For the Bible Tells Me So

The interpretation—or misinterpretation—of biblical references to homosexuality, coupled with hostile attitudes among believers, are the subjects of Daniel Karslake's documentary, which argues that those who read the few passages in Scripture relating to homosexuality (including the famous story of Sodom) as unequivocally condemnatory have not only oversimplified matters but also fostered hatred and violence against gays and lesbians. The charge that the Bible categorizes homosexuality as an abomination is presented through distinctly unflattering radio and TV clips of protestors, preachers (such as Jimmy Swaggart), and commentators (including James Dobson), with counterarguments from Christian and Jewish religious figures who suggest that such a view fails to place particular passages in their historical and cultural context and therefore distorts the message. Most of the film, however, is devoted to the personal stories of families with gay children, including Missouri Democratic Congressman Richard Gephardt and his wife; a devout Lutheran couple who become unlikely activists; and a woman whose stern rebuke to her daughter led to a rift between them before the girl committed suicide. In addition, the documentary profiles Gene Robinson, the Episcopalian priest who overcame opposition to win confirmation as the denomination's first openly gay bishop. For the Bible Tells Me So not only suggests that it's intellectually untenable to claim that Scripture condemns homosexuality, but also that the emotional toll of such a view in real-life terms is needlessly devastating. Recommended. (F. Swietek)