Fish Out of Water

What does the Bible really say about homosexuality? Ky Dickens addresses that question in this documentary, which she made after coming out while an undergraduate at Vanderbilt—only to be met by ostracism, most of it religion-based. After asking ordinary folk, including members of the LGBT community, what they thought the Scriptures said on the subject and finding their responses were not only varied but usually unfounded, she approached pastors and theologians. Fish Out of Water interweaves these comments together with newspaper clippings, archival footage, and colorful animation to highlight contemporary political issues such as same-sex marriage. The discussion focuses on the seven biblical passages (four from the Torah and three from Pauline epistles) that are usually cited in relation to homosexuality: of the 11 clergy interviewees, only two—including gay-bashing Fred Phelps—argue that they express unequivocal condemnation. The remaining nine argue that if ambiguities in the original Greek, as well as historical context are taken into account, the texts are not at all decisive. Dickens' technically unsophisticated film may have begun as a personal odyssey, but the result has broader educational value, correcting presumptions concerning Jesus' views, while also encouraging a more factual-based conversation. DVD extras include interview outtakes, a director's statement, a resource guide, and a PDF file on the relevant Scripture. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)