Ft. Lauderdale, FL Cinema Paradiso October 10 - 14
Irvine, CA Edwards Westpark 8 Cinema Opens October 12
Springfield, MO Moxie Cinema October 12 - 14
Los Angeles, CA Landmark Nuart Theatre October 12 - 18
Palm Springs, CA Camelot Theatres October 12 - 18
San Diego, CA Landmark Ken Theatre October 12 - 18
San Francisco, CA Landmark Lumiere Theatre October 12 - 18
Berkeley, CA Landmark Shattuck Cinemas October 12 - 18
Minneapolis, MN Landmark Lagoon Cinema October 12 - 18
Philadelphia, PA Landmark Ritz at the Bourse October 12 - 18
Cambridge, MA Landmark Kendall Square Cinema October 12 - 18
Provincetown, MA New Art Cinema October 12 - 18
Lake Worth, FL Lake Worth Playhouse October 12 - 18
Portland, OR Portland Lesbian & Gay Film Festival October 12 - 21
Lansing, MI Michigan Equality October 13
Rochester, NY Imageout October 13
Detroit, MI Reel Pride Michigan October 14
Washington DC Reel Affirmations Film Festival October 14
Portland, OR Portland Lesbian & Gay Film Festival October 17
Rochester, NY Little Theatre October 19 - 25
Atlanta, GA Landmark Midtown Art Cinema October 19 - 25
Columbia, SC Nickelodeon Theatre October 19 - 25
New Orleans, LA Zeitgeist Theater October 19 - 25
Memphis, TN Indie Memphis October 19 - 25
St. Louis, MO Landmark Tivoli Theatre October 19 - 25
Austin, TX Landmark Dobie Theatre Opens October 19
Dallas, TX Landmark Inwood Opens October 19
Houston, TX Landmark Greenway Theatre Opens October 19
Denver, CO Starz Film Center October 19 - 25
Salt Lake City, UT Tower Theatre October 19 - 25
Athens, GA Athens Cine October 19 - 25
Santa Fe, NM The Screen October 19 - 28
Orlando, FL Enzian Theater October 20 - 21
Pasadena, CA All Saints Church October 21
Sheboygan, WI Paradigm Coffee House October 22
Juneau, AK Gold Town Nickelodeon October 25 - 28
Seattle, WA Landmark Varsity Theatre October 26 - November 1
Washington DC Landmark E Street Cinema October 26 - November 1
Indiana, PA ICC Film Festival October 28
Honolulu, HI
St. Clement's Episcopal Church November 1
Charlottesville, VA Virginia Film Festival November 2
Portland, OR Cinema 21 November 2 - 8
Hartford, CT Cinema City November 2 - 15
Geneva, NY
Hobart and William Smith Colleges November 5
Madison, WI Marcus Westgate 8 Opens November 9
Santa Barbara, CA OUTrageous Film Festival November 3
Wilmington, NC Cucalorus Film Festival November 7 - 10
Ithaca, NY Fall Creek Pictures Opens November 9
Williamsville, NY Eastern Hills Cinema Opens November 9
Tulsa, OK Circle Cinema November 11,13,15
Canton, NY St. Lawrence University / Hepburn Hall November 13 & 14
Columbus, OH Wexner Center for the Arts November 14
Santa Rosa, CA Rialto Cinemas Lakeside November 15
Oklahoma City, OK Church of the Open Arms November 16
New Haven, CT Criterion Cinemas November 16 - 29
Pleasantville, NY Jacob Burns Film Center November 18 & 20
Hudson, NY Time and Space Ltd November 24
Blacksburg, VA Lyric Theater November 29
South Portland, ME First Congregational Church-UCC November 30
Chicago, IL Music Box Theatre November 30 - December 6
Annapolis, MD Harbour 9 November 30 - December 13
Vancouver, BC
Pacific Cinematheque December 7 - 13
Winston-Salem, NC OUT at the Movies December 8

[tpdncr4christ]

I understand the DVD is coming out in January.

Maybe I'll ask for it for Christmas from the folks. Like that's gonna happen.

[tdogg]

This sounds like a great documentary and the timing is perfect! Unfortunately based on the movie schedule, looks like I'll have to wait for the DVD. I was hoping to watch it and see if it would be appropriate for certainly family members. Perhaps a Valentine gift?? :D:love: Very much looking forward to seeing this doc!

[Progo35]

I just read about this and am excited to see it. I'll have to see if it's playing in MA somewhere.

[Gregory_de_Bois]

But of course it won't be showing in the good ol' Gem State.:mad::(:'(

Oh, well.

[animejunkie]

Just saw this today, me and my two lesbian friends. I cried so much, it really was powerful. I loved it, and it really addressed everything I feel! It is a must see. I really would like to show it to my family without of course coming out of the closet.

[loug]

I saw it the other day, and boy was it amazing! It wasn't just the content, though; the editing/compositional elements were well put together, too.

Just out of curiousity: Who was the woman that got pied around the beginning? That was hilarious!

GPL

[BruceChris]

http://pageoneq.com/news/2007/Chrissy_and_Dick_Gephardt_appear_on_CNN_to_promote _new_film_For_The_Bible_Tell_1016.html

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[ladyinred]

Wow I got goosebumps watching the trailer, did anyone else have that reaction?

[cartierobert]

I went on my birthday to see it here in Atlanta. I laughed cried and enjoyed it emensely. I am on the email list to hear when it goes on sale.

I am planning to show it at my church either as part of a Bible Class I plan to begin or during our Rainbow fellowship. Several of us who have seen it at the church want to have a discussion group after we view it again.

[shadesofgray21]

I can't wait to see it! It's showing this Friday here in OKC, at Church of the Open Arms.

[Progo35]

I've been disapointed to find that this film isn't playing in any of the theatres that I frequent, either in Boston or around there. I guess I'll have to wait until it comes out on video.

[Jamie McDaniel]

For The Bible Tells Me So (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YHQNCI/?tag=soulforce-20) will come out on DVD on February 19, 2008.

[kara speltz]

For The Bible Tells Me So (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YHQNCI/?tag=soulforce-20) will come out on DVD on February 19, 2008.

Thanks Jamie; I just ordered it! kara

[Gennee]

Thanks for the word, Jamie. I will tell my friends.

Gennee

:)

[antonyh]

I just purchased it as well. It was in Chicago last week and I missed it. Darn!

[crm3]

It is absolutely phenomenal. if you haven't seen it you should definitely buy it. You won't be disappointed. it is so personal and heartbreaking and could be a really great teaching tool. I highly recommend it to everyone and can't wait to get my own copy!:D

[Vanessa White]

I wanted to let all of my friends here know about my update with this movie and our United Methodist congregation.

I have been dialoging with members of the worship committee in our church, on which I am a committee member. The subject has been, as a future topic for adult Sunday school, homosexuality and the church. Members have been extremely supportive, and interested in talking about this issue. I wanted to utilize the movie in some way for this discussion, and the head of the worship committee has set a date and time for others to be invited to view the film, it will be next Tuesday evening, June 24. I am nervous, and also excited that this is moving forward with such support.

One challenge that I anticipate, at least as a possibility, is that we are getting a new pastor in just a couple of weeks; our beloved pastor has been moved to a different charge/community. So, I have no idea what our new pastor's views will be, as our current pastor has been completely affirming and loving. However, the congregation I think will be a source of major support for us.

Please keep our family in your prayers as we go forward on this journey toward greater communication and understanding.........:love::pray:

[nmwolfboy]

Vanessa, that's wonderful! i will certainly add you & your family to my prayer list.

i finally got a copy of the movie a few weeks ago and have watched it several times. It's a great film. i still haven't been able to watch the footage of Bishop Gene's consecration without bursting into tears. :o

Pax, :dove:
scott

[tdogg]

Vanessa,

Let me know how next Tuesday goes. I'm very interested in hearing about the feedback you get from your fellow churchgoers and the audience in general. I'm really excited, my partner and I will be viewing the documentary locally, and Bishop Robinson will be speaking in person afterwards (or before, not really sure). I'll buy the DVD also but wanted to see it first in this type of an atmosphere. I'm really looking forward to it, will be July 1st.

Cheers, and praying for a positive viewing and discussion for you on the 24th! :pray::love:

[Vanessa White]

wolfboy and Tdogg: thank you so much for your support. I will keep you posted on how it goes. We are hoping that we have a group of about ten persons or so to watch the film. I don't know how energized I will be for much discussion afterward, because I find it so emotional and compelling. But, the humanness of that, and how the topic affects me, personally and emotionally, is very relevant. It is so interesting to observe in myself that I have come to this point: openly dialoguing with my church. I am kind of stunned by the whole thing, yet at the same time, feel very relaxed and natural about it. :love:

[Rev. Alana Kelley]

I wanted to let all of my friends here know about my update with this movie and our United Methodist congregation.

I have been dialoging with members of the worship committee in our church, on which I am a committee member. The subject has been, as a future topic for adult Sunday school, homosexuality and the church. Members have been extremely supportive, and interested in talking about this issue. I wanted to utilize the movie in some way for this discussion, and the head of the worship committee has set a date and time for others to be invited to view the film, it will be next Tuesday evening, June 24. I am nervous, and also excited that this is moving forward with such support.

One challenge that I anticipate, at least as a possibility, is that we are getting a new pastor in just a couple of weeks; our beloved pastor has been moved to a different charge/community. So, I have no idea what our new pastor's views will be, as our current pastor has been completely affirming and loving. However, the congregation I think will be a source of major support for us.

Please keep our family in your prayers as we go forward on this journey toward greater communication and understanding.........:love::pray:

Hi Vanessa,
I will pray for you- that your congregation viewing the movie is fruitful! It's a great movie. I'm a UCC pastor, saw it yesterday after my son found it for me in the library. I plan to show it at my church in the fall. I just pray that EVERYONE comes to see it!!
Blessings,
Aana

[EvangelicalSunblock]

Just out of curiousity: Who was the woman that got pied around the beginning? That was hilarious!

GPL

Anita Bryant. She used to be the Florida OJ sponsor until she went all nutty. I sent her an email after watching and sobbing through the documentary....I may have been drinking too much of the OJ if you catch my drift ;)

[Witch of Hope]

I have also seen the trailer, and I hope, the documentation is also shown in Germany and Europe. I would buy the documentation immediately or make a copy fromTV at DVD.

[Gregory_de_Bois]

My lesbian friend owns it, and I just watched it. Parts of it made me cry. The movie basically made me want to come out. It didn't help that the daily office reading for the next week was speaking about fear of men and fear of God, shouting from the mountain tops the awesome wonder of God (Inclusive Love included...), and other verses. I felt moved to just try and be a role model for LGBT youth in my community. Plus, I really, really, really, really want a boyfriend right now. Inordinately so....

[tdogg]

Finally saw For the Bible Tells Me So! It was so worth waiting for this venue, sharing the moment with so many others, laughing, crying, clapping, and occasionally, moved to silence. What an incredible experience.

Afterwards, the MC introduced several local spiritual and GLBT community leaders, as well as a few political figures. Then Bishop Robinson was introduced and gave a heartfelt speech. It didn't feel like a speech, more like a one-on-one conversation, what a time. After, there were questions and answers. What am amazing night. I will definitely be purchasing several copies of the DVD to pass around, and probably Bishop Robinson's book as well.

I highly recommend this documentary, and if you ever get a chance to hear the wonderful Bishop in person, it will be well worth your time (and money if it costs).

[Vanessa White]

Tdogg: I can understand how seeing it with a group would even make it more moving to watch. I watched it alone after I purchased it, and then watched it with some of our church friends. The experience was amazing; we watched it at one of our member's summer rental homes, they had some light snacks prepared, and you could hear a pin drop through the entire thing. Lots of tears and sniffles could be heard. Including mine. What happened next was not expected, really. Everyone spoke, everyone commented on their feelings, about the film, about homosexuality, about their personal knowledge of it, about concerns for the future of our congregation. It was amazing and beautiful. i don't know what we will do with it for the rest of our church, and we still don't know where our new Pastor stands with all of this, but it gave me such hope, that change can happen and we can create bonds and understanding with one another. It was a beautiful experience, and somehow I think it won't be the last for me to help facilitate change like this. I feel very blessed.....:love:

[kara speltz]

Venessa: Bless you for taking the lead in your church with this most amazing film. I really believe this film has the capacity to change peoples understandings. Kara

[livewithsoulandfreedom]

Wow I got goosebumps watching the trailer, did anyone else have that reaction?

Yes, me. That was one seriously creepy trailer.

[J.D.]

I missed the boat, clearly...what's the basic premise of the movie? :)

[tdogg]

I missed the boat, clearly...what's the basic premise of the movie? :)

you can look up the documentary title, and get to the web site including trailer. There is also information on the Soulforce home page, and I believe HRC has information as well.

It's an excellent documentary, showcasing the lives of several families and how they deal with religious oppression and GLBT loved ones. It is a definite must see, and well worth the price of the DVD (well worth the price of several DVDs, you can pass them along to family/friends).

[J.D.]

Thanks, T-dogg. 'Preciate it.

[Rick336]

The documentary was one of the best I've seen. I rented it at Blockbuster, but I'm going to buy a copy.


Rick

[Vanessa White]

My copy of it, which was the best twenty bucks I have ever spent, seriously, has already been watched by a dozen or so of our church members, and has since been passed on to three additional persons interested in watching it. I hope at some point to have some extra cash to buy a few extra copies to just give out to people. It is a very powerful way to send a message, and to create dialogue. And, now with all that is going on at some of the conferences in the UMC, regarding marriage and sexual orientation, AND an openly gay bishop candidate this week, it is the right time for dialogue, beginning with my congregation......:pray:

[tdogg]

How have your fellow church members taken to seeing the video Vanessa? Just curious. :)

I'm considering purchasing extra copies to send out to a couple family members. My assumption will be that they toss it in the trash. But I guess one should try (and never assume)???

[Vanessa White]

The response, of the 12 or so so far that have seen it, has been overwhelmingly positive. We all watched it together, and many people cried. Everyone participated in the discussion when it was over, that we had together, and the idea for what to do next was mixed; some persons there want to take it to the entire congregation; some would rather just leave it at this....... one of my fellow congregation members has lent the movie to a friend, and that friend now is going to have a friend watch it. AND, at the viewing of the movie, one of the men from our congregation came out there, and now he is here as well.....WAY COOL!!!! :love:

It is very encouraging and hopeful, and I plan on going forward as much as I am allowed with it.

[Matt Algren]

The response, of the 12 or so so far that have seen it, has been overwhelmingly positive. We all watched it together, and many people cried. Everyone participated in the discussion when it was over, that we had together, and the idea for what to do next was mixed; some persons there want to take it to the entire congregation; some would rather just leave it at this....... one of my fellow congregation members has lent the movie to a friend, and that friend now is going to have a friend watch it. AND, at the viewing of the movie, one of the men from our congregation came out there, and now he is here as well.....WAY COOL!!!! :love:

It is very encouraging and hopeful, and I plan on going forward as much as I am allowed with it.The bolded part is a big wow.

Of the people who've seen it, have they tended to be people who were already somewhat sympathetic, or have some of the more staunch abomination people seen it as well?

I've been trying to figure out how to get my congregation moving. Maybe this would be a good starting point.

[Rick336]

It is very encouraging and hopeful, and I plan on going forward as much as I am allowed with it.

Even though I'm not a follower of scripture, I do believe that this movie is a powerful documentary and is moving people towards more love and understanding of LGBT people. I admire your courage in getting many others to see it. :tup:


Rick

[tdogg]

The response, of the 12 or so so far that have seen it, has been overwhelmingly positive. We all watched it together, and many people cried. Everyone participated in the discussion when it was over, that we had together, and the idea for what to do next was mixed; some persons there want to take it to the entire congregation; some would rather just leave it at this....... one of my fellow congregation members has lent the movie to a friend, and that friend now is going to have a friend watch it. AND, at the viewing of the movie, one of the men from our congregation came out there, and now he is here as well.....WAY COOL!!!! :love:

It is very encouraging and hopeful, and I plan on going forward as much as I am allowed with it.

Awesome Vanessa! Wow, sounds like not only some very positive reactions (and still a little fear but we all know it's a process!). But to have someone come out, not only so worth doing this, but knowing that someone trusts you (and others) with this, to come out, that's really great.

This is definitely one powerfully moving film.

[Vanessa White]

Rick: Thanks for your encouraging words; I have to say, that means a lot coming from you, who has done so much already in his life in terms of activism. I consider that to be a great compliment.

Matt: I had mostly people that had voluntarily come to see it, and most stated after the movie that they knew someone, had some experience with a person in their lives being gay. No one that I know of was there that had very negative thoughts/feelings toward gays and lesbians. Although, one of the persons there who was most supportive of showing the movie, stated very openly that she had been the polar opposite in terms of no understanding several years ago, and believed that homosexuality was wrong and against God and believed that was stated so in the Bible. I think her "testimony", if you will, of her own transformation helped others to openly discuss the movie and their own thoughts.

Tdogg: I am so psyched about how this is going forward! It certainly was not what I would have seen for myself in terms of activism, but it seems to be going that way...............:love:

[livewithsoulandfreedom]

hi,
just wanted to congratulate you in sharing the movie with your church. It made me really happy to hear all the positive reactions you got (especially the ex-fundamentlist's story). I salute you for being so brave as to bring this up in your church as it can hardly be an easy topic. There must have been a few awkward moments (correct me if I'm wrong) and so I really really have a lot of admiration for you and what you are doing.

cheers,
Chris

[Witch of Hope]

I saw the whole documentary at google video, and it makes me angry. This documentary is so important like Fahrenheit 9/11 or the documentary about the asassination of Martin Luther King what I saw on German TV.

[Gennee]

I saw the whole documentary at google video, and it makes me angry. This documentary is so important like Fahrenheit 9/11 or the documentary about the asassination of Martin Luther King what I saw on German TV.

Why did the movie make you angry?

Gennee

:confused: