Sunday, December 9, 2007

For the Bible Tells Me So

On Friday evening, I went to see "For the Bible Tells Me So" at its opening in Louisville. Village 8 Theater, in partnership with the fairness folks, should be complimented for showing this film. After the movie, one of KFA's Board members asked me for my opinion and I didn't feel I was ready to give it. It definitely was well made and the story that it tells is one that warrants the round of applause and tears it received. I've thought about this movie for a while now and I must say it is probably the best I'll see this year. For those of you that know me, you know I don't go to the movies very much, but I'm definitely glad I saw this and I'm hopeful to see resources become available to partner with other theaters, churches, and schools to get it shown in more rural areas. You know the Bible is misused all the time. A portion of my k-12 education was done in a private Christian school and I have great memories about my time there... however, I can still to this day look back on teachings we received that were indeed supplemental to the facts shown in this film. IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR THE BIBLE TO BE USED AS A WEAPON, BUT RATHER AS A GUIDE FOR LIVING A HEALTHY AND FAITH-FILLED LIFE. The movie is showing at Village 8 in Louisville until Thursday and I encourage any and everyone to attend it. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.village8.com/. Below are a few clips from folk's reviews about the film. I encourage you to post comments about what the film says to you.

~Jody

"Any movie that opens with the classic 1977 footage of singer- turned-gay-basher Anita Bryant getting creamed by a pie—then praying for its hurler's soul as fruit filling plops off her smug face—is okay in my book. This is an impressive, critical film that should be screened for everyone who's ever exploited the Bible to justify fear and prejudice. And who knows, it might even save a life. "
— GARY GOLDSTEIN, Reel.com

"Homosexuality is indeed labeled an “abomination” in the Bible. However, as Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer reminds us, the term also applied to various other activities deemed against the traditions or rituals of the times. “A few verses above and below it says you shouldn’t plant two different seeds in the same hole, you shouldn’t commingle your crops.” Also discouraged is the wearing of linen and wool together, and the eating of shrimp and rabbit. The list goes on."
- KJ DOUGHTON, Filmthreat.com

"Karslake quotes several scholars on this subject, but none speaks with the simple gravity or authority of Desmond Tutu — who equates homophobia with the injustice of apartheid and decries them both as "contrary to the heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." His remarks echo those of parents who can recall their kids singing Jesus Loves Me ("for the bible tells me so") years before they came out — and under fire."
- AMY BIANCOLLI, Houston Chronicle