(2/21/07) — “For the Bible Tells Me So,” shown at last month's Sundance Film Festival, gives another vantage point on a long-debated issue: Christianity and homosexuality.

 

Daniel Karslake's documentary tackles an issue on which everyone seems to have an opinion and the gray area is slim to none. The film focuses on the Christian faith's acceptance of and prejudice against homosexuality, and attempts to explore the “no man's land” in between.

 

Throughout the film, Karslake argues that for centuries the Bible has been misinterpreted and used to attack and persecute homosexuals. He also incorporates the stories of five families with gay members who share how being gay has impacted their religious experiences and lives.

 

To support, refute, and reflect on these personal experiences and the issue overall, Karslake employs the testimonials and opinions of religious scholars and members of the clergy.

 

One of those who shared his experiences in Karslake's film was Steven Kindle, a Disciples of Christ minister and the executive director of Clergy United for the Equality of Homosexuals.

 

“My on-screen time was limited to dealing with Leviticus. It was intertwined with comments from notable scholars and succeeded in showing how Leviticus has been grossly misapplied,” Kindle said.

 

“It's very clear that those who wish to condemn non-heterosexuals with these two passages [on homosexuality] are not willing to abide by other Levitical abominations, such as eating lobster or wearing hybrid clothes,” said Kindle. “When you pick and choose your abomination, your homophobia is showing.”

 

Kindle's involvement with “For the Bible Tells Me So” goes beyond his brief appearance speaking on the misapplication of Leviticus. While leading a seminar in almost four years ago, he took the first steps in birthing the project.

In March of 2003, Kindle was conducting a seminar on the Bible and homosexuality at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, Calif. "The emphasis of the seminar was to present an unapologetically pro-gay reading of the Bible,” Kindle said.

 

“Two people at the seminar were especially taken with the material and, because of their connection to the film industry, wondered if I would be interested in helping them turn the seminar into a feature film documentary,” he said.

 

Not long after the idea was pitched, Kindle found himself speaking before filmmakers in Hollywood.

 

“I acted as an early consultant to the producers, suggesting resources, potential subjects to interview, and made our video of the seminar available to them," he said.

 

“As the project caught on with true professionals, my involvement morphed into being a cheerleader. It was immensely satisfying to watch it grow from a simple idea into a Sundance Film Festival invitation.”

 

The film raised both eyebrows and applause at Sundance. While Kindle believes it may not change people's minds, he hopes it will educate those who are still forming an opinion.

 

“We do believe that it will have a great influence on the “movable middle,” that is, those people of goodwill who truly want to do the right thing and just need the information this film can provide,” Kindle said.

The five families who participated in the film "started from a typically naive understanding of the issues with attendant negative feelings, and given open conversation and serious inquiry, found their way into loving affirmation of their gay children,” he said.

 

Kindle was quick to note that those of the conservative viewpoint who see the film will not change their opinions, but they will be affected.

 

“We don't expect much change from the biblical literalists who confuse how the Bible reads with what it means,” Kindle said. “Most of them will stay away, but if they ever see the film, they will never be the same. Many of the stereotypes they are taught will no longer have the same hold on them.”

 

And as far as being proud of the film, "proud" doesn't quite cut it — "ecstatically pleased" and "thrilled" would best describe Kindle.

 

“Frankly, I was dumbfounded; it is a miracle of a film. Add to that the opportunity to share in a project with Bishops Gene Robinson and Desmond Tutu; Dr. Peter Gomes; Soulforce founder, Dr. Mel White; and our own Dr. Larry Keene, just to drop a few names most of us know.”

 

With the film's success, Kindle, along with Clergy United, hope to use it as a stepping-stone to continue spreading their message.

 

“We are currently in discussion with two nationally known organizations that will lead to presentations this spring and summer,” Kindle said. “However, we are just as pleased to be with congregations, large or small, for opportunities to get across the message of God's inclusive love.”