Watch For the Bible Tells Me So

For the Bible Tells Me So, released in 2007, is a documentary that explores the complex relationship between Christianity and homosexuality. The film features several Christian families, including that of Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. Through their stories, the film examines the ways in which conservative Christian beliefs have been used to justify discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

The film begins by exploring the biblical passages that are often used to condemn homosexuality. Through interviews with biblical scholars and theologians, the film argues that these passages have been misinterpreted and taken out of context. The film goes on to examine the ways in which the Bible has been used to justify discrimination against other groups throughout history, including slaves and women.

The heart of the film lies in the personal stories of the families featured. Each family has a child who is gay, and each family has struggled to reconcile their love for their child with their religious beliefs. The film features interviews with the parents, as well as with the children themselves. Through their stories, we see the pain and confusion that many LGBTQ+ people face when they are told that their very nature is sinful.

One of the most moving stories in the film is that of the Robinson family. Gene Robinson is the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, and he is openly gay. The film chronicles his journey, from the initial shock of coming out to his family, to the intense media scrutiny that he faced when he was elected as bishop. Through it all, Gene and his family have remained steadfast in their belief that God loves all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Another family featured in the film is that of the Reitans. They are a conservative Christian family from Minnesota, and their son, Jake, is gay. The family struggles to reconcile their love for Jake with their belief that homosexuality is a sin. However, over the course of the film, we see the family begin to change their views. They attend a conference for Christian parents of LGBTQ+ children, where they meet other families going through the same struggles. Through these experiences, the family begins to see the harm that their beliefs have caused, and to question whether their interpretation of the Bible is accurate.

The film also features interviews with experts in the field of psychology and psychiatry. These experts explain the ways in which the stigma surrounding homosexuality can lead to mental health issues such as depression and suicide. They also discuss the harm that can be done by trying to change a person's sexual orientation through so-called "conversion therapy."

For the Bible Tells Me So is a powerful reminder that religion can be a source of love and acceptance, or a tool of discrimination and pain. The film challenges viewers to examine their own beliefs, and to question whether those beliefs are truly aligned with the message of love and compassion that lies at the heart of Christianity. Ultimately, the film argues that it is possible to be both Christian and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, and that love and acceptance are always the best paths forward.

For the Bible Tells Me So is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 73.