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Back in August I received a message from a fellow atheist whom I highly respect. Some one who has at times been an impetus for why I continue blogging. And yes even at 50-years old there are people that inspire me or in my friends case, he makes me think. Here is what he posted:
My initial response prior to watching said video:I wouldn't have known about this documentary - currently available on Netflix - had it not been mentioned by VVVVV XXXXX, and I watched it a little while ago (after I watched the very campy "King Solomon's mines"). What "For the Bible Tells Me So" does is to provide some background about fundamentalist Christianity's marginalization of LGBT people, and shows both why it's wrong and what the real-life, personal effects are. In some of these cases, fundamentalist Christianity's methods destroy lives, and it others, it makes people reject it. But in BOTH areas, fundamentalist Christianity suffers a net loss in believership and support.
I'm glad I watched it.
A few of the key points:
Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal church is featured. James Dobson (Focus on the Family) is ridiculed by former supporters, including one one who's lesbian daughter committed suicide. (It took that event to change the mother's mind.) Dick Gephardt (remember him, from the 2004 presidential campaign?) is also prominently featured, along with his lesbian daughter, Chrissy. The Grahams (both of them) are shown, along with Swaggart, Falwell, and Robertson.....and Dubya.
And this caught me by surprise: XXXXX XXXXXs former boss at Fuller Theological Seminary, Richard Mouw, is featured in a segment, with a clip from a talk / sermon that he gave saying that he believed that the only way to look at homosexuality was through a Biblical literalist perspective.
(Oh, and BONUS! The animated PSA in the middle of the feature is narrated by Don LaFontaine! It's definitely a voice everyone will recognize.)
This isn't the kind of documentary that you'll sit down and be angry about. It's not about flinging feces everywhere. This is a well-developed, well-produced, and thoughtful film that will make you think. The theologians featured in this film, including Desmond Tutu, all make some very important theological points, especially about what "abomination" actually means. The stories are captivating, compelling, and meaningful. And, viewing it in the light that I tend to view these kinds of things in, it goes far deeper than just the fundie-Christian-vs-LGBT idea.
If you're LGBT, I recommend this film.
If you know someone who is LGBT, I recommend this film.
If you're an atheist, I recommend this film.
If you're a theist, I recommend this film.
IF YOU ARE A HUMAN, I recommend this film.
Funny you should point this out as it came up on my radar a few days ago. Was planning on watching it tomorrow as I am off. Will be interested in what Tutu has to say concerning "abomination." This may tie in nicely with what I have been working on the past few weeks. Transcribing (or maybe I should say translating) 25+ years of handwritten notes concerning the subject matter (all told 6 loose-leaf binders).So I began watching, trying to maintain an open mind and not allow the bile to rise.
Forgot all about Mouw, that is a blast from the past. I know I have stuff from him somewhere in my cluster of notes as I do with all that you mentioned. Dobson just makes my blood boil even to this day from crap he said way back when.
My biggest gripe with the fundies besides the obvious translational and interpretive differences (malakio and arsenokoite) is their total lack of consideration of social and cultural context. Something I have touched on briefly in other postings. I will be curious if they even broach that aspect.
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Thanks a lot Dave Foda I'm having flashbacks! Mel White was an early influence as was Gene Robinson.
I'm about half way through and I guess in some ways I am thankful I never had to deal with the whole coming out aspect, I just always accepted who I was and really didn't feel the need to tell anyone. I figured if people couldn't figure it out for themselves so be it. I still have never actually told my parents although I do assume after all this time they have figured it out.It is the "last chunk" that I will focus on in my next post. The video "For the Bible tells Me So" is still available on Netflix and I highly recommend it.
I find that I agree with both Holloway and Keene in regards to literalism. Although in my schooling in hermeneutics and interpretation we called it literal vs leteral; with leteralism equating to their concept of literal or as Holoway states, a "pronouncement;" the "letter of the law." Keene's idea of taking in context, language, culture and custom would be literal.
There ares some powerful words and actions of wisdom, "What I was embarrassed about was that I was thinking totally of how she was having sex and not about her as a person." Dick Gephard speaking of unconditional love. And Gene Robinson's parents trying to learn and understand.
But there is also tragedy which makes the work of Trevor Project so very important.
The standards clobber passages have been brought into play. And of course Sodom & Gomorrah's cultural and social implications are ignored by the leteralists. Although, Mouw, up to this point is playing it safe by focusing on the Paulianity of Romans 1 - he still gets it wrong. Baines and Caplan do a good job of discrediting the asshole,,,err Dobson. And Kudos to the Reitan's.
The last chunk is amazingly powerful and I am at a loss for words. My only "criticism," which would have made my flashback complete, they didn't include Rev. Jane Spahr (now retired), now that is going back a few years.
