Saw "For the Bible Told Me So"

[BenL]

Our LGBT group at church met last night and watched "For the Bible Told Me So." I blubbered through the last half, I think. Most poignant scenes for me: The Reitans arrest while trying to deliver their letter; the mother telling about her lesbian daughter's suicide; Bishop Robinson's investiture by his parents; the African-American mother admitting that she's "not there" yet but that things have improved so much.

These were very real people, portrayed very sensitively. It is a liberating movie for anyone who has used religion to judge themselves as sinful or an abomination. I highly recommend it.

[kara speltz]

Originally Posted by BenL

Our LGBT group at church met last night and watched "For the Bible Told Me So." I blubbered through the last half, I think. Most poignant scenes for me: The Reitans arrest while trying to deliver their letter; the mother telling about her lesbian daughter's suicide; Bishop Robinson's investiture by his parents; the African-American mother admitting that she's "not there" yet but that things have improved so much.

These were very real people, portrayed very sensitively. It is a liberating movie for anyone who has used religion to judge themselves as sinful or an abomination. I highly recommend it.

I've now seen it 4 times, and I still cry through it. I bought the DVD - it was only $18, and I showed it to our LGBT group at my church. I think it is the most powerful, most persuasive film about LGBTs ever done. I will have the privelege of meeting the producer Daniel Karslake in Ft. Worth during the Soulforce celebration and I am looking forward to that.

Kara

[Vanessa White]

I am trying to figure out a way to engage my congregation, and my pastor, in direct dialogue/discussion about LGBT issues, and the impact the church has on our development of self. I was thinking of showing it to a group of willing participants as a way to begin the dialogue. I have not yet seen the film; just haven't had the $18 to purchase it; so I am wondering, would that be a good place to dialogue from, or should I use a text or a different film? Anyone have any suggestions on this? I mean, I feel pretty certain that our congregation and our pastor is fully aware that we are a family, my partner and our daughter; that is how we present ourselves every Sunday. However, i feel called to a higher task than that, to say the words, talk the talk, discuss it as a REAL, RELEVANT issue.

[BenL]

It would be an extremely relevant jumping-off place for a discussion in any congregation. The whole premise of the movie is that people's deeply held aversion to homosexuality is tied to biblical authority and that an examination of the scriptures shows that the Bible doesn't support that at all.

Rather than put forward a dry, academic, theological argument, the movie portrays the impact those beliefs have in the lives of very real people. It shows the hurt and sadness that such beliefs can cause and the beauty of reconicilation with loved ones. As Bishop Robinson says in the extra interviews, this is a quintessential family movie about the deepest family values there are.

After previewing it, our group is going to sponsor a public showing for the congregation with a chance for discussion afterwards.

[Vanessa White]

Great, thanks Ben. Good luck with that.....

[sailaway58]

We had a party viewing at our house. It was a great time for Cindy and I as we are churchless at the present time. Cindy prepared dinner and a friend brought the perfect wine. I am so hungry for fellowship. We left our church but hadn't had real fellowship there in a while. If I could meet in our home once a week with loving friends and have a group bible study I don't think I would ever go to church again. But I digress.
We loved the movie and only hope that we can share it with others. As was mentioned it could be shown to anyone and open the doors of communication.
Side note:
We went to MCC last week and I realized I didn't feel I was in a gay church but just in a church of believers with a desire to follow Christ. I don't see gay so much anymore, just people. It is a liberating time in my life.
I think that is what the movie is all about.

[Pablo Rafael]

I think For the Bible Tells Me So is the perfect place to start when discussing the issue of LGBT memebers in the church and in society.

It is captivating, personal and doesn't preach. It just tells the stories of real people who happen to be gay and who love the Lord. It is as much, if not more, about the families of gay children than about the LGBT individuals themselves.

I think even less affirming people would have a hard time trying to put down the personal stories of these families. I have two copies. And I never buy movies (that's what Netflix is for.) But this movie I bought and am passing it around.

[matthewspeed]

Everyone,
I viewed "For the Bible Tells Me So" last night for the first time. It was made extremely well. As Pablo said, not preachy, just factual and informational and inspirational. I was moved. Anyone who has not seen this documentary, needs to see it and share it with family and friends; especially those friends and family members that are against homosexuality or have not decided on which way to go on the subject. It is not "propogandic" (is this a real word?). It is non threatening.

I just had to add my 2 cents concerning this documentary. Just see it!

[Gennee]

I saw the movie months ago. The fact that it has every day people in it makes it all the compeling. It's not preachy nor does it have an agenda. The director just let the stories be told. This DVD is a great tool for churches that are struggling with LGBT issues.

The institutional church needs to realize that there are LGBT people in their congregations. They may not know it but there are. Jesus loves them and died on the cross for them. He never showed any partiality and neither should any church that calls themselves loving and accepting Christians.

Gennee

[pnggrad79]

My wife and I visited a church with a friend of ours two Sundays ago and then again today, and I filled out a visitor's card. One of the associate pastor's wives emailed me back and encouraged me to fill out the feedback section on the website, so I did. I wrote that I enjoyed the church service and would like to come back, but didn't know if my wife and I would be welcome since we are openly lesbian. I said that being a lesbian is a very small part of who I am, and want people to see me as a Christian first instead of lesbian. I said that I would like some conversation with the pastor before we decided anything.

Do ya'll think that showing him this video would be a good idea? I really like this church and fully understand Ben when he says he misses the fellowship... I really do, too....

[kara speltz]

Originally Posted by pnggrad79

My wife and I visited a church with a friend of ours two Sundays ago and then again today, and I filled out a visitor's card. One of the associate pastor's wives emailed me back and encouraged me to fill out the feedback section on the website, so I did. I wrote that I enjoyed the church service and would like to come back, but didn't know if my wife and I would be welcome since we are openly lesbian. I said that being a lesbian is a very small part of who I am, and want people to see me as a Christian first instead of lesbian. I said that I would like some conversation with the pastor before we decided anything.

Do ya'll think that showing him this video would be a good idea? I really like this church and fully understand Ben when he says he misses the fellowship... I really do, too....

Absolutely! What could you lose? Think about it for $20 (the cost of the DVD) you could have a profound effect on a number of people. Talk about a good investment. That's why I purchased the DVD. I live on a very small income, but it seemed to me it was something I absolutely had to have.

Kara

[hippie4lyfe]

i am in new york city and am dying to see this film! does anyone know where it is showing? it isnt in the small theaters anymore, i missed it.

[matthewspeed]

Kara is right. I, too, live on a limited income, but $20.00 is such a small price compared to how many lives may be affected by viewing the awesome dvd. I truely believe the dvd is God inspired.

[andrewlittle]

The showings of the film - at least those that are reported to the website - are listed at http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/screening.htm. Be aware, the list is upside down - you will need to scroll to the bottom for the most recent listings, but they are there.

I don't see anything in NYC, but you could come to Schenectady on Apr 16 or 17 to see it at Proctor's Theatre.

You could also check in with local LGBT groups - many are having small group showings. OR, you could arrange one yourself, and the website above gives you some help in that regard by including contact info.

[Vanessa White]

I finally did it: I ordered my copy of the movie on line yesterday. I am calling my pastor today about doing a showing for a group at our church, and then conducting discussion afterward.

I will keep you posted......

[hippie4lyfe]

thanks udog but i agree with kara for 20 bucks id rather get the dvd and spread the word