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For the Bible Tells Me So
First Run Features


9.2

based on 11 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 10 votes
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MPAA RATING: Not Rated

Starring Mary Lou Wallner, Richard Gephardt, and Desmond Tutu

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, For the Bible Tells Me So offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the cross-hairs of scripture and sexual identity. (First Run Pictures)

GENRE(S):	Documentary
WRITTEN BY:	Helen R. Mendoza Daniel G. Karslake
DIRECTED BY:	Daniel G. Karslake
RELEASE DATE:	Theatrical: October 5, 2007
RUNNING TIME:	95 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

TV Guide Ken Fox

Through the hard-won experiences of these families, Karslake shows that Scripture and homosexuality are not mutually exclusive, and with the help of a number of academics and theologians, shows how the Bible has been misread, particularly during the 20th century.

Portland Oregonian Marc Mohan

In this involving if slightly unfocused documentary, director Daniel Karslake takes a two-pronged approach in examining how religion has been interpreted -- some would say twisted -- into, at its worst, monomaniacal homophobia.

Salon.com Andrew O'Hehir

A powerful documentary.

The Onion (A.V. Club) Nathan Rabin

Bible doesn't take itself too seriously, and boasts a disarming undercurrent of gleeful prankishness.

San Francisco Chronicle David Wiegand

It works well as a film and a lesson about, as one open-minded preacher puts it, what the Bible "reads" about what it supposedly "says" about homosexuality.

Chicago Tribune Jessica Reaves

Doesn’t shy from heart-tugging opportunities, and there’s a five-minute cartoon embedded in the movie that should have been excised, but beyond those problems and some stylistic dead air, this is a compelling, thought-provoking portrait of a quiet challenge rising within America’s churches.

The New York Times Matt Zoller Seitz

There is no denying that the film, however inelegant, fills a need. The inevitable DVD should be packaged in a plain cardboard sleeve, so that viewers can carry it in their pockets and, if confronted by a homophobe, hand it over and say, “Watch this, then get back to me.”

Washington Post Stephen Hunter

A brisk, entertaining and even moving exploration of the sometimes frayed intersection where Christianity meets homosexuality.

Variety Justin Chang

Filmmaker Daniel Karslake lobs a grenade into the culture wars with his heartfelt, provocative and unabashedly polemical For the Bible Tells Me So.

Village Voice J. Hoberman

Daniel Karslake's movie is more human interest than agitprop.

Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

The film's argument against overly literal Bible readings may not preach to anyone but the converted, and when For the Bible Tells Me So strays from scripture, its ardent plea for sexual freedom within modern Christian life grows a bit too late-night PBS generic.

The average user rating for this movie is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jay H. gave it an8:
It certainly makes you think. Right wing Christians will not be amused, but no matter what your background, it makes some strong points that are hard to dispute, particularly when it comes to the bible. Well edited and excellent use of interviews.

Andrew D. gave it a10:
Devout Christians need not feel belittled watching this film. It takes their beliefs seriously but argues convincingly that most people have not thought this subject through exhaustively. Many people only consider the issue when a loved one comes out of the closet. The most painful journey is sometimes made by those whose struggle to understand comes in the wake of tragedy. The film is hard on those who have practiced spiritual violence, such as James Dobson (Focus On the Family) Jerry Fallwell. Religious people should realize that the Bible should not be used as a weapon of assault. Our words have power and if used irresponsibly, have the potential to lead to tragedy. The film expresses clearly the conviction that it is perfectly possible to be Christian and gay. This film is clear in its message but knows how to say things to win hearts and minds.

Mike O. gave it a10:
Very informative & an invaluable insight into the current culture wars.

James e gave it a7:
I found this movie interesting since i myself am religious. I am just not sure about how the parents reacted.

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For the Bible Tells Me So First Run Features

For the Bible Tells Me So
First Run Features