"For the Bible Tells Me So" - or does it?

A couple nights ago I watched the documentary For the Bible Tells Me So. It was fantastic. It should be required viewing for any religious person, particularly for anyone that thinks they know what the Bible says about homosexuality. Actually, it should be required viewing for any nonreligious person, too, since it demonstrates that religious individuals, families, and groups can be supportive, accepting, and loving toward those that are homosexual.

The film focuses primarily on the experiences of a handful of deeply religious families with gay or lesbian family members. The families include that of Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop in New Hampshire whose ordination was highly controversial because of his homosexuality, and the family of Dick Gephardt, the former Congressman who ran for President in 2004, and whose daughter is a lesbian. Several other families are interviewed, as well. Each family has reacted differently to their situation. In a couple cases parents and other families have actually become staunch activists and LGBT supporters, even after previously holding very conservative views. In at least one case, parents remain strongly opposed to their child's homosexuality.

Several biblical scholars and clergymen are interviewed, too. These individuals discuss several biblical passages that are often used to condemn homosexuality, and demonstrate in each case that language, historical context, and culture need to be taken into consideration, and that current interpretations by religious conservatives and biblical literalists are inaccurate and ahistorical. They're not necessarily making the case that early Christians and Old Testament prophets were cool with homosexuality, but that the kind of often conclusions drawn from the Bible are simply not accurate.

A humorous but informative animated segment in the middle of the documentary was pretty neat. It covered some major scientific findings and dispelled several myths.

But the most powerful thing by far was listening to the experiences of these deeply religious families and how they were transformed.

Setting aside religious and scientific arguments about homosexuality, which are no doubt important, this is also a matter of the heart. I've been fortunate to know and befriend individuals, men and women, that happen to be homosexual. My heart tells me that these people are just as entitled as I am to expressing their love, exploring and enjoying their sexuality, and having a committed relationship, even in marriage. In a sense, the arguments for or against it fade away when you are faced with a real life person whose hopes and dreams you care about. Then it becomes a matter of compulsion, for you feel compelled to do all you can to fight for their rights and make this world a place where they are respected and understood.

Far from undermining the foundations of Western civilization, as some would have you believe, recognizing the right of LGBT individuals to love and marry would make our society stronger and more just.

For the Bible Tells Me So is a small step in the right direction, and shows that religion can and should be a force that takes us in the right direction.