“When people ask questions about homosexuality, almost always they follow with, ‘and what does the Bible really say about it?’” (Reverend Dr. Laurence Keene, Disciples of Christ).  Frankly, I could not have asked the question better myself. 

Wedged between the life stories of these God fearing families, filmmaker Daniel Karslake sprinkles in typical traditional Biblical arguments, from Leviticus to Romans, regarding homosexuality in his film For The Bible Tells Me So. Historians, Pastors, Theologians, family members, and others (including some film-clips from old newsreels and televangelists) all give their interpretation of the Bible.  Though some of the clips seem very quaint in comparison to the fast paced and deluge of media offered these days, their inclusion, in addition to some comedic humor, is a reflection of how some people felt in times past all the way up to today.

The film introduces you to several families that have strong religious ties, and a family member that is a homosexual ,deals with the stories of coming out and details how individuals adjusted, or failed to adjust, to their new reality and how parents reacted.  The film largely focuses on the personal stories of some well-known, and not well known mothers and fathers of gays and lesbians.

Karslake was able to obtain some major interviews with well-known advocates and detractors in the fight for GLBTI rights and how it connects to religion in America.  Among them is the Reverend Mel White, former writer for the Reverend  Jerry Falwell and founder of the GLBTI  advocacy group Soulforce.  Also included is Jimmy Creech, the former United Methodist pastor who lost his clergy credentials in the late 1990s for conducting same-sex union ceremonies. South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Reverend Peter Gomes, the prominent preacher and Harvard Divinity School professor, also make a case for tolerance and acceptance.  Also included is former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt.  The film culminates with the outcome of the story of Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, who lived for years as a married man before embracing his homosexuality, coming out to his wife and leaving her for a male partner.  In 2003, he was consecrated as the first openly gay bishop of the Episcopal Church.

For six years, Karslake has been an award-winning producer for the highly acclaimed newsmagazine, “In the Life,” which airs nationally on PBS.  Recognition for his outstanding work for the show, which has centered primarily on issues regarding religion and homosexuality, includes an Emmy nomination from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.  Karslake is also founding partner of The Atticus Group, Inc., a New York-based production company dedicated to reinventing traditional art forms and promoting discussion across a wide range of contemporary issues.

Accolades for the film, For The Bible Tells Me So include:

2008 - GLAAD Media Awards
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s) Nominated GLAAD Media Award Documentary

2007 - Sundance Film Festival
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s) Nominated Grand Jury Prize Documentary

2007 - HBO Audience Award
Provincetown Film Festival

So, the question remains; What does it really mean?  Of course it really depends on your point of view, upbringing and own personal moral code.  I will avoid conveying my own personal spin on the subject, but I will say that regardless of your beliefs, For The Bible Tells Me So is an excellent film and documentary  that anyone who is questioning themselves, family or friends and can offer a possible answer to the question, does the bible really tell us that we are wrong?  I think that the filmmaker gave a compelling argument, but the decision is ultimately the viewers.

You Can Read More About This Film And See The Trailer At www.forthebibletellsmeso.org.

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