About this video

• Video Title: For the Bible Tells Me So. 2007. Documental subtitulado al español.
• Channel: Críticas informales
• Speakers: Various individuals sharing personal stories and perspectives.
• Duration: 1:38:49

Overview

This documentary explores the intersection of religion, specifically Christianity, and homosexuality. It features personal testimonies from individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and their families, alongside discussions from religious figures and scholars. The video examines how biblical interpretations have influenced societal views and personal experiences, highlighting conflicts between religious doctrine and the lived realities of LGBTQ+ individuals. It also delves into the history of interpretations of biblical passages related to homosexuality and the ongoing debate within religious communities.

Key takeaways

• Personal Narratives: The film shares diverse personal stories of individuals struggling with their sexual orientation within religious contexts, detailing their journeys of self-discovery, conflict, and sometimes acceptance or rejection by their faith communities and families.
• Biblical Interpretation: The documentary critically analyzes biblical passages often used to condemn homosexuality, presenting alternative interpretations that emphasize historical context, cultural nuances, and the overarching theme of love and inclusion.
• Impact of Religious Teachings: It highlights the profound impact of religious teachings on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, illustrating how interpretations of scripture can lead to immense pain, guilt, or, conversely, to greater understanding and acceptance.
• Evolving Perspectives: The film showcases a shift in perspectives within some religious communities, demonstrating a growing movement towards embracing LGBTQ+ individuals and re-evaluating traditional doctrines.
• Advocacy and Activism: Several individuals and families are shown actively working to change the stance of religious institutions and promote a more inclusive understanding of faith and sexuality.

The biblical passages most frequently cited in discussions about homosexuality within the transcript are:

• Leviticus 18:22: "it's a sin for a man to be with a man which is why before the reformation perhaps the roman catholics are writing saying ordinary people shouldn't be reading the bible..." and "leviticus 18. you have to think when you read the bible"
• Leviticus 20:13: "This particular one is leviticus chapter 20 verse 13 it says if a man lies with the male as with a woman both of them have committed an abomination they shall be put to death their blood is upon them"
• Romans 1: "the one that's very clear is romans 1 the first chapter of the epistle to the romans in the first chapter of romans the apostle paul writes these words god gave them over to shameful lusts even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones in the same way the men also abandoned natural relationships with women and were inflamed with lust for one another"
• Genesis 19: "in genesis 19 god burned the cities of sodom and gomorrah because of homosexuality" and "the passage in genesis the 19th chapter that everybody even if they don't read the bible know about whether they're a part of a church or a temple they know about sodom and gomorrah"
• Exodus 35:2 and Exodus 21:7: These are mentioned in the context of discussing other Old Testament laws that are rarely followed today, used to question literal interpretations.

According to the video, interpretations of the Bible regarding homosexuality have evolved in several ways:

• Literal vs. Contextual Reading: Initially, many interpretations were strictly literal, taking verses at face value. However, there's a growing movement, supported by scholars, to read these passages within their historical, cultural, and linguistic context. This approach suggests that laws and statements in the Old Testament, for example, were specific to the time and culture they were written in and may not be directly applicable today.
• Focus on Ritual vs. Morality: The term "abomination" used in some passages is argued by some to refer to ritual impurity rather than innate immorality. For instance, eating pork was considered an abomination but not inherently immoral. Similarly, certain sexual acts might have been considered ritually impure or violations of cultural norms for procreation and nation-building at the time.
• Re-evaluation of "Natural": The concept of "natural" and "unnatural" used by Paul in Romans is presented as possibly referring to custom or convention rather than an inherent quality. What was considered customary in ancient Roman and Greek societies might differ from modern understandings of sexual orientation.
• Emphasis on Love and Inclusion: Many individuals and religious leaders featured in the video emphasize that the core message of the Bible, particularly Jesus' teachings, is about love, compassion, and inclusion. They argue that a literal or exclusionary interpretation contradicts this fundamental message.
• Shift in Denominational Stances: While some religious groups maintain a stance against homosexuality, others have become more accepting. The election of an openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church is presented as a significant example of this shift.
• Scientific Understanding: The video incorporates scientific perspectives that suggest sexual orientation is not a choice and cannot be changed, challenging the idea that it is a "sinful lifestyle" or a "disorder" that needs to be "repaired." This scientific understanding influences how some people re-interpret religious texts.

Individuals who are both religious and homosexual face a variety of significant personal consequences as depicted in the video:

• Internal Conflict and Shame: Many individuals experience intense internal conflict between their religious upbringing and their sexual orientation. This often leads to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-hatred, as they internalize condemnatory religious teachings.
• Fear of Rejection and Disownment: A pervasive fear is the rejection or disownment by their families, congregations, and religious communities. This fear can prevent them from coming out or lead to immense distress when they do.
• Mental Health Struggles: The conflict and societal/religious rejection can lead to serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and sadly, suicidal ideation and attempts, as highlighted by the story of Anna.
• Damaged Family Relationships: Coming out can strain or irrevocably damage relationships with parents and family members who struggle to reconcile their faith with their child's identity. This can manifest as avoidance, harsh words, or a complete break in communication.
• Attempts to Change: Some individuals are pressured into or voluntarily seek "reparative" or "conversion therapy" in attempts to change their sexual orientation, often at great emotional and psychological cost, and with little to no success in changing their inner desires.
• Living in Secrecy and Fear: Many are forced to live a double life, hiding their true selves from their religious communities and sometimes even their families to maintain their place within those structures. This can lead to a feeling of living in a "closet" which is described as a place of "death."
• Spiritual Crisis: The conflict can lead to a crisis of faith, where individuals question their beliefs, their God, and their place in the religious world. Some find a way to reconcile their faith with their identity, while others feel alienated from religion altogether.
• Social Stigma and Discrimination: Even within religious communities that attempt to be accepting, there can be subtle or overt stigma, leading to feelings of not belonging or being a lesser member of the community.
• Pressure to Suppress Identity: Some religious teachings suggest that while the inclination might be "blameless," acting on it is sinful. This can lead individuals to suppress their identity, which is described as having serious consequences.

The organization "Focus on the Family" and its leader, Dr. James Dobson, play a significant and controversial role in the debate presented in the video. Their influence is characterized by:

• Promoting a Traditional View: Dr. Dobson, despite lacking formal theological training, is portrayed as a prominent figure who claims to interpret God's will for American families. "Focus on the Family" consistently promotes a conservative, traditional view on sexuality, strongly condemning homosexuality.
• Spreading Fear and Misinformation: The organization is depicted as contributing to the fear and misunderstanding surrounding homosexuality by characterizing it as a "preventable disorder" and a threat to the "Christian foundation of this country." Dobson is cited as comparing gays to Nazis in their potential to destroy the American family.
• Advocating for "Reparative Therapy": "Focus on the Family" actively promotes programs like "Love Won Out" and "reparative therapy" (also referred to as conversion therapy). They claim these therapies can prevent or treat homosexuality, aiming to change a person's sexual orientation.
• Advising Parents to Seek Change, Not Acceptance: Dobson's advice to parents of LGBTQ+ children is to not accept their child's identity but to actively try to get them "changed." This stance is presented as harmful and devastating to children.
• Creating a Climate of Condemnation: The widespread reach of "Focus on the Family" through radio and publications is shown to have created a climate of condemnation that negatively impacts LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, leading to shame, guilt, and alienation from their faith and families.
• Being a Target of Activism: The organization's headquarters in Colorado Springs is shown as a focal point for activism by families who have been negatively impacted by their teachings, seeking to confront Dobson and advocate for change.

In essence, the video positions "Focus on the Family" and James Dobson as powerful voices that have historically reinforced anti-gay religious rhetoric, contributing significantly to the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within religious communities.