For The Bible Tells Me So Movie Review

Do you, like me, get so tired of religious condemnation? The pictures on TV of Fred Phelps and his angry men carrying signs that read, “God Hates Fags” or “Adam and Eve, not Steve”? How about James Dobson’s endless tirades about family values and the homosexual threat to traditional marriage (and just about everything else)? Or, the incessant perpetuation of ignorance, destructive stereotypes, and faith-based fear? If you answered, “Yes,” to any of the above questions, then you must see the award-winning documentary For the Bible Tells Me So.

The film boldly, intelligently, humanely explores the tension and seeming chasm between homosexuality and Christianity. Spiritual leaders such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg, Reverend Irene Monroe, Reverend Dr. Mel White (co-founder of Soulforce, and Reverend Dr. Laurence Keene examine and refute the arguments, the misinterpretations of specific Biblical text that have been used to discriminate against gays and lesbians. Five featured families, including those of Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson (New Hampshire) and former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, share their experiences and insights in reconciling their faith with the fact and truth of having a gay child.

The most tragic story is that of Mary Lou Wallner. Raised in a fundamentalist church, Mary Lou was taught that homosexuality is a grave sin. When her daughter Anna came out to her, she refused to accept her lesbianism and wholly rejected her. Anna eventually committed suicide. The event left Mary Lou devastated and searching for answers, including what role her actions might have played in her daughter’s death. Her search led her to found T.E.A.C.H. Ministries, To Educate About the Consequences of Homophobia , whose mission is to eradicate spiritual violence and to advise churches to accept their GLBT members just as they are, just as God made them.

She should be a billboard for gay America. Cute, sporty, Christian, patriotic, girl next door, from a good family (not to mention a political empire), Chrissy is the perfect poster child. She puts Mary Cheney (nonactivist much?) to shame. Her chapter is quite uplifting, its message one of unconditional familial love and understanding. Chrissy eloquently details her coming out process, her fears about telling her parents and her then husband, the elation and knowing she felt upon meeting her partner Amy, the moment all her pieces came together for a full, integrated, happy, healthy self. Sigh.

My Rating: 5 stars.

Have a potluck and invite everyone you know to watch this vital film. Provide lots of tissues, chamomile tea, and time to process or even perhaps, pray.